Jim Hightower

Need some inspiration, especially politically? Or wondering if anything ever changes? Come down to Elliott Bay tonight to swap stories with progressive populist writer/activist Jim Hightower. His new book, Swim Against the Current: Even a Dead Fish Can Go with the Flow (Wiley), tells the stories of activists ... (more)who are making a difference: an 89-year-old whose walk across America kept the issue of clean elections in the public eye, a real estate developer focusing on housing for working class families, a health care organizer whose new health care system revitalized a rural community.

"We all need some inspiration from time to time to remind us of what we’re fighting for, not just against. Hightower and DeMarco provide it in these pages ..." (DailyKos.com)

The stories of Swim Against the Current are gathered from Hightower and DeMarco’s travels all over the country, watching, ... (more)supporting, or joining various efforts to make positive political and social change. They found literally hundreds of these stories, and a whole book could have been written of Austin stories alone.

They give us an entertaining and insightful look at making a living while staying true to one's values, as well as an irreverent and uplifting look at how individuals and companies can be both successful and socially responsible. Disproving the notion that a business must operate solely to improve its bottom line, they share inspirational stories from a variety of industries including international banking, real estate development, medical services, and environmentally safe, sustainable farming. Hightower and DeMarco include portraits of progressive community organizations, activists and individuals-such as the Granny Peace Brigade, the Rev. Rich Cizik, Granny D, and pharmacist Chris Johnson from Austin -who have bucked the system, made a difference and realized richer, happier lives.

Susan DeMarco is a writer, former radio talk-show host, public-interest activist, and longtime Hightower partner-in-crime.

Our favorite Texan populist Hightower returns for a WMNF benefit talk, followed by booksigning. His newest challenge to the power elite is called Swim Against the Current: Even a Dead Fish Can Go with the Flow. The book is full of uplifting stories of mavericks who've broken free of business-as-usual ... (more)politics and top-down elites to figure out new ways to do commerce and empower grassroots Americans.

Please note: This ticketed event takes place at the Bagdad Theater. Tickets, $25.95, include admission and a copy of Swim against the Current, and are available at the Bagdad Theater box office, the Crystal Ballroom box office, Ticketmaster.com, and all Ticketmaster outlets.

Jim Hightower, the ... (more)New York Times-bestselling author and America's funniest activist, gives the lowdown on how to put up — not shut up — in the fight for the country’s future. In Swim against the Current: Even a Dead Fish Can Go with the Flow (John Wiley & Sons), Hightower introduces readers to people from across the country who are taking charge, living their values, doing good, and doing well. Books will be distributed at the event. This event is co-presented by KBOO.

"Urging us to "Seize Control," "Buck the System," and "Make a Difference," populist and humorist Jim Hightower, with his partner Susan DeMarco, presents a roster of mavericks who have fought the system. They live their values and are creating grassroots alternatives in politics, business, health care, ... (more)and other fields." (booksite.com)

"Jim Hightower talks about Swim Against the Current: Even a Dead Fish Can Go with the Flow. America’s most irascible curmudgeon turns a benevolent eye toward the hardworking souls who have found ways to break free from corporate tentacles and redefine success in business, politics, and life ... (more)in general. Hightower is a national radio commentator and the author of Thieves in High Places."

Syndicated columnist Jim Hightower discusses and signs his book. (The Book World, Washington Post)