I’ll be Short, Essentials for a Decent Working Society by Robert Reich (pp 121). In this surprisingly easy to read book(let), Reich tackles what he describes as the “Social Contract” (an invisible but very real commitment we all have to each others’ welfare), Corporate Citizenship (a responsibility beyond maximizing profit), adequate compensation for labor, access to good education, and pervasive sexism. In effect, Reich has written the framework for countless readers’ personal memoirs: just add your own name, personal details, and life outcomes. By interweaving your own stories into the societal sketch he provides, you can see how your own fortunes have benefitted or been thwarted by forces outside your own control. Most of my friends will see how they flourished, in part because of systems stacked in their favor, but should also see how others have not been so lucky. Whether a reader accepts or disbelieves Reich’s worldview may indicate whether they see the righteousness of unfettered competition (at the expense of the unworthy poor) or the need for society to ensure the welfare of all its citizens.

In short, I loved this book. ( )

I have a huge WONK crush on Reich! ( )