The Hard Times Swindle and the Unlikely Comeback of the Right

Pity the Billionaire: The Hard-Times Swindle and the Unlikely Comeback of the Right

by Thomas Frank

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	819 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	242 pages

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In 2016, Donald Trump was elected President of the United States. His victory was a shock to many, as he had been trailing in the polls for much of the campaign. But Trump's victory was not an isolated event. It was part of a larger trend of right-wing populism that has been sweeping the globe in recent years.

The rise of the right has been fueled by a number of factors, including economic inequality, political polarization, and a loss of faith in traditional institutions. These factors have created a fertile ground for populist leaders who promise to restore order and prosperity to their countries.

Trump is a classic example of a populist leader. He has used his outsider status and his mastery of social media to connect with voters who feel left behind by the global economy. He has promised to bring back jobs, build a wall on the southern border, and repeal Obamacare.

Trump's victory has emboldened other right-wing leaders around the world. In France, Marine Le Pen has made gains in the polls. In Austria, Norbert Hofer came close to winning the presidency. And in the United Kingdom, Nigel Farage led the campaign to leave the European Union.

The rise of the right is a serious threat to democracy. Populist leaders often use fear and scapegoating to gain power. They undermine institutions and norms that are essential for a healthy democracy. And they often erode civil liberties.

The Hard Times Swindle is a novel by David Goodhart that explores the rise of the right. The novel tells the story of a group of working-class people who are struggling to make ends meet. They are angry at the government and the elites who they believe have betrayed them. And they are drawn to a charismatic populist leader who promises to change the system.

The Hard Times Swindle is a powerful and timely novel. It offers a unique insight into the forces that are driving the rise of the right. And it is a warning about the dangers of populism.

Economic Inequality

Economic inequality is one of the key factors that has contributed to the rise of the right. In many countries, the gap between the rich and the poor has been growing wider in recent years. This has led to widespread anger and resentment among working-class people, who feel that the system is rigged against them.

There are a number of factors that have contributed to the rise in economic inequality. One factor is the globalization of the economy. This has led to a decline in manufacturing jobs in developed countries, which has hurt working-class workers. Another factor is the rise of the service economy, which has created a demand for low-wage workers. Finally, the tax policies of many countries have favored the wealthy, which has further widened the gap between the rich and the poor.

The rise in economic inequality has had a number of negative consequences. It has led to a decline in social mobility, as it has become more difficult for people to move up the economic ladder. It has also led to an increase in poverty and homelessness. And it has contributed to the rise of political polarization, as people who are struggling economically are more likely to support populist leaders who promise to change the system.

Political Polarization

Political polarization is another key factor that has contributed to the rise of the right. In many countries, the political landscape has become increasingly polarized in recent years. This has made it more difficult for people to find common ground and compromise. And it has created a climate of fear and suspicion, in which people are more likely to demonize those who disagree with them.

There are a number of factors that have contributed to the rise in political polarization. One factor is the decline of traditional media, which has led to a fragmentation of the news landscape. This has made it easier for people to find news sources that confirm their existing beliefs, and it has made it more difficult for them to be exposed to different perspectives.

Another factor that has contributed to the rise in political polarization is the rise of social media. Social media has made it easier for people to connect with others who share their views, and it has also made it easier for them to spread misinformation and propaganda.

The rise in political polarization has had a number of negative consequences. It has made it more difficult for governments to pass legislation, as it is more difficult to find common ground between different political parties. It has also led to an increase in political violence, as people are more likely to resort to violence when they feel that their views are not being heard.

Loss of Faith in Traditional Institutions

A third factor that has contributed to the rise of the right is a loss of faith in traditional institutions. In many countries, people have lost faith in their governments, their media, and their other institutions. This has led to a sense of disillusionment and cynicism, which has made people more likely to support populist leaders who promise to change the system.

There are a number of factors that have contributed to the loss of faith in traditional institutions. One factor is the perceived failure of these institutions to address the problems facing people. For example, many people believe that their governments have not done enough to address economic inequality, political polarization, and other problems facing society.

Another factor that has contributed to the loss of faith in traditional institutions is the rise of social media. Social media has made it easier for people to share their criticisms of institutions, and it has also made it easier for people to spread misinformation and propaganda about these institutions.

The loss of faith in traditional institutions has had a number of negative consequences. It has led to a decline in social trust, as people are less likely to trust each other

Pity the Billionaire: The Hard-Times Swindle and the Unlikely Comeback of the Right

by Thomas Frank

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	819 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	242 pages

FREE