Demosclerosis:: The Silent Killer of American Government

by Jonathan Rauch

Book Overview

It is no secret that Americans are dissatisfied with government. But while the frustration and anger are real, the way we tend to view the problem is all wrong. Rauch reveals the real problems with government, and offers a bracing tonic for unclogging the public arteries. From the Trade Paperback edition.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0812922573
• ISBN13: 9780812922578
• Release Date: April 1994
• Publisher: Crown Publishing Group (NY)
• Length: 260 Pages
• Weight: 1.26 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.4" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

I have seen the enemy and it is us!

This book is an insightful analysis of what is ailing our political culture. Our own tendency to want a voice in government has led to an explosion of lobbying and advocacy groups in Washington that is literally putting our society in gridlock. That the author neglects to blame the American public and chooses instead to blame lobby groups is the book's only failing, though this is hardly surprising as we as a society have always been loathe to blame ourselves, we instead blame our politicans and the lobby groups. Rauch's book details the explosive growth of lobbying organization and their impact on politics and policy. His writing style is sure to entertain the reader and his conclusions are not altogther negative; he points out that a society as wealthy as our own has always found ways to adapt to this gridlock and can probbaly afford it more than we think. But for those of you who are tired of interest group politics in America, this book is for you! Those of you who think your group is somehow better or more noble than anyone else's group, that you are somehow representing the public interest, should be especially interested in this book! Your delusions will be shattered! Excellent and entertaining book!

A terrific examination of special-interest politics

This is perhaps the best single book of the decade on how special-interest politics has undermined the functioning -- and moral stature -- of government. Now almost five years since the book first came out, it's probably time for a revised edition. Anyone who wants to understand the root causes of our moral and political funk, even in good economic times, should read this book.