You may know of Michael Moore from his movie "Roger and Me" (where he described how GM devastated Flint's economy) or from his television documentary series "TV Nation" which featured Crackers the Chicken. This book follows in the same irreverent vein.
The chapter headings give an idea of Moore's approach: "Don't Vote--It Only Encourages Them, Balance the Budget? Balance My Checkbook!, Skip the Candidates--Vote for the Lobbyists!" But behind the provocative headings is serious thought on a wide range of topics. Moore gives a spirited defense of Hillary Clinton (under the title "My Forbidden Love for Hillary"). "O.J. is innocent" Moore declares, and devotes a chapter to a rational discussion of this emotional case. But for me the best question is the one he poses toward the end of the book: Why Doesn't GM Sell Crack? We all know private corporations are in business to make profits. And crack, after all, is probably the most profitable commodity around. But GM doesn't sell crack. Why not? Because it's illegal. Why is it illegal? Because we, as a society, have decided it is wrong to sell it. Moore makes the logical connection that if it's wrong for a private corporation to sell crack (a substance that ruins people's lives), then it should be equally wrong for a profitable corporation to lay off workers (which also ruins people's lives).
The SWE members at our latest book club meeting all enjoyed the book, though not every one agreed with all his points. It is a very readable, thoughtful book. Highly recommended!