Democracy Unbound: Progressive Challenges to the Two Party System - Hardcover

Reynolds, David

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0896085643 ISBN 13: 9780896085640

Publisher: South End Press, 1999

Synopsis

Something exciting is happening in U.S. politics, though you probably have not seen it discussed on the nightly news. Democracy Unbound tells the inspiring story of how progressives across the country are building grassroots alternatives to Republican and Democratic party politics. The first half of 1996 alone saw hundreds of independent and progressive activists elected to local school boards, planning commissions, city councils, and county boards -- as well as an independent socialist re-elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. These activists are rebuilding the democratic ideal in which grassroots organizing drives party policies, candidates stand for substance, and citizens directly shape politics for the common good.

Looking beyond the Democrats, Republicans, and billionaire Ross Perot's Reform Party, Democracy Unbound offers a comprehensive guide to progressive political organizing for real democracy, human rights, community renewal, and a fair and sustainable economy. Through compelling stories of successful campaigns by groups across the country, the book provides a detailed picture of how ordinary people can reshape politics in their communities, and explains the contrasting strategies of groups like the New Party, labor-community coalitions, the Labor Party, the Greens, the Campaign for a New Tomorrow, and other third-party coalition efforts. This inspiring book also uncovers the forgotten history of powerful third-party movements in the United States, identifies the potential obstacles confronting grassroots activists, and explains how and why independent political organizing is re-emerging today.

Embracing a diverse spectrum of communities and issues, DemocracyUnbound is a valuable resource for addressing a wide range of concerns: community organizing, African-American politics, labor unions, environmentalism, local government, social movements, political parties, and electoral politics.

About this title

Review

The millions of people who voted for Ross Perot, Jesse Jackson, and Ralph Nader displayed more than momentary frustration, they are a sign of the growing movement to challenge the two party system. David Reynolds' Democracy Unbound explains how grassroots activists are translating mass discontent into new people-driven parties. Democracy Unbound is the first and only book to look beyond the superficial media coverage of Ross Perot to the real movement for fundamental change. Democracy Unbound is a much needed and valued contribution to the national political dialogue. Democracy Unbound is essential reading for anyone studying the role of third party movements and the political reforms upon which they are founded. -- Midwest Book Review

Edition details

• Publisher: South End Press
• Publication date: 1999
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0896085643
• ISBN 13: 9780896085640
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 369