Thomas Frank: What's Wrong With America?

By Richard Wolinsky, AlterNet. Posted June 30, 2005.

Thomas Frank, author of "What's the Matter with Kansas?" talks with Richard Wolinsky of KPFA Public Radio about the new bankruptcy law,Terri Schiavo, globalization and more.

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Why do so many people in America vote against their own self-interest? Thomas Frank’s 2004 best seller, “What’s the Matter with Kansas?” attempts to answer this question by examining the midwestern state, its radical roots, and why and how it has become a Republican bastion.

There are multiple answers, of course, ranging from the corporatization of the Democratic Party to the what Frank calls “the great '60s backlash” fto the overwhelming onslaught of right-wing propaganda and the demonization of liberals.

In this 40-minute follow-up to the paperback edition of his book, Frank discusses these issues and brings into play recent events and trends in American politics.

Richard Wolinsky is the host of Cover To Cover, which airs on KPFA Pacifica Radio.

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Where is it? [Report this comment] Posted by: silkreed on Jul 5, 2005 9:43 AM Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent] So where IS "this 40-minute follow-up?" Am I missing something? [« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5] What is wrong with America and the first step to fix it. [Report this comment] Posted by: Lincoln fan on Jul 5, 2005 1:12 PM Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent] In a land of "government of the people, by the people and for the people" anything that is wrong is ultimately the fault of the citizens. In my opinion the American people have let corporations and other "special interest" groups take control of our government. This was made possible because people believe that they are in control with their all-powerful votes. Actually, the power of our votes is insignificant when stacked against the power of campaign contributions. Campaign contributions are all-powerful because without them a candidate cannot get votes. The way to take back control of our government is the same way that the special interests got control. Buy it with campaign contributions. Until campaigns are financed totally by the taxpayers we cannot have total control of our government. For a proposed system of campaign finance that features funding by the taxpayers and dispersing of the funds by the voters go to: http://www.lincolninitiative.org Though we the people have the clout, To vote the politicians out, We're still ruled by sleazy "smarties" Who pay money to both parties, And here's the truth without a doubt We can't vote those rascals out ! [« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5] » RE: What is wrong with America and the first step to fix it. Posted by: underledge Where is it? #2 [Report this comment] Posted by: dickmarshall on Jul 5, 2005 1:45 PM Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent] I read the short intro and also was unable to find tne actual interview. [« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5] » RE: Where is it? #2 Posted by: Lincoln fan

» RE: What is wrong with America and the first step to fix it. Posted by: underledge

» RE: Where is it? #2 Posted by: Lincoln fan

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» RE: What is wrong with America and the first step to fix it. Posted by: underledge

» RE: Where is it? #2 Posted by: Lincoln fan