Book Review
Bernie Sanders
293pp Allen Lane 2023
Is capitalism as we know it compatible with Christianity? One cannot but ask the question after reading this book. Bernie Sanders is a well known politician who has served a lifetime in American politics, including a run for the presidential nomination in 2020. The book may be a heartfelt critique of the political system in America, but much of it carries over to the UK situation.
How is it that wealth is becoming more and more concentrated in the hands of a few individuals while many struggle to live? Is it right that a handful of billionaires should be able to use their wealth to control large sections of the media, or buy influence with government to prevent any threats to their position? What is wrong with the state education system as it stands? Why should ordinary people have problems with access health care while the rich can buy it at will? How can the balance be redressed?
Bernie Sanders presents a radical thesis. He is angry about these injustices and fights against them. Jesus preached radical ideas about society, and incurred the displeasure of the authorities in the process. What would he say about today’s injustices?
David Tidy