Taking control of the economy

In Raj Patel’s newest book, the author, activist and academic talks about why the economy is in such bad shape and what steps we can take to improve it.

‘We need to realize we are not consumers, but citizens that are more powerful than we think,’ Patel said.
Patel suggests that the best way to improve our economy, and our way of life in general, is through the push for transitional change. Through being active in our own communities, buying local foods and taking a stance on health care and other important policies, anyone can make a difference.

‘Actually going out, watching less TV and engaging more in community groups or churches,’ Patel said. ‘I’m not going to dictate what people want to do. All of us have passion about doing something in the world, and getting out and doing something is much easier than people think.’

The Value of Nothing: How to Reshape Market Society and Redefine Democracy, points out the flaws within the way we value things. Patel wants people to take away the richness of alternative ways of valuing the world.

‘There’s been a lot of diagnoses about why the economy went wrong,’ Patel said. ‘We’re told the only way to value the world is with a price. I think why the book is doing so well is that people want to think of other ways that bring us together, without markets, but practical ways. And people are excited.’

Patel talks about the poor condition of the present economy and the high rates of unemployment and hunger. He also addresses the anger and suffering of people most affected by the economic situation and how shifts to right-wing politics have been very dangerous in the past, as in the case of Germany in the 1920s.

When Allen Greenspan testified in front of Congress at the end of 2008, he admitted there was a flaw in his idea of a free market. Patel addresses that this was a ‘momentous’ occasion and that it was ‘unfortunate’ that he wasn’t taken seriously. For Patel, this raised some questions.

‘If he is wrong, how do we replace free markets?’ Patel said. ‘And, why is it so hard to think our way out of a free market world?’

Patel explained that our society has forgotten other ways to value the world and that it’s important that we remember them again. He believes that we shouldn’t just lay back and wait for the government to make the changes.

‘If you look at the history, any progressive change was because people organized,’ Patel said. ‘Luckily, there are many ways people can organize. If you just look how Americans are changing food policy.’

Patel will be at Powell’s this week discussing the issues from his book. He is likely to receive a warm welcome in a place where more and more people are taking steps towards not just a better economy, but an improved way of living that encourages community growth.
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Reading with Raj Patel
Powell’s City of Books, 1005 W Burnside St.
Tue, 7:30 p.m.
Free