The Ends of Freedom: Reclaiming America's Lost Promise of Economic Rights

Mark Paul makes the case for an Economic Bill of Rights in his book, arguing that it would confer true freedom on all Americans by providing necessities like housing, employment, and health care. He outlines a comprehensive policy program to achieve this, including rights to a good job, education, banking, and financial services, and a healthy environment. The book is a timely and urgent call to reclaim the idea of freedom from its captors on the political right and to ground America's next era in its progressive history.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 12 May 2023
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

Since the founding of the United States, the concept of freedom has been a subject of debate among Americans. For some, freedom meant providing the basic necessities for a fulfilling life, while others believed it encompassed civil and political rights as outlined in the Bill of Rights, along with unrestricted access to the marketplace. However, a prevailing interpretation, largely influenced by economists, has emerged as the dominant one among policymakers. This interpretation, which emphasizes economic freedom and individual prosperity, has led to severe consequences for American society. Rampant inequality, widespread poverty, and an economy that favors the few at the expense of the many have become the defining features of this era.

In his book, "The Ends of Freedom," Mark Paul presents a compelling argument for an Economic Bill of Rights. He demonstrates that economic rights, such as access to housing, employment, and healthcare, have been a part of the American conversation since the Revolutionary War and played a crucial role in shaping both the New Deal and the Civil Rights Movement. Paul argues that the restoration of these economic rights would fulfill the promise of the nation's founding documents and create a more inclusive and sustainable version of American freedom.

To achieve this, Paul draws on FDR's proposed Economic Bill of Rights as a framework. He outlines a comprehensive policy program that includes the right to a good job, the right to an education, the right to banking and financial services, and the right to a healthy environment. These rights are essential for individuals to thrive and contribute to society, and their absence has perpetuated inequality and poverty.

The book also delves into discussions of some of today's most influential policy ideas, such as Medicare for All, a federal job guarantee, and the Green New Deal. These proposals aim to address the systemic issues that have contributed to the decline of economic freedom and promote a more equitable and sustainable economy.

"The Ends of Freedom" is a timely and urgent call to reclaim the idea of freedom from its captors on the political right. It challenges the notion that economic prosperity.

Dimension: 229 x 152 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226792965