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Capitalism has been touted as the dominant and most successful economic model of modern times, yet according to the author the once fair and democratic form of it that helped develop America has been kidnapped by corporatism. But the problem extends far beyond the U.S. borders and has contributed to a worldwide crisis where only a small percentage of the planet's population are financially well off while the rest struggle under rising debt and looming poverty. In his innovative and thought-provoking book, Horvath puts forward a new economic model, one that can function where no capital is available and that embraces the concept of "community-ism."
Horvath is the first to admit that his ideas are not completely original. He has been inspired by several sources including Franklin D. Roosevelt's "Second Bill of Rights," Thomas Edison's speculations about a commodity-based currency, and even the human circulatory system. Yet his synthesis of these various models is unique. At its core is the concept of working to eliminate the selfishness and greed that pervades the world's economies and instead striving toward ways to truly help meet the needs of all people and nations. For example, the International Monetary Fund could be transformed into the International "Mothering" Fund, an organization that would help nations in crisis like a mother nurtures a fetus. And once the nation is again self-sufficient, it won't slide back into economic instability because it will also not be required to pay back the funds that had been used to rescue it.
Horvath is passionate about his subject, and it shows in his writing. Like a good teacher, he uses a variety of methods such as cartoons, charts, equations, etc. to get his points across. Highly detailed yet very readable, his massive book offers much to think about.