David K. Shipler

An even-handed approach to a dangerous, complex strife that humanizes the conflict in this volatile region, this compelling book shows how both sides suffer in the constant ruining and rebuilding of Arab and Jewish cultures. Mr. Shipler, who was the bureau chief in Jerusalem for the New York Times in the early 1980s, brings to life the “irony” and “symmetry” of the many tragic similarities of the Palestinians and Jewish Zionists who are locked in a “prolonged state of twilight warfare” and “intricately bound up together.” He captures the diverse moods and attitudes of the people who inhabit this volatile region, which he paints vividly. The book, originally written in 1986 and updated in 2015, notes how much more entrenched the two sides have become in their historical grievances and clash of national narratives, which have become more distorted by fresh terroristic acts by both sides. There are no winners here; only many losers in this seemingly never-ending, intractable conflict.… (más)

Who couldn't enjoy anything written by David Shipler?
The weaving of personal stories with journalism/objective data & trends is important. It allows me to see different angles, and not necessarily in agreement/objection - but varied understanding of poverty in the United States.

Not in the book, but i now believe the idea of a social welfar state can never work in the U.S.; so long as our federal/state/local jurisdiction laws are so fragmented any attempt to distribute wealth through the state will utterly fail.

I have recommended this book to friends, and will mail my paper copy to a friend who is a director (on the board) of a non-profit.… (más)

Let me begin by saying this book was not an easy read for me. The author holds little back in describing the lives of the working poor, which can feel depressing, unsettling, and at times even hopeless.

Nevertheless, David Shipler's The Working Poor is a powerful lesson of empathy. He forces his readers to see life through the eyes on those on margins of society. His goal is to highlight America's disregard for the working poor and make visible those we often overlook. Each chapter focuses on a different barrier for those at the financial bottom, painting a picture of the nature of poverty and the issues that keep so many down. However, he does so, not as much from the ivory tower of academics but rather through interviews with people from all over the country. Throughout the book, Shipler tells people's stories, describing what life is like being poor. Poverty is not simply because of bad decisions (although this is definitely a contributor). Nor is it simply the consequence of a corrupt system. The reasons for poverty are intensely complex, and only through a holistic system of supports (including kinship, housing, healthcare, transportation, education, a fair wage, etc.) does anyone rise from poverty.

The lessons he writes about are for all to consider. And sadly, those who need to hear this message the most will not read this book. Nevertheless, for a superb summary, look to: http://tamarackcommunity.ca/downloads/vc/work_poor_invisible_in_US.pdf
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If you don't know much about poverty, this book may prove useful to you, but go in with eyes open. Shipler is at his best when he's letting the poor folks he speaks to speak for themselves. However, he is very much a liberal, and while he's talking with poor people we also get sympathetic interviews with bosses, managers, job trainers, "tough love" social workers, and the like. He praises people who shape themselves (and allow themselves to be shaped) into well-behaved, obedient workers set on climbing into higher levels of workplace hierarchy. His solution for the plight of the working poor is very much reformist and government-centered - the poor should overwhelm the rich at the voting booth, and his critique of how successful that has been/could be is nonexistent. The answer comes not from below - from poor people organizing themselves and building power - but from government programs, corporations, politicians, and benevolent gentry such as himself and his target audience. Capitalism needs to be changed, but is essentially good. It depends on poverty - Shipler says so quite uncritically - the issue for him is that the poor are treated better and given the opportunity to get ahead so others may replace them. If any of this made you cringe, you might be better off finding something with a little more teeth.… (más)