We Need a Movement

We Need a Movement: Four problems to solve to restore rational government, by John Jensen, offers a strategy for substantial social change. Drawing on respected research into the demise of past civilizations, the book identifies two major barriers to a positive direction for the U.S. currently. One is the selfish use of power by an elite minority and the second is the prevalence and acceptance of mediocre thinking throughout society. The book recounts how these conditions have taken hold in American history through conscious decisions over many decades to mislead the public and install social, political, economic and class-based systems to benefit the wealthy; and through the pernicious influence of slavery that has turned into the racism experienced today. From many angles and in many forms, the social acceptance of mediocre thinking has paralyzed efforts for positive change and even threatened hard-won gains from prior years. To respond to this situation, the author asserts that efforts at social change 1) need to correct the entire system in the direction of the good of the whole, and generate conditions that enable all classes to prosper. This outcome 2) depends in turn on a large number of voters thinking sufficiently alike, which means affecting not only mainstream public opinion but also knowing how to sway individual voters. To mount an effort of this dimension, 3) those seeking change need to master an explanation about what has gone wrong and how to correct it that makes sense to any open-minded person, and 4) need to utilize organizational strategies that enable people to expand their understanding, increase their fluency and confidence in communicating ideas, and understand how to initiate effective group action. The author draws on extensive experience in group dynamics, social change, educational programming, sales, public speaking, and personal counseling to explain communication methods best suited for bringing about constructive change.