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14: The Neoliberal Counterattack: How They Took It All Back

Starting in the 1970s, billionaires plotted their comeback.

The "New Deal Order" — where workers had power — scared them.
So they fought back through neoliberalism:

  • Deregulation — tearing down financial and environmental protections.
  • Union-busting — crushing organized labor.
  • Privatization — selling public goods to corporations.
  • Tax cuts for the rich — draining government revenue.
  • Globalization — shipping jobs overseas.

Figures like Ronald Reagan, Margaret Thatcher, and corporate think tanks like the Heritage Foundation led the charge.

Today, we live with the consequences:

  • Skyrocketing inequality.
  • Crumbling public services.
  • Endless wars and corporate bailouts.
  • A government serving donors, not voters.

The neoliberal counterattack was no accident. It was class war, fought from the top down.


Sources and Further Reading:

Recommended Books:

  • Understanding Marxism by Richard Wolff
  • The Democracy Project by David Graeber (on reclaiming people’s power)

Action Steps:

  • Fight privatization in your community.
  • Support workers organizing unions.

Follow the series at: http://nokingsinphilly.blogspot.com/

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