TEHRAN – “Occupy the Economy: Challenging Capitalism” by Richard D. Wolff and David Barsamian has been published in Persian.

Published by Akhtaran, the book has been translated by Mehrdad Shahabi and Mir Mahmud Nabavi.

Today’s economic crisis is capitalism’s worst since the Great Depression. Millions have lost their jobs, homes and healthcare while those who work watch their pensions, benefits and job security decline. As more and more are impacted by the crisis, the system continues to make the very wealthy even richer. 

In eye-opening interviews with prominent economist Richard Wolff, David Barsamian probes the root causes of the current economic crisis, its unjust social consequences, and what can and should be done to turn things around. 

While others blame corrupt bankers and unregulated speculators, the government, or even the poor who borrowed, the authors show that the causes of the crisis run much deeper. 

They reach back to the 1970s when the capitalist system itself shifted, ending the century-old pattern of rising wages for U.S. workers and thereby enabling the top 1% to become ultra-rich at the expense of the 99%. 

Since then, economic injustice has become chronic and further corrupted politics. The Occupy Movement, by articulating deep indignation with the whole system, mobilizes huge numbers who seek basic change. 

“Occupy the Economy” not only clarifies and analyzes the crisis in U.S. capitalism today, but it also points toward solutions that can shape a far better future for all.

Richard D. Wolff is professor emeritus of economics at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and visiting professor at the New School University. Author of “Capitalism Hits the Fan”, he’s been a guest on NPR, Glenn Beck Show and Democracy Now!

David Barsamian is the founder and director of Alternative Radio. He is best known for his interview books with Noam Chomsky.

Photo: A copy of the Persian edition of “Occupy the Economy: Challenging Capitalism”.

MMS/YAW