Book Review: Why Nothing Works: Who Killed Progress―and How to Bring It Back
As I turned the pages of Marc Dunkelman’s Why Nothing Works: Who Killed Progress—And How to Bring It Back, I found myself reflecting on a peculiar irony: in a time when we crave swift action and effective governance, our progress is mired in gridlock and indecision. Dunkelman tackles this pressing issue with a historical lens, exploring the cyclical nature of America’s progressive movement. It’s a captivating blend of politics, history, and an urgent call for a renewed approach to governance that had me both engrossed and introspective.
In this compelling narrative, Dunkelman contrasts the “Hamiltonian” and “Jeffersonian” models of governance—one centralized and results-driven, the other decentralized and process-oriented. Drawing upon vivid historical examples, including the project to renovate Penn Station and the infamous Wollman Rink debacle, he illustrates how conflicting ideologies often lead to paralysis rather than progress.
What truly stood out to me was Dunkelman’s focus on the legacy of Robert Moses, a controversial figure in urban development. His projects were often marred by strife yet achieving results that resonate to this day. Dunkelman’s investigative dive into why the Penn Station renovation languished for decades not only lays bare the failings of government but also offers a pointed critique of our current bureaucratic predicament. His reflection that “this whole Rashomon phenomenon had rarely flummoxed Robert Moses” resonated with me, emphasizing the unsettling truth that without a strong hand to navigate the chaos, meaningful progress remains a slippery notion.
Dunkelman’s writing style is accessible yet incisive, blending a historical narrative with sharp analysis that kept me turning the pages. The pacing ebbs and flows, occasionally immersing us in detailed accounts of bureaucratic misadventures, such as the Wollman Rink incident, which, while frustrating, reveal profound truths about governance and efficiency. I found myself chuckling at the irony of Mayor Ed Koch’s failed attempts, leading to a private developer—none other than Donald J. Trump—stepping in to complete the project. Dunkelman’s ability to draw such connections is not only entertaining but illuminating.
The author raises provocative questions about the very structure of government and the limitations imposed by procurement requirements, leaving us to ponder whether we’ve inadvertently hamstrung our ability to enact change. His assertion that “rendering government incompetent is a lousy way to draw voters into an ideological movement” struck a chord with me. It’s a stark reminder of the accountability that our leaders must uphold, especially when they seem to abdicate responsibility to red tape.
I believe Why Nothing Works holds significance for not just those interested in political theory but for anyone invested in understanding why our systems often fail us, even as we stand at the precipice of great opportunity. This book serves as a foundational piece in an ongoing debate about the balance of power and effectiveness in governance.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend Dunkelman’s work to anyone seeking to engage with the complexities of progress, and I’ll be keeping an eye out for how his insights might shape future discourse within the Democratic Party. Reading this book has certainly made me reflect on the mechanisms of change we often take for granted, and has inspired a desire for a more active role in my civic engagement. Whether you agree or disagree with Dunkelman’s assessments, you’ll find yourself questioning the status quo and contemplating what true progress can be—a conversation well worth having.
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