Power to the People!

“Ralph Nader signed my daughter’s copy of "Unsafe At Any Speed" when she was in junior high school. It is never too early to recognize the awesome potential of citizen action and consumer activism—on the streets, at the ballot box and in the courts. This book recognizes that truth and invites a new generation to take the lead!”

– John Nichols, The Nation

“Did you know that cars didn't always have seatbelts? Ever wondered who is at fault if you slip and fall on a wet supermarket floor? Ever tried to figure out why kids’ toys have so many warning labels on them? These are all important questions, because the answers are deeply connected to our rights as citizens and consumers. And the answers also teach us about the power of the corporations which, for example, manufacture the cars, run the supermarkets, and make the toys for children. Power to the People! lays out, in lively language, with vivid examples, how the balance between corporate power and consumer power has been central to the development of our rights to live healthy, safe lives, and how we, as consumers, must continue to protect ourselves.”

– Victoria Ortiz, author of Dissenter on the Bench: Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s Life & Work

“Tort Law and citizen activism are two key pillars that protect us from dangerous or unsafe products, corporate overreach, and reckless or careless behavior. This important book should be read by everyone – young and old – who wants to learn how the law works, and how it can be used to protect us. It’s entertaining, informative, and very interesting. You’ll be glad you read it.”

– Richard L. Newman, J.D., Executive Director, American Museum of Tort Law

“One person can make a difference. In this unique view on citizenship, Panchyk introduces readers to Ralph Nader, who sparked a consumer movement. A short biography describes Nader’s research on automobile safety and his groundbreaking book, Unsafe at Any Speed, which revolutionized motor vehicle safety and credits him with inspiring the creation of a plethora of federal regulatory agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency. After briefly looking at the rise of corporations and their power, the bulk of the volume focuses on tort law, the area of law that allows individuals to seek damages in civil cases. Using numerous court cases as examples, including such recognizable ones as the McDonald’s coffee-cup case, the author explains how these lawsuits can lead to product changes, expose corporate wrongdoing, and let individual citizens make their voices heard. The final chapters of the detailed, accessible text discuss other forms of citizen expression (e.g., voting and boycotts) and a quick tour of the Tort Law Museum (which was founded with Nader’s help). Young activists and budding lawyers are the ideal audience for this progressive call to action.”

– Angela Leeper, Booklist