Book Review: “The Establishment – & How They Get Away With It”

Hey there, fellow bookworms! Today, I’ve got a fascinating review for you about “The Establishment: And How They Get Away With It” by the brilliant Owen Jones. 

Let’s dive in!

Back in the day, journalist Henry Fairlie coined the term “establishment” to describe how the elite networks in British society closed ranks to protect their own. Personal connections mattered more than political beliefs, and it was a real tight-knit gentlemen’s club.

But fast forward to Owen Jones’s take on the establishment, and things have changed! It’s become deeply ideological now, with political ties taking precedence over social ones. Jones argues that those at the top are all about maintaining a fiction to serve their interests – a small state with economic efficiency being the mantra. This allows them to milk the system for their own gain, and boy, does Jones make a compelling case.

Now, what’s impressive about Jones’s account is its inclusivity. The new establishment is much more diverse and porous, including folks you wouldn’t expect to be part of the club. From bloggers like “Guido Fawkes” to foreign energy companies, the tent is huge! Even Russian oligarchs have found their way in, not due to deep-rooted social ties but because of shared interests.

But here’s the kicker – while Jones casts a wide net, he doesn’t go too deep. Many of the stories might seem familiar from newspaper headlines, and some interviewees sound like they’re playing it safe. And then there’s the “both ways” approach. Jones believes personal connections still matter, but also acknowledges the role of ideas in the mix. It gets a bit tricky figuring out the remedy when both factors are at play.

It’s funny how some insiders try to pass themselves off as outsiders. They’re in the thick of the establishment but pretend they’re fighting against it. Classic!

Jones nails the hypocrisy of powerful people suddenly feeling the sting of accountability. When Andrew Mitchell complains about his treatment, it’s a sight to see. And let’s not forget ex-tabloid editor Neil Wallis, traumatized by the very tactics he once employed.

Jones even finds some unlikely allies, like Douglas Carswell, who’s got some anti-establishment ideas but isn’t quite on the same political wavelength as Jones. But hey, beggars can’t be choosers in the fight against the establishment, right?

The big question is: what’s truly anti-establishment? Can the left and right outsiders hold hands and agree? And while public opinion leans left for a fairer society, the establishment still comes out on top because of its superior organization.

And that’s where traditional opposition falls short. Trade unions, churches, and political parties with mass memberships have lost their oomph. Plus, online protest movements haven’t quite harnessed their full potential.

Jones leaves us with a tantalizing question – how can these new movements unite and challenge established power? It’s a puzzle yet to be solved, my friends.

So, there you have it! Owen Jones has given us an eye-opening look into “The Establishment,” revealing the ideological shift, diverse membership, and the need for a new kind of opposition. It’s an engaging read that leaves us pondering the state of affairs and the possibilities ahead.

Happy reading, and remember, knowledge is power!