Jim Hightower
Jim Hightower
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Jim Hightower is a well-known American author, public speaker, and radio host who is commonly referred to as "The People's Economist."
Birth and Death Dates
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Born on January 24, 1943.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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American; Author, Public Speaker, Radio Host
As an economist by training, Jim Hightower has spent his career advocating for the rights of ordinary people against corporate power. He is a vocal critic of economic policies that favor the wealthy at the expense of the working class.
Early Life and Background
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Growing up in Austin, Texas, Hightower developed a strong sense of social justice from an early age. His parents, who were both teachers, instilled in him a commitment to public service and a desire to make the world a better place. After graduating from the University of Austin (now known as the University of Texas at Austin), Hightower went on to earn his master's degree in economics from Columbia University.
Major Accomplishments
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Hightower's career has been marked by numerous achievements, including:
Austin Mayor: In 1983, Hightower was elected mayor of Austin, where he implemented a series of progressive policies aimed at improving the lives of low-income residents. During his tenure, he helped establish a low-income housing program and created a city-funded health clinic.
Public Advocate for Consumers: As a public advocate for consumers, Hightower has fought tirelessly against corporate power and in favor of consumer protection laws. He has been a vocal critic of the insurance industry, the pharmaceutical industry, and other sectors that prioritize profits over people's needs.
Author and Radio Host: Hightower is a prolific author who has written several bestselling books on economics and politics, including _"There's Nothing in the Middle of the Road but Yellow Stripes and Dead Armadillos"_ and _"Thieves in High Places: Power, Crime, and Corruption at the Top of America's Treasury_". He hosts a popular radio show called "The Hightower Report", which is syndicated to over 100 radio stations across the country.Notable Works or Actions
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Hightower has been involved in numerous high-profile campaigns and initiatives aimed at promoting economic justice and accountability. Some notable examples include:
Opposing NAFTA: In the 1990s, Hightower was a vocal opponent of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which he argued would lead to job losses and increased income inequality.
* Supporting Living Wage Campaigns: Throughout his career, Hightower has been a strong supporter of living wage campaigns aimed at ensuring that low-wage workers earn a fair wage for their labor.
Impact and Legacy
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Jim Hightower's impact on American politics and society cannot be overstated. Through his writing, speaking, and advocacy work, he has helped to raise awareness about the need for economic justice and accountability in government. His commitment to public service has inspired countless individuals to pursue careers in public policy and advocacy.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Hightower is widely quoted and remembered due to his bold and unapologetic style, which has earned him a reputation as one of the most outspoken critics of corporate power. His commitment to speaking truth to power and advocating for the rights of ordinary people has made him a beloved figure among progressives and a thorn in the side of those who seek to exploit the vulnerable.
Quotes by Jim Hightower

You can’t do progressive government from the inside. You have to rally those outsiders and make them a force.

Liberals want to manage the damage with government programs to take care of those who have fallen between the cracks. Populists want to fix the cracks so that people don’t fall in the first place.

What’s new is that the White House itself has now been corporatized. It’s not politicians working for the corporate interests. They are the corporate interests. That’s where Bush came from, and Cheney and Rumsfeld.

But the good news is that out in the countryside, just about every place that’s got a zip code has somebody or some group of people battling the economic and political exclusion that Wall Street and Washington are shoving down our throats.

Well, I’ve been in the political arena all of my life, and 10 years of that as a candidate and elected official, and that’s about enough.

When Rick Perry says I can do for America what I’ve done for Texas, pay attention. That’s no idle threat.

It’s an essential fight librarians are making, an age-old fight; yours is a battle for civilization. It’s a fight for our country’s founding values.


