Cancer in the Body Politic: Diagnosis and Prescription for an America in Decline. Peter D. Mott, MD. I am particularly impressed with the passion, dedication, and capacity of so many FOR members to invest themselves in research and publication at their own expense. I look forward to reviewing a number of such pieces over the summer.

As someone personally entering treatment for cancer (prostate, early detection, virtually fully curable), I was perhaps more readily drawn to Mott’s metaphor than I would have been otherwise. But our culture and times, between the aging of boomers, the advertising empire of pharmaceutical companies, and the political issues of health care, mean we are all familiar with much medical terminology, so the language works to make Mott’s case.

The chapters follow the path of analyzing and treating pathologies (in Part I Approach, Symptoms, Signs of illness, Diagnosis, and in Part II Treatment, Prescription, Follow-up visit). Mott, a doctor with a strong predisposition to analyzing and treating social and political ills, is a good writer. He also keeps the pamphlet brief , under 100 pages.

Most importantly Mott grounds his message in specific cases. This is a prescription for starting small and growing. Using Rochester as his long-term home town, and Latin America as his strongest interest area, Mott sets out a treatment plan that can be replicated anywhere. Call it a medical/political primer.

No matter where you are in engaging in local organizing, Cancer in the Body Politic is a helpful resource in your kit bag. Use it for study guides in FOR Chapters and other local groups, at churches or house meetings. Order copies from EPICA 1470 Irving Street, or from Peter himself (he’s suggested six dollars a copy) at interconnect_mott@frontiernet.net, or contact me at mjohnson@forusa.org.