by David Sirota
First published 2006
David Sirota argues that corporate interests have systematically captured American democracy through campaign contributions, lobbying, and influence peddling. He connects high-profile corruption scandals to deeper structural problems that harm ordinary citizens. Sirota examines how politicians claim to address healthcare costs, stagnant wages, job outsourcing, pension cuts, and rising energy prices, then pass legislation written by lobbyists that worsens these problems. He demonstrates how workable solutions get buried under corporate spin and campaign cash. The book traces how millions lack affordable healthcare while HMOs profit, how wages stay flat while corporate profits soar, and how jobs move overseas while politicians protect their corporate sponsors. Sirota provides analysis of the tax code inequities and shows how Big Money interests own political debate. He offers a guidebook for citizens who want their government to serve them rather than sell them out.
Genres: business, political-science, economics, non-fiction, activism, american-history
Vibes: thought-provoking
Tropes: investigative-journalism
384 pages · Hardcover · Crown