How Our Politicians Let Corporations And Bigwigs Steal Our Money And Jobs

Throughout history, one recurring theme has been the influence that corporations and bigwigs hold over our politicians. These powerful entities often exploit their connections and financial resources to manipulate policies in their favor, ultimately resulting in the theft of our hard-earned money and job opportunities.

The Rise of Corporate Influence

In recent decades, the relationship between politicians and corporations has become increasingly murky. The rise of campaign contributions and lobbying efforts has allowed corporations to wield significant influence over our elected officials. As a result, the interests of the populace are often overshadowed by those of powerful corporations.

One of the primary ways in which corporations exert their influence is through campaign financing. By donating large sums of money to politicians' campaigns, corporations effectively buy access and influence. These financial contributions create an expectation that the politician will prioritize the corporation's interests once elected, disregarding the needs and concerns of everyday citizens.

The Billionaire Boondoggle: How Our Politicians Let Corporations and Bigwigs Steal Our Money and Jobs

by Pat Garofalo(Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1922 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	273 pages

FREE

Furthermore, corporations often employ teams of lobbyists to advocate for their specific agendas. These lobbyists, well-versed in the intricacies of politics and legislation, work tirelessly to shape policies that favor their respective industries. Their efforts are often accompanied by generous financial incentives, such as high-paying job prospects for politicians once they leave public office.

The Cost of this Influence

The consequences of allowing corporations and bigwigs to manipulate our politicians are far-reaching. One of the most significant costs is the impact on our economy. When policies are crafted to benefit corporations at the expense of the general population, income inequality widens, creating a lopsided distribution of wealth. As the rich get richer, the working class struggles to make ends meet.

Another detrimental effect is the loss of job opportunities. In many cases, politicians influenced by corporations enact policies that favor outsourcing and offshoring, leading to the loss of domestic jobs. Corporations, driven by their pursuit of profit and cheaper labor, exploit these policies to maximize their own gains, leaving hardworking individuals without employment and struggling to support their families.

Moreover, the influence of corporations often extends beyond economic matters. It seeps into regulatory decisions, resulting in weakened regulations that allow corporations to bypass environmental, labor, and safety standards. This compromises the well-being of both individuals and the environment, as our elected officials turn a blind eye to corporate misconduct.

The Need for Reform

It is clear that action must be taken to address the alarming influence corporations hold over our politicians. Reforms are needed to ensure that the interests of the general population take precedence over those of powerful entities. Key steps to consider include:

1. Campaign Finance Reform:

Implementing strict regulations on campaign financing, limiting the amount of money corporations can contribute to political campaigns. This would help level the playing field and prevent corporations from effectively buying political influence.

2. Transparency Measures:

Requiring politicians to disclose any financial ties or contributions from corporations and lobbyists. This transparency would allow the public to hold politicians accountable for their allegiances and make informed decisions when voting.

3. Strengthening Regulatory Bodies:

Empowering regulatory bodies to properly enforce existing regulations and hold corporations accountable for any wrongdoing. This would ensure that corporations are not above the law and that the interests of individuals and the environment are protected.

By implementing these reforms, we can work towards a more equitable society, where the influence of corporations is balanced with the needs of the people. Our politicians must prioritize the well-being of their constituents over the interests of powerful corporations. It is time to reclaim our money, jobs, and democratic values.

The Billionaire Boondoggle: How Our Politicians Let Corporations and Bigwigs Steal Our Money and Jobs

by Pat Garofalo(Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1922 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	273 pages

FREE

"An alarming, fact-driven jeremiad urging change and action." –Kirkus

The first comprehensive look at how politicians let the entertainment industry bilk taxpayers, hijack public policy and hurt economic investment, starting and ending with Trump.

From stadiums and movie productions to casinos and mega-malls to convention centers and hotels, cities and states have paid out billions of dollars in tax breaks, subsidies, and grants to the world's corporate titans. They hope to boost their economies, create new and better jobs, and lure well-known events such as the Super Bowl--not to mention give their officials the chance to meet celebrities. That Big Entertainment drives bigger economies is a myth, however. Overwhelming evidence shows catering public policy to its promises results in a raw deal for the taxpaying public.

In The Billionaire Boondoggle, Garofalo takes readers on a tour of publicly-subsidized corporate America to explain how that myth came to be, how much money America's elected officials throw away, and why courting Big Entertainment just courts disaster.

You’ll learn how Maryland gave millions of dollars to Netflix to make House of Cards, and Nevada spent hundreds of millions on a new home for the NFL’s Raiders. New Mexico paid big money to host The Avengers, while city after city fell prey to the debt trap that is the Olympics. You’ll see how big sporting goods stores like Bass Pro Shops and big casinos across the country all get in on the subsidy scam. And you’ll see how many cities got in bed with hotel titans, including Donald J. Trump himself.

This book is the go-to guide for the many ways in which American taxpayers unknowingly subsidize the TV shows they watch, the sports teams they root for and the hotels they sleep in, all based on an economic theory that only adds up for CEOs and bigwigs.