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RESTORE TRUST, Economic Solutions to Current Social and Political Issues in the U.S.
Economic Solutions to Current Social and Political Issues in the U.S.
Poverty is a structural problem created by economic thinking errors and institutional poverty traps, revealed and discussed in detail in this book. Neff argues that America is a welfare state.
The working poor are a social problem created by politics. The low minimum wage does not support a most basic lifestyle and as a result, food stamps, free medical services and other social programs become necessary to cover the gap. Half of the Federal budget supports the poor and the elderly across the country. Americans, mostly the middle class, subsidize this insufficient minimum wage with their taxes and unknowingly and indirectly support the bottom line of companies that underpay their employees. Economic thinking errors are the source of our entitlement society.
Democratic principles are distorted. The current political system allows the wealthy and large corporations to covertly influence legislation and bend economic laws in their favor.
Too many Americans are blinded by dreams of success and vote against their real interests and values. This is the American voting paradox, institutionally supported by gerrymandering and voting restrictions that favor the libertarian ideology.
RESTORE TRUST is an invitation to take a fresh look at the current socio-economic reality. Neff discusses economic solutions to dysfunctional politics and offers a conclusive call to action to help Americans restore trust and defend their needs and core values. He offers opportunities to create a shift to strengthen our democracy.
Poverty is a structural problem created by economic thinking errors and institutional poverty traps, revealed and discussed in detail in this book. Neff argues that America is a welfare state.
The working poor are a social problem created by politics. The low minimum wage does not support a most basic lifestyle and as a result, food stamps, free medical services and other social programs become necessary to cover the gap. Half of the Federal budget supports the poor and the elderly across the country. Americans, mostly the middle class, subsidize this insufficient minimum wage with their taxes and unknowingly and indirectly support the bottom line of companies that underpay their employees. Economic thinking errors are the source of our entitlement society.
Democratic principles are distorted. The current political system allows the wealthy and large corporations to covertly influence legislation and bend economic laws in their favor.
Too many Americans are blinded by dreams of success and vote against their real interests and values. This is the American voting paradox, institutionally supported by gerrymandering and voting restrictions that favor the libertarian ideology.
RESTORE TRUST is an invitation to take a fresh look at the current socio-economic reality. Neff discusses economic solutions to dysfunctional politics and offers a conclusive call to action to help Americans restore trust and defend their needs and core values. He offers opportunities to create a shift to strengthen our democracy.
216 pages, Paperback
Published August 15, 2018
About the author
Werner Neff
11 books12 followersWerner Neff is a Swiss-born political economist and author who immigrated to the United States after his retirement and settled in Colorado with his American wife.
Deeply passionate about democracy, political science, and economics, Neff has devoted more than a decade to studying the origins, principles, values, and constitutional foundations of the American Republic. Approaching the subject as both an admirer and an outsider, he examines American democracy through the eyes of someone who deliberately chose to become part of it.
He is the author of several books like: THE FOUNDERS’ WARNING, RESTORE TRUST, and RESTORE OUR DEMOCRACY. His writing makes history resonate with the present and offers hope for the future. His view is non-partisan by design, aiming to foster understanding, reflection, and civic literacy rather than political persuasion.
He holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the Freie Universität Berlin and a master’s degree in economics from the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland. Before turning to writing, he gained his professional wisdom as an executive in the hospitality industry and later in the mortgage and lending division of a major Swiss bank.
Deeply passionate about democracy, political science, and economics, Neff has devoted more than a decade to studying the origins, principles, values, and constitutional foundations of the American Republic. Approaching the subject as both an admirer and an outsider, he examines American democracy through the eyes of someone who deliberately chose to become part of it.
He is the author of several books like: THE FOUNDERS’ WARNING, RESTORE TRUST, and RESTORE OUR DEMOCRACY. His writing makes history resonate with the present and offers hope for the future. His view is non-partisan by design, aiming to foster understanding, reflection, and civic literacy rather than political persuasion.
He holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the Freie Universität Berlin and a master’s degree in economics from the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland. Before turning to writing, he gained his professional wisdom as an executive in the hospitality industry and later in the mortgage and lending division of a major Swiss bank.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
September 6, 2019
Gene on May 8, 2019:
A very very good book
If you want a real insight to the political process that is going on In DC this the book you should read Werner Neff has a.n out side look that is real. Things he talks about are happening or has Happen. He explains why Social security is in its bad shape. It all started during the Reagan area. A must read if you want a good look at what going on in DC and what might happen.
Angela P.:
An excellent and in-depth review of what’s happening in today’s America from an objective point of view. Considering that the author is a non-native who clearly has an undeniable love of America and of healthy and diverse societies, Dr. Neff is an economist who brings a refreshing perspective to the table, and who and simplifies what is truly plaguing our nation.
The brilliance of this book is indeed in its simplicity — for you cannot accurately simplify what you cannot understand yourself. Reading it doesn’t mean that you’ll be ready for joining in on a presidential debate, by any means, but you’ll certainly be left with some rich food for thought and conversation starters.
Michael D. Voit on June 9, 2019:
A primer on current political and economic conditions
Laid out in short and concise arguments, author Werner Neff, cuts to the heart of where the American system has failed to fulfill its promise and potential. From the issues of minimum wage and social programs, to taxation and mis-representation, Werner draws on his global background and historical knowledge to present his reasoned perspective on issues facing our divided country. In addition to his concerns, he charts a course throughout his arguments to correcting our path and restoring balance to the benefit and health of the nation’s economy and its citizens.
Kindle Customer on November 27, 2018:
This should open your eyes.
I thought this rather laid it on the line of what the politicians are doing to the United States. Talks about the social programs, poverty and a look at it all from the eyes of someone who has lived in and experienced another government. We need to make changes.
Abacus (OnlineBookClub) on August 18, 2019
Restore Trust by Werner Neff is a rigorous analysis of “current social and political issues in the U.S.” and his proposed “economic solutions.” Neff predicates that “employment, the budget deficit, and taxes are influential in economic decision making.”
Minimum wage earners cannot survive without government programs to supplement their income; showing that America is not the free market it purports to be. Taxpayers must contribute to saving working people from starving, and working people must frequently work more than one job. He postulates it would be better to pay a living wage, allow the consequences of high prices or less profit, and reduce the welfare spending. The buying public would spend the same in aggregate for their goods but in a proper free-market environment. People in minimum wage jobs would maintain the dignity of supporting themselves adequately and not pay penalties for being poor. In the words of AlterNet’s Greta Christina: “Being poor is expensive.”
His thoughts on poverty suggest that welfare programs have institutionalized poverty and create and sustain it. He states that America is a welfare state and describes in detail the poverty traps that are self-sustaining. Based on Neff’s experience in Switzerland: he advocates that full-time and part-time employees pay into a fully funded national and personal pension. Neff initially thought that America was a great democracy but after living here awhile saw that many voters were dissatisfied with their government.
Neff’s provides meticulous research, and he offers a multitude of statistics to support his observations. Neff offers excellent insight into political influences over the last century, which affect America today. He suggests that at one time, each of the political parties was made up of conservatives and liberals. This mixture meant they were capable of governing and agreeing on a policy. However, in the present climate, each party is polarized and disparages the other to the detriment of civil government.
Many of Neff’s observations are compelling, although I cannot wholly agree with his political outlook. He also discusses a gig economy – like Uber playing broker between consumer and supplier -, healthcare, the budget deficit, and our broken tax code. Neff concludes with a call to action: “The advantages of democracy are not offered freely; citizen action is necessary, such as supporting equal voting rights, becoming active in the political system, and reminding legislators of their campaign promises.” His call to action specifies the steps we need to take under the headings of “Strengthen Democracy,” “Fight Poverty,” and “Reform the Economy.”
Restore Trust deserves a 4 out of 4-star rating for its thorough research and comprehensive analysis of America’s sociopolitical issues. It does not warrant 3 out of 4 stars because I detected no errors and it seems professionally edited. I recommend it to politicians, the voting public, and students of politics and economics. It could be read by anyone who cares about America’s future and the future of unborn generations. It is a call to action from the heart of an economist.
Rabid Reader on October 14, 2018:
A Complete Analysis of What’s Gone Wrong in the U.S.A.
I’m no economist, but I am deeply concerned about the state of the States. From an inadequate minimum living wage, to a “what’s in it for me” prevailing attitude to a bitter, divided and ineffectual bi-partisan Congress, our democracy is reeling. I think everyone, conservative or liberal, needs to read this book and use it as a guide to bring about meaningful change. Read it and you will be amazed!
OnlineBookReview.com wrote:
Governing a country is not a sport’s event with a winning and a losing team but a process to make the entire population the winner. This is one of the many statements made by Werner Neff in his book Restore Trust. Restore Trust is a nonfiction book whose primary objective is to identify the effects of politics on the lives of individuals in the U.S. The main intent is to find solutions that will eventually lead to a healthy and truly democratic state as envisioned by the founding fathers. The book contains 216 pages.
The author begins by backing the argument that the U.S. is a welfare state. He states that there are 200 social programs in the U.S. 23% of the nation’s population uses the three largest programs: Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, Supplemental Security Income, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamps). The reality is that these welfare programs for the needy are financed by every American taxpayer. The author reveals clearly that the number of people who require assistance is growing. Something must be wrong. Institutional poverty traps have been created and are causing many people to be termed as the working poor. Where did this problem begin? Can the situation be salvaged?
This is a thought-provoking book. The author’s opinions are expressed strongly and with sufficient evidence. In fact, what I liked most about the book is the author’s level of conviction. It showed his concern for the current state of affairs in the U.S. This is one thing that will be an inspiration to others to read this book. It shows that one has observed a problem and realized that something can be done to correct the situation. It made this book to be great and gripping. The other aspect I liked about the book was it was well researched. The author went ahead including the references to every quotation that was used. Some issues that may easily be unnoticed were discussed. These were discussed in detail hence their impact on the whole state could be seen.
The book is very informative and memorable. It was professionally edited. Therefore, I did not notice any error. The language used is also ordinary and therefore easily understandable. I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. The themes handled are very relevant. If they are taken into consideration, they will definitely lead to the development of a country where everyone will feel equal.
A very very good book
If you want a real insight to the political process that is going on In DC this the book you should read Werner Neff has a.n out side look that is real. Things he talks about are happening or has Happen. He explains why Social security is in its bad shape. It all started during the Reagan area. A must read if you want a good look at what going on in DC and what might happen.
Angela P.:
An excellent and in-depth review of what’s happening in today’s America from an objective point of view. Considering that the author is a non-native who clearly has an undeniable love of America and of healthy and diverse societies, Dr. Neff is an economist who brings a refreshing perspective to the table, and who and simplifies what is truly plaguing our nation.
The brilliance of this book is indeed in its simplicity — for you cannot accurately simplify what you cannot understand yourself. Reading it doesn’t mean that you’ll be ready for joining in on a presidential debate, by any means, but you’ll certainly be left with some rich food for thought and conversation starters.
Michael D. Voit on June 9, 2019:
A primer on current political and economic conditions
Laid out in short and concise arguments, author Werner Neff, cuts to the heart of where the American system has failed to fulfill its promise and potential. From the issues of minimum wage and social programs, to taxation and mis-representation, Werner draws on his global background and historical knowledge to present his reasoned perspective on issues facing our divided country. In addition to his concerns, he charts a course throughout his arguments to correcting our path and restoring balance to the benefit and health of the nation’s economy and its citizens.
Kindle Customer on November 27, 2018:
This should open your eyes.
I thought this rather laid it on the line of what the politicians are doing to the United States. Talks about the social programs, poverty and a look at it all from the eyes of someone who has lived in and experienced another government. We need to make changes.
Abacus (OnlineBookClub) on August 18, 2019
Restore Trust by Werner Neff is a rigorous analysis of “current social and political issues in the U.S.” and his proposed “economic solutions.” Neff predicates that “employment, the budget deficit, and taxes are influential in economic decision making.”
Minimum wage earners cannot survive without government programs to supplement their income; showing that America is not the free market it purports to be. Taxpayers must contribute to saving working people from starving, and working people must frequently work more than one job. He postulates it would be better to pay a living wage, allow the consequences of high prices or less profit, and reduce the welfare spending. The buying public would spend the same in aggregate for their goods but in a proper free-market environment. People in minimum wage jobs would maintain the dignity of supporting themselves adequately and not pay penalties for being poor. In the words of AlterNet’s Greta Christina: “Being poor is expensive.”
His thoughts on poverty suggest that welfare programs have institutionalized poverty and create and sustain it. He states that America is a welfare state and describes in detail the poverty traps that are self-sustaining. Based on Neff’s experience in Switzerland: he advocates that full-time and part-time employees pay into a fully funded national and personal pension. Neff initially thought that America was a great democracy but after living here awhile saw that many voters were dissatisfied with their government.
Neff’s provides meticulous research, and he offers a multitude of statistics to support his observations. Neff offers excellent insight into political influences over the last century, which affect America today. He suggests that at one time, each of the political parties was made up of conservatives and liberals. This mixture meant they were capable of governing and agreeing on a policy. However, in the present climate, each party is polarized and disparages the other to the detriment of civil government.
Many of Neff’s observations are compelling, although I cannot wholly agree with his political outlook. He also discusses a gig economy – like Uber playing broker between consumer and supplier -, healthcare, the budget deficit, and our broken tax code. Neff concludes with a call to action: “The advantages of democracy are not offered freely; citizen action is necessary, such as supporting equal voting rights, becoming active in the political system, and reminding legislators of their campaign promises.” His call to action specifies the steps we need to take under the headings of “Strengthen Democracy,” “Fight Poverty,” and “Reform the Economy.”
Restore Trust deserves a 4 out of 4-star rating for its thorough research and comprehensive analysis of America’s sociopolitical issues. It does not warrant 3 out of 4 stars because I detected no errors and it seems professionally edited. I recommend it to politicians, the voting public, and students of politics and economics. It could be read by anyone who cares about America’s future and the future of unborn generations. It is a call to action from the heart of an economist.
Rabid Reader on October 14, 2018:
A Complete Analysis of What’s Gone Wrong in the U.S.A.
I’m no economist, but I am deeply concerned about the state of the States. From an inadequate minimum living wage, to a “what’s in it for me” prevailing attitude to a bitter, divided and ineffectual bi-partisan Congress, our democracy is reeling. I think everyone, conservative or liberal, needs to read this book and use it as a guide to bring about meaningful change. Read it and you will be amazed!
OnlineBookReview.com wrote:
Governing a country is not a sport’s event with a winning and a losing team but a process to make the entire population the winner. This is one of the many statements made by Werner Neff in his book Restore Trust. Restore Trust is a nonfiction book whose primary objective is to identify the effects of politics on the lives of individuals in the U.S. The main intent is to find solutions that will eventually lead to a healthy and truly democratic state as envisioned by the founding fathers. The book contains 216 pages.
The author begins by backing the argument that the U.S. is a welfare state. He states that there are 200 social programs in the U.S. 23% of the nation’s population uses the three largest programs: Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, Supplemental Security Income, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamps). The reality is that these welfare programs for the needy are financed by every American taxpayer. The author reveals clearly that the number of people who require assistance is growing. Something must be wrong. Institutional poverty traps have been created and are causing many people to be termed as the working poor. Where did this problem begin? Can the situation be salvaged?
This is a thought-provoking book. The author’s opinions are expressed strongly and with sufficient evidence. In fact, what I liked most about the book is the author’s level of conviction. It showed his concern for the current state of affairs in the U.S. This is one thing that will be an inspiration to others to read this book. It shows that one has observed a problem and realized that something can be done to correct the situation. It made this book to be great and gripping. The other aspect I liked about the book was it was well researched. The author went ahead including the references to every quotation that was used. Some issues that may easily be unnoticed were discussed. These were discussed in detail hence their impact on the whole state could be seen.
The book is very informative and memorable. It was professionally edited. Therefore, I did not notice any error. The language used is also ordinary and therefore easily understandable. I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. The themes handled are very relevant. If they are taken into consideration, they will definitely lead to the development of a country where everyone will feel equal.
August 6, 2020
The book is on current economic and political errors that created poverty and entitlement society. The authors gives some solutions to the current problem in economy how the working class is living their life.The low minimum wages is the reason for many welfare schemes. Half of the Federal budget is spend on free medicaid, foodstamps and other schemes.
I took a lot of time to complete the book as it spoke about many economical issues, poltics, big corporates who help in fund raising and make the members of legislature to create law and amendments in their favour.
There are lot more to know and understand from this book. This is for readers who wish to read on current social and economic problem in the U.S.
I took a lot of time to complete the book as it spoke about many economical issues, poltics, big corporates who help in fund raising and make the members of legislature to create law and amendments in their favour.
There are lot more to know and understand from this book. This is for readers who wish to read on current social and economic problem in the U.S.
April 8, 2019
Werner Neff’s book is a well written treatise on a hugh issue that doesn't get the attention it deserves: poverty in America is systemic, and continues in part because large corporations are able to pay its workers less than a living wage. Our elected political representatives either don’t have the will, or are too beholden to campaign funding these corporations provide them, to break the cycle of government subsiding a low paid workforce through the various assistance programs, welfare, WIC, Section 8, etc. Ironically, it is us, the consumers, the working taxpayers who make up the financial difference -> not the benefiting corporations.
May 8, 2019
A very very good book
If you want a real insight to the political process that is going on In DC this the book you should read Werner Neff has a.n out side look that is real. Things he talks about are happening or has Happen. He explains why Social security is in its bad shape. It all started during the Regan area. A must read if you want a good look at what going on in DC and what might happen.
If you want a real insight to the political process that is going on In DC this the book you should read Werner Neff has a.n out side look that is real. Things he talks about are happening or has Happen. He explains why Social security is in its bad shape. It all started during the Regan area. A must read if you want a good look at what going on in DC and what might happen.
February 4, 2019
An excellent and in-depth review of what's happening in today's America from an objective point of view. Considering that the author is a non-native who clearly has an undeniable love of America and of healthy and diverse societies, Dr. Neff is an economist who brings a refreshing perspective to the table, and who and simplifies what is truly plaguing our nation. The brilliance of this book is indeed in its simplicity -- for you cannot accurately simplify what you cannot understand yourself. Reading it doesn't mean that you'll be ready for joining in on a presidential debate, by any means, but you'll certainly be left with some rich food for thought and conversation starters.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews