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You Get What You Pay For: An Average American's Guide: How Money Corrupts Washington
Special interests dominate Washington. Through their political spending and lobbying they can usually achieve the policies they want even if they conflict with public opinion.
While most Americans viscerally sense the corruption in government, they are not sure how it operates. In this basic guide, you will learn the nuts and bolts of this legalized money laundering scheme that has reached such heights it is now destabilizing our democracy.
Moreover, you will see real life examples of how it profoundly impacts your life—from annual tax returns to online privacy rights, from the size of airplane seats to the degradation of the environment.
Most importantly, an argument for structurally reforming the political system through publicly financed election campaigns will be made as critical to preserving our republic.
While most Americans viscerally sense the corruption in government, they are not sure how it operates. In this basic guide, you will learn the nuts and bolts of this legalized money laundering scheme that has reached such heights it is now destabilizing our democracy.
Moreover, you will see real life examples of how it profoundly impacts your life—from annual tax returns to online privacy rights, from the size of airplane seats to the degradation of the environment.
Most importantly, an argument for structurally reforming the political system through publicly financed election campaigns will be made as critical to preserving our republic.
128 pages, Paperback
Published December 1, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 24, 2023
This book was jam - packed with information about something voters don't typically think about - campaign financing, or who funds Senate, House, and Presidential candidates' campaigns. This book uses a "follow the money" method to show how ultra - wealthy individual donors and industries control public policy and the fate of things like healthcare, tax filing, and climate change because they are responsible for funding the election campaigns of Congressional and Presidential candidates, and these candidates don't want to lose their shot at getting elected by offending these donors. These donors even use their money to influence the composition of the Supreme Court, which has become increasingly far - right and partisan since Trump's presidency.
The book shows how campaign financing has gone completely rogue, with companies and ultra - wealthy individual donors being able to donate to dark money groups in order to finance campaigns so that their identities and the source of these obscene amounts of money can remain totally hidden. Most voters are probably aware of Super PACS and their role in campaign financing, but this book will open your eyes to the full extent of this rogue financing system and show that it's a lot more than Super PACS.
The author's proposed reforms of placing limits on how much individual companies and donors can donate to campaigns each quarter and replacing the current system with a taxpayer - funded campaign fund sound solid. I found that the author gravely underestimated the scale of division in our country currently though. He cast this rogue campaign financing system and news programs as the sole sources of extremely partisan candidates and policies, but I don't think that's the case. This is the main reason I give the book 4 stars instead of 5. The author used a couple Pew polls to prove how most American voters want the same policies, but I think such Pew polls self - select for moderate voters, i.e. most extremely partisan voters aren't going to be interested in taking such polls. It only takes a couple looks at the warring protests in recent years on social media and in the streets to see that the current divisions in our country go far beyond the influence of campaign financers and news programs. Disinformation has always existed, but now it can explode in its scope through social media. Even if reforms around campaign financing are enacted and better policies around healthcare, taxes, and climate change can finally be pushed through, it will take years to repair the damage such disinformation has done, and I have a feeling there will be many who would still cling to this disinformation.
That being said, the author does a good job of showing how these ultra - wealthy donors are invested in the dissemination of disinformation around things like the Covid vaccine and policies that would be good for the country. They cast healthcare and tax reforms as socialism and try to get voters distracted from real policies by getting them more invested in culture wars. That is because such policies would hurt these donors.
The author also argues that rearranging campaign financing is the next big reform, and shows how most Americans have lost hope in any big reforms because most of us haven't lived through a big reform period, which I found enlightening and true. The last reform period was in the 1960s, so only the Boomer generation would remember. However we can draw upon past reform periods to make the modern reforms we need today.
The book shows how campaign financing has gone completely rogue, with companies and ultra - wealthy individual donors being able to donate to dark money groups in order to finance campaigns so that their identities and the source of these obscene amounts of money can remain totally hidden. Most voters are probably aware of Super PACS and their role in campaign financing, but this book will open your eyes to the full extent of this rogue financing system and show that it's a lot more than Super PACS.
The author's proposed reforms of placing limits on how much individual companies and donors can donate to campaigns each quarter and replacing the current system with a taxpayer - funded campaign fund sound solid. I found that the author gravely underestimated the scale of division in our country currently though. He cast this rogue campaign financing system and news programs as the sole sources of extremely partisan candidates and policies, but I don't think that's the case. This is the main reason I give the book 4 stars instead of 5. The author used a couple Pew polls to prove how most American voters want the same policies, but I think such Pew polls self - select for moderate voters, i.e. most extremely partisan voters aren't going to be interested in taking such polls. It only takes a couple looks at the warring protests in recent years on social media and in the streets to see that the current divisions in our country go far beyond the influence of campaign financers and news programs. Disinformation has always existed, but now it can explode in its scope through social media. Even if reforms around campaign financing are enacted and better policies around healthcare, taxes, and climate change can finally be pushed through, it will take years to repair the damage such disinformation has done, and I have a feeling there will be many who would still cling to this disinformation.
That being said, the author does a good job of showing how these ultra - wealthy donors are invested in the dissemination of disinformation around things like the Covid vaccine and policies that would be good for the country. They cast healthcare and tax reforms as socialism and try to get voters distracted from real policies by getting them more invested in culture wars. That is because such policies would hurt these donors.
The author also argues that rearranging campaign financing is the next big reform, and shows how most Americans have lost hope in any big reforms because most of us haven't lived through a big reform period, which I found enlightening and true. The last reform period was in the 1960s, so only the Boomer generation would remember. However we can draw upon past reform periods to make the modern reforms we need today.
February 18, 2023
An eye opening book on how the new era of politics works in democracy. It is an entirely new perspective and was always under our nose but somehow we failed to grasp the importance of this matter. The book is remarkable for its brutal facts and breaking of misconceptions.
The biggest conception of modern day politics is that the elected members of the political spectrum are there to represent the voices of the citizens. Well, that is not the case actually and Michael Rizzo insightfully explains the means of politics and how it works for financial gain of its donors.
There is the fifth branch of the government which is quite unofficial yet the most influential one. It shares its interest in every other branch where decisions are made. That is the "investment" branch ruled by political lobbyists.
If you are a citizen trying to encompass the ideology of a political party, you have to understand there is an obscure reality which is literally the truth supported by facts. Throughout the history of American politics, the principles of individual liberty have been put aside to slowly form an oligarchical state run by the elite businessmen who operate from behind.
I quite enjoyed this book for two reasons: it is eye opening and incredibly insightful. Perhaps like a guide to know who is the real owner of the political theatre. That is what the author explains from a political point of view.
However, there is also another side from a citizen's point of view. Knowingly or unknowingly, a citizen is obliged to take part in this dirty business. If you take out the interest of a common citizen, you will find out that every kind of institution and private system (monopoly of big business from every sector) controls what a citizen can own.
I think criticism of the supreme court is narrated in a negative impression that it follows the interest of the stronger. It is still debatable but the way politics is working and institutions are becoming something that can't be put into the test of public opinion, there is a sign of danger as the author makes us see.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I will only say read this book once and you'll think twice before making political decisions about the federal government. Also, you'll have your attention at the reforms that are well in need of the hour.
The biggest conception of modern day politics is that the elected members of the political spectrum are there to represent the voices of the citizens. Well, that is not the case actually and Michael Rizzo insightfully explains the means of politics and how it works for financial gain of its donors.
There is the fifth branch of the government which is quite unofficial yet the most influential one. It shares its interest in every other branch where decisions are made. That is the "investment" branch ruled by political lobbyists.
If you are a citizen trying to encompass the ideology of a political party, you have to understand there is an obscure reality which is literally the truth supported by facts. Throughout the history of American politics, the principles of individual liberty have been put aside to slowly form an oligarchical state run by the elite businessmen who operate from behind.
I quite enjoyed this book for two reasons: it is eye opening and incredibly insightful. Perhaps like a guide to know who is the real owner of the political theatre. That is what the author explains from a political point of view.
However, there is also another side from a citizen's point of view. Knowingly or unknowingly, a citizen is obliged to take part in this dirty business. If you take out the interest of a common citizen, you will find out that every kind of institution and private system (monopoly of big business from every sector) controls what a citizen can own.
I think criticism of the supreme court is narrated in a negative impression that it follows the interest of the stronger. It is still debatable but the way politics is working and institutions are becoming something that can't be put into the test of public opinion, there is a sign of danger as the author makes us see.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I will only say read this book once and you'll think twice before making political decisions about the federal government. Also, you'll have your attention at the reforms that are well in need of the hour.
February 18, 2023
This book is an interesting and insightful read into exactly how money can corrupt and affect U.S. politicians, the U.S. political system, and in turn how this affects all Americans (not just voters).
While money corrupting politics wouldn’t be new to Americans, this book provides mostly easy-to-digest details on exactly how, and the multiple areas it affects from the pharmaceutical industry, to airlines, tax returns, climate change, and cryptocurrency.
Rizzo presents a solution to the problem of U.S. politics and policy being corrupted through money “donated” by the wealthy – public financing of federal candidates. He backs up his argument by not only outlining and telling us exactly how money corrupts U.S. politics and politicians, but also by making his book an interactive read by telling readers how to look for information online using sites like Open Secrets, a non-profit organisation that tracks campaign and lobbying donations, as well as the Federal Election Commission’s and the IRS’ official websites.
Rizzo’s overall objective with his book is to provide the average American reader with a basic education of how money corrupts Washington and he manages to achieve this by making his book an interactive read using credible sources and written in easy-to-understand language, with the occasional cultural references thrown in to drive his points home. He doesn’t claim to be an expert, but he has clearly done his research.
While the language is easy to understand, the concepts may be a little hard to digest, and his multiple instructions to visit websites and look at the data did become a little tiring (not to mention, this data will eventually become outdated). Overall, I’d recommend this book to any U.S. person interested in finding out more on how money affects U.S. politics, as well as to any person outside of the U.S. who would like this insight and is interested in comparing and contrasting it to their own country’s political system.
While money corrupting politics wouldn’t be new to Americans, this book provides mostly easy-to-digest details on exactly how, and the multiple areas it affects from the pharmaceutical industry, to airlines, tax returns, climate change, and cryptocurrency.
Rizzo presents a solution to the problem of U.S. politics and policy being corrupted through money “donated” by the wealthy – public financing of federal candidates. He backs up his argument by not only outlining and telling us exactly how money corrupts U.S. politics and politicians, but also by making his book an interactive read by telling readers how to look for information online using sites like Open Secrets, a non-profit organisation that tracks campaign and lobbying donations, as well as the Federal Election Commission’s and the IRS’ official websites.
Rizzo’s overall objective with his book is to provide the average American reader with a basic education of how money corrupts Washington and he manages to achieve this by making his book an interactive read using credible sources and written in easy-to-understand language, with the occasional cultural references thrown in to drive his points home. He doesn’t claim to be an expert, but he has clearly done his research.
While the language is easy to understand, the concepts may be a little hard to digest, and his multiple instructions to visit websites and look at the data did become a little tiring (not to mention, this data will eventually become outdated). Overall, I’d recommend this book to any U.S. person interested in finding out more on how money affects U.S. politics, as well as to any person outside of the U.S. who would like this insight and is interested in comparing and contrasting it to their own country’s political system.
February 15, 2023
“You Get What You Pay For” explains the impact money has on policy decisions in the United States. Huge financial muscles is a threat to democracy in America. From campaigns to policy formulation, money talks! Wealthy individuals fund the campaigns of select individuals who in turn favor certain political ideologies that resonate with their financiers. The influence of corruption in politics undermines the integrity of our democracy. The elected officials do not serve the public interests but are after the welfare of their donors. Capitalism continues to plague the economic systems in modern-day America. Instead of focusing on preferred public policies or interests, government officials are entangled in selfish agendas. Michael Rizzo goes deep into the rot prevalent in the system and lays bare the truth. His political angle in a topic not everyone has the guts to unleash the facts about the toxic system sets him apart. Washington is at the center stage as politicians use money to have their way. The author does not point fingers but also discusses solutions that can overturn the mess. He veers off the normal trajectory where he just mentions the problem but instead invites readers to really consider ways they can transform the nation to an equitable and fair society. For anyone interested in how the US government functions then this is a great read. Do not confuse this to be another history about US politics. It offers deep insights into politics of the day and how money is behind the policies being discussed in parliament.
February 11, 2023
Informative
"You Get What You Pay For: An Average American's Guide: How Money Corrupts Washington" by Michael Rizzo is a book sheds light on the issue of money in politics and how it affects the workings of the American government. The author, Michael Rizzo, takes an average American's perspective and presents a comprehensive guide to understanding money's impact on Washington's political process.
Following the title and description, the book delves into political corruption and how money's influence can undermine the democratic process and negatively impact society. The author's use of the "average American's perspective" is an interesting approach, as it highlights the issue from a common person's point of view, making the topic more relatable and accessible to a wider audience.
Overall, "You Get What You Pay For" is a thought-provoking and insightful book that provides readers with a deeper understanding of the impact of money in politics and the need for reform. It will be of particular interest to those concerned about political corruption and the need for a fair and just society.
"You Get What You Pay For: An Average American's Guide: How Money Corrupts Washington" by Michael Rizzo is a book sheds light on the issue of money in politics and how it affects the workings of the American government. The author, Michael Rizzo, takes an average American's perspective and presents a comprehensive guide to understanding money's impact on Washington's political process.
Following the title and description, the book delves into political corruption and how money's influence can undermine the democratic process and negatively impact society. The author's use of the "average American's perspective" is an interesting approach, as it highlights the issue from a common person's point of view, making the topic more relatable and accessible to a wider audience.
Overall, "You Get What You Pay For" is a thought-provoking and insightful book that provides readers with a deeper understanding of the impact of money in politics and the need for reform. It will be of particular interest to those concerned about political corruption and the need for a fair and just society.
February 10, 2023
This was a really fascinating read. Riveting. I think we all know that the U.S. Governement is shady and that capitalism is at the root of this evil we've fallen into as a country. But i was not expecting this book to go so deep and speak such truths.
What's more, this book offers hope. Ideally, we do have time to turn all of this around and Rizzo allows us to keep that dream alive. I would have appreciated more visuals--as I am a visual lerner, after all--but I still think the visuals that were shown were important.
I also loved the political focus. I think that's an important place to start dismanteling these toxic systems. The author clearly has a passion for taking these bigger subjects that nobody learns about in their formal education and making it incredibly accessible. I hope to see Rizzo take on similarly tricky and subversive topics to allow the people of this nation really take our fates into our own hands.
What's more, this book offers hope. Ideally, we do have time to turn all of this around and Rizzo allows us to keep that dream alive. I would have appreciated more visuals--as I am a visual lerner, after all--but I still think the visuals that were shown were important.
I also loved the political focus. I think that's an important place to start dismanteling these toxic systems. The author clearly has a passion for taking these bigger subjects that nobody learns about in their formal education and making it incredibly accessible. I hope to see Rizzo take on similarly tricky and subversive topics to allow the people of this nation really take our fates into our own hands.
March 1, 2023
You Get What You Pay For: An Average American's Guide: How Money Corrupts Washington by Michael Rizzo is about the ins and outs of the "political world" when it comes to the money aspect of it. Now I must say that I don't usually read non-fiction books, especially ones dealing with politics. However, this book surprised me in more ways than one. Michael Rizzo has a way of making politics sound interesting. He gives the readers good analogies when referencing what goes on. He also gives you different websites to look up different things that were stated in the book. He even breaks down the information further if you still don't comprehend all of it. Overall, Michael Rizzo has done a fantastic job with this book. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to know more about what is going on when it comes to politics and the economy. I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars.
April 17, 2023
You Get What You Pay For by Michael Rizzo is an insightful look into how money corrupts and impacts US politicians, the political system as a whole, and how this affects all people who live in the states.
Most Americans have knowledge of the financial corruption at work in Congress, but they don’t really understand how it works or why it happens. While money corrupting politics isn't new to Americans, Rizzo provides digestible details on exactly how money affects various areas of industry from the pharmaceuticals, to airlines, tax returns, climate change, and cryptocurrency. Rizzo aims to make his book accessible to the average reader, while still proving important details and distilling complex topics. Rizzo provides a great introduction to this subject in an easy, yet informative way.
Most Americans have knowledge of the financial corruption at work in Congress, but they don’t really understand how it works or why it happens. While money corrupting politics isn't new to Americans, Rizzo provides digestible details on exactly how money affects various areas of industry from the pharmaceuticals, to airlines, tax returns, climate change, and cryptocurrency. Rizzo aims to make his book accessible to the average reader, while still proving important details and distilling complex topics. Rizzo provides a great introduction to this subject in an easy, yet informative way.
February 15, 2023
The book is a great take on campaign finance, explaining it from the ground up in simple terms for the average person to understand thoroughly.
It also proposes a solution to the myriad of issues born from the current campaign finance system, which is to implement a public financing of federal candidates. It dissects the investment of access and influence by the wealthy.
The author shares many websites available to the public to see how the American political system works, and a list of references at the end of each chapter.
It also illustrates many of its points with screenshots of charts describing inequality.
You Get What You Pay For indeed.
It also proposes a solution to the myriad of issues born from the current campaign finance system, which is to implement a public financing of federal candidates. It dissects the investment of access and influence by the wealthy.
The author shares many websites available to the public to see how the American political system works, and a list of references at the end of each chapter.
It also illustrates many of its points with screenshots of charts describing inequality.
You Get What You Pay For indeed.
February 22, 2023
A really fascinating book that provides a detailed insight into the often worrying world of financial lobbying, special interest groups, and the subsequent impact this has on ordinary citizens and taxpayers. The synopsis of the book rightly points out that most Americans have a sense of the financial corruption at play in Washington, but they don’t have an understanding of how it actually works. This book is a great introduction to the subject - it’s detailed enough to provide insight, but still accessible. Similarly, at only 112 pages it’s easy to work through in only a couple of sittings.
February 7, 2023
This is a must read for all Americans, as well as all those who are intrigued by the inner workings and corruption of the US Government. As an American myself, I thought that I was educated on most of the governmental corruption existent in our country, but "You Get What You Pay For" showed me I still had a LOT to learn regarding the matter. Easily digestible and extremely informative. There is not much more you could ask for! Excellent read!
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