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How the Little Guy Gets Crunched
Article

How the Little Guy Gets Crunched

Donald L. Barlett and James B. Steele
Time, 2000
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Editorial Rating

8

Qualities

  • Eye Opening
  • Engaging

Recommendation

Are you a “first-class” or a “second-class” citizen? Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist duo Donald L. Barlett and James B. Steele investigate how “government for the few at the expense of the many” is the rule, not the exception, in the United States. While this article dates to 2000, its message is as true today as it was at the time of publication: The wealthy and special interest groups buy influence, while everyone else plays by the rules. While always politically neutral, getAbstract recommends this article to policy makers, politicians and concerned citizens.

Summary

If you want to get “favorable treatment” in the United States, you need two things: money and connections. To be exact, you need to donate your money to the political campaigns of members of Congress and whoever is in the White House, and don’t forget about the lobby groups. If you do this, “success will maul you like groupies at a rock concert.” Campaign spending has created a two-class society: “First-class citizens” donate to politicians, campaigns and lobbyist groups. In return, these individuals can receive special privileges. They may enjoy immunity from certain laws, or their businesses could receive...

About the Authors

Donald L. Barlett and James B. Steele are collaborative American investigative journalists and authors.

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