{"product_id":"2940156908363","title":"Reclaim American Democracy:Economic Solutions to Dysfunctional Politics","description":"Is America Failing its Democracy?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIs the interest of the American people authentically and ethically represented by our Government? The general public is dissatisfied with politics, yet feels helpless to effect change. Yes, we have allowed our democracy to drift unnoticed into dysfunctional political theater. Preservation of the party line is more important than the wellbeing of the American people.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn Reclaim American Democracy, I explore critical breakdowns in American politics and encourage the American people to reclaim their democratic rights. We, the people, are fully responsible for change and cannot afford to sit back.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhy Can't America Eliminate Poverty?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMy eye-opening theory on poverty traps reveals the hidden betrayal of the American people. The working poor are trapped in a vicious cycle created by politics and policy and held in place by institutional mechanisms. If we do not put an end to these poverty traps quickly, we will create an even greater gap between the rich and poor. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe failure of American social legislation to protect its people is now impacting even the middle class. Inadequate health care coverage drives people into bankruptcy and poverty. The lack of mandatory savings for retirement leaves many citizens struggling in old age.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe minimum wage was created to ensure basic income for the lowest wage earners. Today, employers and politicians lobby and manipulate the minimum wage to keep labor costs low. Without a sufficient minimum wage, food stamps, Medicaid, and other social programs must fill the gap.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAmerican policy has been ineffective at eliminating poverty. Half of the Federal budget now supports the poor and the elderly all over the country.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHere's the Trap...\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDid you know that in the end you are indirectly supporting the bottom line and executive pay of companies who intentionally underpay their employees? Hardworking American people subsidize an insufficient minimum wage with their taxes through government programs. You, the taxpayer, are currently underwriting 200 welfare programs that help prevent people from failing into hunger, homelessness, and poverty.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Distortion of Democratic Principles\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe American political system allows the economic elite and big corporations to influence legislation in the form of lobbying. Lobbyists influence lawmakers to adjust or manipulate economic principles in their favor. Economic conditions increasingly favor the rich.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAs American democratic principles are distorted, the priorities of the American people are neglected.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Voting Paradox\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eToo many voters are blinded by the American Dream. Struggling citizens vote against their real needs and interests and, in the end, sabotage their own well-being and democratic rights.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eReclaim American Democracy is a vital contribution to the American people. It is a must read for change makers.","brand":"Outskirts Press, Inc.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47112233648368,"sku":"2940156908363","price":3.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0737\/7593\/9824\/files\/2940156908363_p0.jpg?v=1764089244","url":"https:\/\/shop-qa.barnesandnoble.com\/products\/2940156908363","provider":"Barnes \u0026 Noble (DEV)","version":"1.0","type":"link"}