How Big Business Destroyed the American Dream: The Thom Hartmann Hidden History

In his latest book, The Hidden History of How Big Business Destroyed the American Dream, Thom Hartmann presents a shocking exposé of the corporate greed and corruption that has led to the decline of the middle class and the rise of inequality in America.

The Hidden History of Monopolies: How Big Business Destroyed the American Dream (The Thom Hartmann Hidden History Series Book 4)

by Thom Hartmann

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3093 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	192 pages

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Hartmann argues that the American Dream has been systematically dismantled by a small group of wealthy and powerful corporations who have used their money and influence to rig the system in their favor. These corporations have bought and sold politicians, corrupted the media, and created a system of laws that favors the rich over the poor.

As a result, the middle class has been squeezed out of existence, and the gap between the rich and the poor has grown wider than ever before. Today, the top 1% of Americans own more wealth than the bottom 90% combined. And the middle class is shrinking as more and more Americans are forced to live paycheck to paycheck.

Hartmann's book is a wake-up call for all Americans who are concerned about the future of our country. He shows how the American Dream has been hijacked by big business and offers a plan for taking it back.

The Rise of Corporate Power

The rise of corporate power in America is a relatively recent phenomenon. In the early days of the Republic, corporations were small and relatively powerless. However, in the late 19th century, a series of Supreme Court decisions began to give corporations the same rights as individuals. This allowed corporations to accumulate vast amounts of wealth and power, and they quickly began to use that power to influence government and shape public policy.

One of the most important Supreme Court decisions in the history of corporate power was the 1886 case of Santa Clara County v. Southern Pacific Railroad Company. In this case, the Court ruled that corporations are "artificial persons" with the same rights as natural persons. This ruling gave corporations the right to own property, enter into contracts, and sue and be sued. It also allowed them to make political contributions and lobby government officials.

The Santa Clara County decision opened the floodgates for corporate influence in American politics. Corporations quickly began to use their money and power to buy and sell politicians. They also created a vast network of lobbyists and think tanks to promote their interests. As a result, corporations have come to dominate the American political system.

The Decline of the Middle Class

The rise of corporate power has had a devastating impact on the American middle class. In the 1950s, the middle class was the backbone of the American economy. However, since then, the middle class has been steadily shrinking, as more and more Americans are forced to live paycheck to paycheck.

There are a number of factors that have contributed to the decline of the middle class. One factor is the globalization of the economy. American companies have been moving their operations overseas to take advantage of cheaper labor costs. This has led to the loss of millions of manufacturing jobs in the United States.

Another factor that has contributed to the decline of the middle class is the rise of automation. Machines are increasingly being used to perform tasks that were once done by humans. This has led to the loss of even more jobs, and it is expected that automation will continue to displace workers in the years to come.

Finally, the middle class has been squeezed by the rising cost of living. The cost of housing, healthcare, and education has all increased faster than wages. This has made it difficult for many middle-class families to make ends meet.

The Way Forward

The decline of the middle class is a serious threat to the American Dream. If we want to rebuild the middle class and restore the American Dream, we need to take back our government from the corporations that have hijacked it.

Hartmann's book offers a plan for taking back our government and rebuilding the middle class. He calls for a number of reforms, including:

• Ending corporate welfare
• Reversing the Citizens United decision
• Raising the minimum wage
• Investing in education and infrastructure

These reforms are essential if we want to rebuild the middle class and restore the American Dream. We need to take back our government from the corporations and put it back in the hands of the people.

The Hidden History of How Big

The Hidden History of Monopolies: How Big Business Destroyed the American Dream (The Thom Hartmann Hidden History Series Book 4)

by Thom Hartmann

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3093 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	192 pages

FREE