Review by Johan Erasmus -- Unchecked capitalism is killi...

[Johan Erasmus]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Unchecked capitalism is killing us!" by Earl Rynerson.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Wake Up! Unchecked Capitalism Is Killing Us! by Earl B. Rynerson aims to provide qualitative and quantitative evidence of how unrestrained capitalism and greedy, corrupt lobbying practices pose a grave threat to U.S. democracy. In a nutshell, the author courageously argues that corporate growth provides both the means and incentive for these big, powerful companies to manipulate and collude with corrupt politicians in Washington to ensure that their needs consistently outweigh those of the average American citizen. Taxpayers continue to be deprived of fair and ethical legislation that safeguards or serves the People. This leads to many destructive consequences, not the least of which is increasing inequality and the crumbling infrastructure of the Nation. The first few chapters carefully explain the causes and dynamics of this process, why it often goes unnoticed, and mentions the staggering amounts of dirty money involved. The author calls out dozens of guilty industries and individuals (the 0.1%) associated -Big Pharma, Big Oil, Big Sugar, Healthcare, etc., and even recent U.S. presidents. The main body of the book elaborates on these industries and their malpractices, misconduct, and corrupt collusions with the Government and how the effects of the Coronavirus are exacerbated by it. The author concludes his work by providing possible solutions (including suggesting a new political party) and by encouraging every citizen to participate in political activism in any form.

This work of non-fiction serves as outstanding investigative journalism. What I also liked about it was that Rynerson drew on academic, professional, and personal experience in politics to write from his heart. He reveals his honest concerns, not only as an activist, but also as a patriotic American who has witnessed the collapse of American civil liberties, infrastructure, and the Dream. In a world where biased opinions and fake news are common, it was certainly refreshing to read an opinion that is backed up by empirical facts, abundant case studies, and relevant personal experience. One of the many terrifying examples from Wake Up! Unchecked Capitalism Is Killing Us! that illuminates the complete indifference to human life enabled by Government, pharmaceutical companies and even physicians is the opioid epidemic. Rynerson’s research shows that opioid and other addictive drug overdose deaths over the last twenty years is more than double the number of American deaths during the Second World War! Hundreds of thousands of Americans dead, all for profit and greed...

Although the sheer number of corruption/collusion examples provide a clear picture and plenty of evidence, I occasionally could not help but feel as though driving by a gruesome automobile pile up, trying to look away but unable to. In other words, in my opinion, it would have been possible to list fewer examples or at least summarize them, without losing the impact or importance of his moral. It did not always make for relaxed reading, but other readers may disagree.

Regardless of the above mentioned I can confidently rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. Overall, I found the content informative, accurate, important but above all- valiant.

I recommend Wake Up! Unchecked Capitalism Is Killing Us! not only to people with an interest in politics but to all honest and struggling Americans who are fed up with the way capitalism is abused by their chosen leaders. The book has been professionally edited, as I only found one repeated sentence and one numbering error.

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Unchecked capitalism is killing us!
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[Raluca_Mihaila]

It seems like a very educational book that can shed some light regarding politics. I enjoyed reading your thorough review!

[Chizioboli]

The American politics is no different from other politics if I may assume. Quite an elaborate review I must confess.

[Johan Erasmus]

Thanks, guys. It was educational, for sure. And yes, American politics is not that different from other countries'. Manipulative taking from manipulable...