
Alec MacGillis
A comprehensive examination of America's intertwined crises of inequality, political corruption, social division, and the struggle for democracy in the 21st century.
The book intertwines personal stories from three distinct American places to illustrate national issues.
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Section 1
8 Sections
Imagine a serene town nestled between the waters of Long Island Sound and the border of New York State, where sprawling estates rise behind imposing stone walls, yachts gently rock at their docks, and the air is thick with the hum of financial power. This is Greenwich, Connecticut, a place transformed by the extraordinary fortunes of hedge fund managers and financiers.
Consider the staggering growth in CEO compensation relative to average workers. Where once the gap was a factor of twenty, today it has ballooned to nearly three hundred times. This is more than a statistic; it is a reflection of a society where economic opportunity is increasingly reserved for a privileged few, while the majority face stagnant wages and shrinking prospects.
Yet, this concentration of wealth is just the beginning of the story. It sets the stage for broader political and social dynamics that ripple through the nation, influencing everything from local governance to national policy. As we explore further, we will see how these economic realities intersect with politics, race, and social cohesion, weaving a complex tapestry of challenges and hopes. Let us now turn our attention to the political forces shaped by and shaping this new landscape.
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Discover the hidden forces behind America’s growing economic divide and what it means for our democracy.
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