Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and Democracy SOLVED! SAMPLE! #36 - Bribery Jazz - Corruption is the Water We Swim In
Mar 23, 2026
They dig into the deep history of money shaping American politics and how corruption became routine. They unpack how hidden financial pressure, media consolidation, and elite networks create a sealed policy bubble. They coin colorful terms for subtle influence like unspent threats and explore global examples that might offer lessons for change.
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Powell Memo Built A Blueprint For Modern Corruption
- The Powell Memo created a decades-long plan by the wealth class to buy politics, media, schools, and courts to rig democracy.
- David Sirota explains this blueprint deliberately deregulated campaign finance and anti-bribery laws to install aligned officials.
Build Movements Strong Enough To Hold Politicians Accountable
- Build mass movements that make politicians safe to demand radical change and hold power once elected.
- Start by recognizing how bad corruption is, get people sufficiently outraged, then organize durable political pressure.
Corruption Runs On Hermetic Policy Bubbles
- Corruption now works by creating a closed information and personnel bubble around legislators rather than literal cash exchanges.
- Sirota: think tanks, policy proposals, and campaign finance buy access and shape what's considered politically realistic.
