The Big Ripoff: How Big Business and Big Government Steal Your Money

by Timothy P. Carney and Carney

Book Overview

Praise for THE BIG RIPOFF "Politicians like to say that government is on the side of the little guy. But with impressive documentation and persuasive examples, Tim Carney shows how government power and regulation are typically used to assist the powerful." -Paul A. Gigot Editorial Page Editor, the Wall Street Journal "Exposes the dirty little secret of American politics: how big businesses work with statist politicians to diminish the prosperity and...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0471789070
• ISBN13: 9780471789079
• Release Date: July 2006
• Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
• Length: 285 Pages
• Weight: 1.14 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.8" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Tim hits the point that most people miss

There is a misconception by many that: - Big business wants free markets - Government protects us from big business - Government regulations are intended to restrict big business - Big business is more aligned with the political right than the political left This book meticulously chronicles the mechanism by which big business partners with government in order to: - subsidize its operations - create its own government customers, both foreign and domestic - eliminate the free market, and replace it with a corrupt one - tilt the playing field so that small business has no chance - control who wins elections By the end, you realize that the government's primary function is to redistribute wealth from the middle class to the corporate class. You also realize we don't actually live in a free market. In a free market, the businesses that succeed are the ones who customers decide are providing value. In our system, the businesses that succeed are the ones who effectively suck money from taxpayers via the government, regardless of what they provide to the health of society. This book is important because its message is unique. It is not the same tired old republican theories about trickle down economics or left-wing theories about the evils of the market. Thank you, Tim Carney, for advancing the debate past the usual left/right myths.

I suggest everyone should read this before they vote in the next election.

Many times I complain when I see a large portion of my paycheck stripped of income. Occasionally I declare in a frustrated tone, "where is my money going?". As shown in Timothy P. Carney's book The Big Rip off, our money lands in the pockets of big business from our government through our tax dollars. Before reading The Big Ripoff, I discovered the largest supporter of the Kyoto Protocol was Enron. I began wondering if this was good for our environment, or was it just making a select few rich. But not having the time to research the subject I let my curiosity simmer. Carney has taken time to research the age old question "what does the government do with my tax dollars?". Carney will open your eyes to many corporate welfare programs and abuses of eminent domain by politicians for the benefit of companies. Furthermore, you will learn that big companies are the most adamant supporters of more government regulation because it restricts smaller less powerful companies from entering their field. I suggest everyone should read this before they vote in the next election. You will learn that the piles of cash the government gives to big corporations is not determined by the political party, but by the political system itself. If you wish to discover how and why your hard earned tax dollars are sent to these large companies, you need to read this book. You will be shocked in what you learn. You will also be delighted to find a bibliography helping you discover resources for your own research.

Frightening collaboration between government and Big Business

I was drawn to this book becauase I saw Robert Novak's Foreword. I was blown away how honest and fair Carney was in The Big Ripoff. One thing is apparent after reading this book. People for big government will not like this book because he calls for an end to government regulation of businesses. Carney's thought process can be illustrated like this: less gov't= better business practices. I loved his points that show a blatent intent to profit by businesses by supporting government regulations or protocols. For instance, Enron supporting the Kyoto protocol because it would give them a chance for more business. Then business lobbyists working with Congress. Dare I say Jack Abramahoff. Carney also attacks the myth that Republicans are the party of the rich. Carney accomplishes this by facts and scenarios outlining contributions. Carney also shows that both parties deal with Big Business. The only reason Republicans have been in the news more goes back to who is in power. The rest of the book shows some interesting ties between certain companies and big business. If you want a book that shows the truth and also makes you feel helpless then get the Big Ripoff. His stories of the companies are enough merit to purchase this one.

A wake up call

An important book, particularly before election time. Carney uncovers the millions (maybe billions) of dollars that go directly to big business, compliments of our elected officials (of both flavors), and how big business lobbies government to protect its interests at the expense of smaller business and individuals. It's one thing for government to tax people to provide for the needy, but I don't see how Boeing can ever be described as "needy." Maybe government gets too much money from taxpayers, and politicians need a reminder that they are there to serve and protect -- individuals. Not to take our money to give to the likes of Boeing and ADM and other big companies! You will be shocked, as we all should be. Hopefully this book will inspire some action on the part of voters.

democratic perspecptive

My son Tim looks at it from the right. I look at if from the left but Tim is on point. Regulation ends up supporting the regulated rather than the consumer or the small competitor. jfc