America’s political, social, and cultural landscape has drastically changed over the decades. Through the years, major changes have overtaken different aspects of the country. In recent times, political greed, corruption, and the shaping of America’s culture have been heavily influenced by monetary means. In short, money makes everything move—whether it’s in the right or wrong direction.

While money is the force that facilitates transactions, it’s the political elites and their insatiable greed that drive this systemic corruption. Greed has consumed the minds of political figures, harming society in numerous ways. Greed’s grip on U.S. politics is clear as day.

How Money Influences Political Movements

Many decisions are based on funding. Do you need a kitchen renovation? It requires a couple of hundred dollars. Are you thinking of purchasing a new car? You have to secure documents and money.

In politics, particularly during election periods, candidates with wealthy donors tend to have an advantage. Campaign financing is shouldered by supporters with unlimited funds; thus, increasing campaign materials, air time advertisements, and promotions in traditional and modern media. According to a report produced by OpenSecrets, candidates, whether for the Presidential election or not, who spend more during the campaign usually win the position. Although it doesn’t always equate to victory, the trend says otherwise.

Besides elections, lobbying also plays a role in pushing particular policies for certain groups. According to a 2024 report from OpenSecrets, pharmaceutical and healthcare groups spent $4.2 billion lobbying federal lawmakers in 2023. Whether the motivations of these groups are good or not, the point shows how money influences the policies created, accepted, and rejected by the government. Evidently, greed’s grip on U.S. politics is manifested in these processes.

Political Greed Harms Democracy

Greed often overpowers a person’s conscience, integrity, and perception. This personality trait is learned and adapted, an internal desire and mindset that develops through time. When discussing politics, how does greed impact the constituents?

Some areas affected by political greed include healthcare, climate reform, education (including student debt), technology, and data privacy. Policies that prioritize earning more money are highlighted. Instead of creating plans that benefit ordinary citizens, most politicians opt for policies that enrich the wealthy.

Wealth and governance have become intertwined because of politicians’ greed. The gap between ordinary citizens and the wealthy has widened, resulting in a deeper level of inequality in their social lifestyles. With policies being created for the wealthy few, the working class is suffering.

With greed’s grip on U.S. politics, transparency and fairness have deteriorated. The disconnect is evident in how the world works for different communities. And all of these things are traced back to political greed.

Modern Media and Political Greed

Politicians have utilized modern media, specifically social media, to convey their message to ordinary citizens. During election campaigns, hundreds of political advertisements have popped up on various platforms. Reaching families and communities is easier with social media, but it’s also an avenue of misinformation and fake news.

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Nowadays, posting images, posters, infographics, and charts can be done right away. Some of these materials contain incorrect information and false data, which can influence readers’ opinions. This has been used to propagate new opinions and pathways that have divided many sectors. Through money, these incorrect and harmful ideas are pushed as norms—causing confusion and chaos among folks.

Pushing agendas that align with politically greedy personalities has muddled the truth. Pushing agendas that align with politically greedy personalities has muddled the truth. Political greed, corruption, and the shaping of America’s culture has been disrupted for many years, it’s time to make a change for a better future.

Changing the Political Atmosphere

Dennis Joiner’s The Turn discusses how greed damages systems and societies. As a political critique, the book reflects on political systems and powerful figures that impair the community’s growth. The Turn reveals the interconnectedness of corporations, personal greed, political motivations, and citizens’ experiences, which are the consequences of decades of misguided decisions. The book advocates for reforms that will redirect the path and lessen greed’s grip on U.S. politics.

So, what are some reforms that would benefit ordinary citizens? First, politicians should start to minimize or stop accepting funds from private donors who are known to have questionable motivations. When this way is implemented, it will prevent private donors from influencing politicians’ decisions on policies. Next, there should be stricter rules for the lobbying influence of sectors.

Moreover, there should be more policies that promote transparency in the processes between government entities. It would also be essential to educate and inform the citizens through information drives and civic engagement. In this way, they are better informed and more publicly aware of the country’s status. Additionally, this will combat misinformation and fake news. It will also encourage people to be more cautious about the information they read or encounter online.

Changing politicians’ mindsets and attitudes is challenging and often impossible. Therefore, the citizens have the power to elect better lawmakers, choose more honest representatives, and demand improvements. The citizens can make a significant difference that will benefit a lot of communities.

Why Does This Matter to Everyone

At the end of the day, one question remains. Why does this matter? With greed’s grip on U.S. politics still going strong, problems persist among cities. The rising costs of basic goods, medicine, and other daily needs are manifested in the increase in prices. When compared to the prices and sizes of foods in the market, you can see a significant difference.

Right now, many people are drowning in debt. Some salaries are insufficient to cover the cost of basic necessities, such as groceries, rent, and fuel. Ordinary citizens often turn to borrowing money to keep up with their expenses, and in turn, they accumulate excessive debt. When prices are lowered, ordinary citizens will feel relief.

Despite evidence proving that climate change is happening, many sectors and groups choose to advocate policies and processes that do more harm to the environment. When politicians recognize environmental problems and their causes, they can implement changes. If they are not blinded by greed, they will prioritize people over money.

Community working together for the future | Photo by Hannah Busing on Unsplash

The community and all its ordinary and hard-working citizens deserve something better. People should live in a society where they don’t have to struggle to make a living, a place where they feel protected and valued. When they are in a healthier place, they can grow to their fullest and be an asset to society.

Intrigued by the in-depth analysis and output of Dennis Joiner’s book The Turn? Don’t miss the opportunity and grab a copy of this informative political critique today!