Humans are social beings; at the core of our existence lies the need for belongingness and acceptance. However, transcending this appetite for connection is a perverse desire, and that is people’s desire for more.

Characterized as humanity’s fundamental flaw, greed is portrayed as a force in many. It pushes people to pursue material wealth even beyond their needs. Personal greed influences people’s relationships and mental health. But in a more expansive and political scope, what is the impact of political greed on the society it governs?

Understanding Political Greed

In his newest book, The Turn, author Dennis Joiner talks about political greed, corruption, and the shaping of America’s culture. His coverage spans America’s formative years, breaking down pivotal moments that contribute to how it is today. The Turn details multiple wars and social movements that shaped the country’s systems and culture, covering years of social change and development from its citizens and governing bodies.

The book is a social and political commentary on American society, diving into the consequential elements that have persisted throughout its years, one of which is political greed.

When Power Becomes the Prize, Not the Purpose

Are politicians truly power-hungry?

This question commonly echoes across countries, regardless of the governance above them. From lavish lifestyles to questionable funds that do absolutely nothing for communities, it’s reasonable for people to perceive these characters as being fueled by political greed.

But why is this the case? Is political greed and public policy inherently connected, or is the system running it causing the problem?

The Rise of Self-Serving Politics Today

As they say, power is blinding, and there’s no better means of proving this claim than by showcasing the long list of figures who run for governance solely for the power it holds. While power abuse in the government can be evasive, the rise of this so-called self-serving politics has become rather evident.

Machiavelli might point out that a good politician is self-serving. But it has gotten to a point today that this self-service does more harm than good in society. Instead of having their people’s best interests at heart, some politicians today prioritize themselves more as they become blinded by political greed. This erosion of purpose leads to decisions that fuel self-aggrandizement rather than the public.

The Price We Pay: The Pervasive Impact of Political Greed

It’s undeniable that (most) public servants have become power players. In fact, we see the consequences of political corruption unfolding and becoming more pressing today.

Between societal distress and economic inefficiencies, the public suffers the worst from such affairs. But how else do they recognize the impact of political greed?

Economic Inequality

When authorities are blinded by political greed, they don’t necessarily hog the power for themselves. Instead, they turn to their inner circle or the upper class to share their ill-gotten riches. This is when the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. Such a disparity is often attributed to the lack of opportunities and resources, which, ultimately, are controlled by these authorities.

Broken Trust

Without a doubt, the first to go when political greed becomes transparent is the public’s trust. It’s already bad when the public has preconceived corruption toward the government, but this becomes worse when proven. Their faith in the government and common institutions crumbles, reasonably so. When people feel like their politicians only use their positions for personal motives, trust erodes, and rebellion exists.

Public Services Decline

Political greed and public policy are negatively correlated, such that when one increases, the other decreases. This is precisely why nobody benefits from this affair other than the government. Public services like education, healthcare, and infrastructure are common casualties when leaders become power-hungry. After all, the money supposedly for the public is shared only with the chosen few.

Climate Crisis Becomes Ignored

Not only do the public services suffer, but the planet’s health and people’s safety ultimately decline. The world suffers when leaders prioritize their gains and profits over anything else. Instead of resolving an evident crisis, leaders focus on satisfying their agendas and motives. The government averts its mission, which is fundamentally to support and protect its citizens, to only benefit those in power.

Can America Reclaim Its Political Soul?

Whether the country can regain political purity and clarity is a complex question. There’s no easy answer, as it primarily depends on how people see such “purity and clarity.” Many problems need resolutions; others may even require a complete trashing of existing systems. However, it’s for everyone’s benefit to understand that anything is possible.

The threats to the nation’s identity and its troubled development can be resolved and rescued. It might need a lot of time before things get straightened out, but political greed can be eroded when firmly and strictly addressed. The question then isn’t on its possibility. Instead, it’s a matter of people’s will and actions shaping it into existence.

To better understand this concept and how it has influenced American society, grab a copy of Dennis Joiner’s The Turn!