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Robert Reich on Government Reform Former Secretary of Labor; Democratic Challenger MA Governor

Cut wasteful programs, start with across-the-board 3% cuts

Here's how it works. A wealthy individual receives an invitation to have coffee with a Congressman. The photograph memorializing the coffee chat, complete with signature, hangs on the person's office wall.

What does this mean for the wealthy individual in incalculable. Suddenly he has become a person of influence.

Establish satellite governor’s office in Berkshire County

Standing on a wooden box behind the lectern, Reich, who is 4’10“ tall, drew laughs when he declared himself to be ”the only candidate with a real platform.“

Money corrupts politics subtly

Here's how it works. A wealthy individual receives an invitation to have coffee with a Congressman. The photograph memorializing the coffee chat, complete with signature, hangs on the person's office wall.

What does this mean for the wealthy individual in incalculable. Suddenly he has become a person of influence. Such a reputation is valuable to him socially & financially.

In return, the politician may or may not get a campaign contribution directly from the wealthy individual. But through the wealthy individual the politician gains access to a network of wealthy people: the individual's friends & business colleagues. These new contacts may have previously harbored misgivings about the politician's values or objectives. But now the wealthy individual's relationship to the politician reassures them.