Includes bibliographical references (pages 469-522) and index.
Contents:
pt. one. Weaponizing philanthropy : the war of ideas, 1970-2008. Radicals : a Koch family history -- The hidden hand : Richard Mellon Scaife -- Beachheads : John M. Olin and the Bradley brothers -- The Koch method : free-market mayhem -- The Kochtopus : free-market machine -- pt. two. Secret sponsors : covert operations, 2009-2010. Boots on the ground -- Tea time -- The fossils -- Money is speech : the long road to Citizens United -- The shellacking : Dark Money's midterm debut, 2010 -- pt. three. Privatizing politics : total combat, 2011-2014. The spoils : plundering Congress -- Mother of all wars : the 2012 setback -- The states : gaining ground -- Selling the new Koch : a better battle plan.
Summary:
Why is America living in an age of profound and widening economic inequality? Why have even modest attempts to address climate change been defeated again and again? Why do hedge-fund billionaires pay a far lower tax rate than middle-class workers? In a riveting and indelible feat of reporting, Jane Mayer illuminates the history of an elite cadre of plutocrats--headed by the Kochs, the Scaifes, the Olins, and the Bradleys--who have bankrolled a systematic plan to fundamentally alter the American political system. Mayer traces a byzantine trail of billions of dollars spent by the network, revealing a staggering conglomeration of think tanks, academic institutions, media groups, courthouses, and government allies that have fallen under their sphere of influence. Drawing from hundreds of exclusive interviews, as well as extensive scrutiny of public records, private papers, and court proceedings, Mayer provides vivid portraits of the secretive figures behind the new American oligarchy and a searing look at the carefully concealed agendas steering the nation. Dark Money is an essential book for anyone who cares about the future of American democracy.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.