Review by Ivona R -- Restore Trust by Werner NEFF
Posted: 09 Jun 2020, 07:43
[Following is a volunteer review of "Restore Trust" by Werner NEFF.]
Restore Trust: Economic Solutions to Social and Political Issues in the U.S. by Werner Neff is a non-fiction book about the political system in the U.S. It represents a brief history that led to the current state, some major socio-economic and political issues, and some ideal solutions. Neff, who was born in Switzerland, obtained a PhD in Political Science. Upon his retirement, he moved to Colorado to live with his American wife and support her while she was ill. This prompted him to analyze why he was able to enjoy his secure retirement, while his American wife and many others had to struggle throughout their lives. He dedicates this book to the American people.
Restore Trust is divided into six parts. Each part deals with a different topic. They are logically divided so that the reader can easily understand the current situation. Each part promptly begins with some historical background that provides the audience with relevant information on how a certain policy began. Likewise, some relevant statistical data were included in each part. I found some of these really eye-opening.
Many Americans live in poverty, with the gap between the rich and the poor becoming bigger and bigger. Hard work does not imply success for most people. Neff does not just merely point out problems such as poverty traps. He provides valid reasons for such fallible situations and exposes major issues such as gerrymandering, unlawful lobbying, and tax avoidance by big corporations.
Neff compared and contrasted the economic systems of the U.S. and Switzerland. One of his key premises is that social programs such as Medicaid and other types of wage subsidies do not belong in a free-market economy. Still, he claims that unions and bargaining agents are needed to support such an economic system. There is a growing number of people using these social programs, whereas the minimum wage is insufficient for a decent life. This is an example of a poverty trap. I did not feel like his claims were subjective, nor explicitly supporting any ideology in particular.
In fact, his tone was objective and professional, providing rational solutions and careful explanations along with valid evidence to support his claims. The author used a simple language to explain even the most complex concepts, making this book easy to read. You do not have to have a thorough knowledge of economics to understand this book. There were no profanities.
I would rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. I found a few minor mistakes, none of which affected my overall experience of reading. It is safe to say that the book was professionally edited. I would recommend this book to everyone interested in economics or politics. Even if these topics are of little interest to you, I would urge you to consider reading this book, especially if you are American yourself. Do you know how much of the national budget is spent on healthcare? On national defense? Do you know where your taxes go? In 215 pages, you can get a clear picture of the American economic system and a better understanding of the necessary changes.
******
Restore Trust
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Restore Trust: Economic Solutions to Social and Political Issues in the U.S. by Werner Neff is a non-fiction book about the political system in the U.S. It represents a brief history that led to the current state, some major socio-economic and political issues, and some ideal solutions. Neff, who was born in Switzerland, obtained a PhD in Political Science. Upon his retirement, he moved to Colorado to live with his American wife and support her while she was ill. This prompted him to analyze why he was able to enjoy his secure retirement, while his American wife and many others had to struggle throughout their lives. He dedicates this book to the American people.
Restore Trust is divided into six parts. Each part deals with a different topic. They are logically divided so that the reader can easily understand the current situation. Each part promptly begins with some historical background that provides the audience with relevant information on how a certain policy began. Likewise, some relevant statistical data were included in each part. I found some of these really eye-opening.
Many Americans live in poverty, with the gap between the rich and the poor becoming bigger and bigger. Hard work does not imply success for most people. Neff does not just merely point out problems such as poverty traps. He provides valid reasons for such fallible situations and exposes major issues such as gerrymandering, unlawful lobbying, and tax avoidance by big corporations.
Neff compared and contrasted the economic systems of the U.S. and Switzerland. One of his key premises is that social programs such as Medicaid and other types of wage subsidies do not belong in a free-market economy. Still, he claims that unions and bargaining agents are needed to support such an economic system. There is a growing number of people using these social programs, whereas the minimum wage is insufficient for a decent life. This is an example of a poverty trap. I did not feel like his claims were subjective, nor explicitly supporting any ideology in particular.
In fact, his tone was objective and professional, providing rational solutions and careful explanations along with valid evidence to support his claims. The author used a simple language to explain even the most complex concepts, making this book easy to read. You do not have to have a thorough knowledge of economics to understand this book. There were no profanities.
I would rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. I found a few minor mistakes, none of which affected my overall experience of reading. It is safe to say that the book was professionally edited. I would recommend this book to everyone interested in economics or politics. Even if these topics are of little interest to you, I would urge you to consider reading this book, especially if you are American yourself. Do you know how much of the national budget is spent on healthcare? On national defense? Do you know where your taxes go? In 215 pages, you can get a clear picture of the American economic system and a better understanding of the necessary changes.
******
Restore Trust
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
