Dark Money

Dark Money by Jane Mayer is a disturbing portrayal of the current state of American politics. Mayer reveals the inner workings of a powerful conservative network funded by wealthy investors.  Billionaire libertarians and ultraconservatives have been waging a war on government regulation, using their wealth and influence to push their agendas and enrich themselves at the expense of the majority of citizens.

Mayer explains the various tactics employed by these billionaires, from funding intellectual groups to market their policies, to subsidizing citizens’ groups to pressure politicians, to engaging in covert operations and supporting the Tea Party movement. The ultimate goal of these efforts is to reduce government regulation and interference in the economy, which would benefit the wealthy donors and their businesses. The Koch brothers, in particular, and their vast network of organizations and think tanks have been particularly effective in promoting their free-market ideology and advancing their political goals. However, this would come at the expense of many Americans who would lose access to good schools, healthcare, and other basic necessities.

Citizens United

A major turning point in the history of American politics that allowed a lot of outside influence on politics is the Supreme Court’s “Citizens United” decision. This decision ruled that corporations and unions could spend unlimited amounts of money on political campaigns. This decision allowed for an influx of dark money into American politics, which made it easier for wealthy individuals to buy elections and sway public opinion.

How to Influence American Politics

Mayer discusses the tactics employed by conservative groups to gain control of American politics. She identifies a three-part strategy, inspired by the structural change model of production: investment in intellectuals, funding think tanks to market policies, and subsidization of citizen groups to pressure politicians. One effective method to influence the political system is to buy politicians and judges. John M. Olin was a wealthy businessman that sponsored trips for judges and lawyers to a retreat where they were indoctrinated with conservative ideas. The goal of these strategies is to gradually wean American citizens off of government, limiting its reach, and making citizens more reliant on private institutions.

School Choice is used to Reduce Government Regulation

Think about the public-school education system. If you can weaken the public education system, by say, gradually defunding it over time and reducing its quality, you make private schools a much more attractive option. I could be wrong on this, but from what I think I’ve heard, some have proposed that charter schools and “school choice” are somewhat of a gateway into private school proliferation. Many argue that the school choice movement was born out of racism, but Mayer argues that it is a strategy promoted by wealthy conservative groups to undermine public institutions and promote free-market principles, rather than a genuine effort to improve education for disadvantaged children.

Dark Money Dirty Secrets

Mayer also delves into the Tea Party movement, which emerged as a reaction to Barack Obama’s presidency. This movement was heavily supported by conservative groups and funded by dark money.

The dark money donors have attempted to discredit climate science and suppress clean energy initiatives because they have significant stakes in the fossil fuel industry.

The book also highlights the negative consequences of reducing government regulation, such as increasing health hazards for workers and growing income inequality.

In the final chapter, “Selling the New Koch: A Better Battle Plan,” Mayer discusses the Koch brothers’ efforts to rebrand themselves and their organizations in order to appeal to a wider audience. Despite the setbacks they have faced, the Kochs remain a powerful force in American politics, and their efforts to reshape the political landscape will continue to have a profound impact on the lives of millions of Americans.

Key Takeaways

1. The Investors: The book profiles several wealthy investors, including the Koch brothers, Richard Mellon Scaife, John M. Olin, and the Bradley brothers. These individuals have poured millions of dollars into political campaigns and organizations that advance their conservative agenda. They have also used their wealth to fund think tanks, media outlets, and academic institutions that promote their views.
2. Weaponizing Philanthropy: The War of Ideas, 1970-2008: One of the key strategies employed by these investors is to use their wealth to influence public opinion. They do this by funding a network of think tanks and media outlets that promote their ideas. This network has been successful in shaping public opinion on a range of issues, including climate change, taxes, and regulation.
3. Radicals: A Koch Family History: The book provides a detailed history of the Koch family, tracing their rise to power and their efforts to shape American politics. The Kochs are among the largest donors to conservative causes in the country and have used their wealth to promote their libertarian agenda.
4. The Hidden Hand: Richard Mellon Scaife: Richard Mellon Scaife was a reclusive billionaire who used his wealth to fund conservative causes. He was a major player in the conservative movement and helped fund the effort to impeach President Bill Clinton.
5. Beachheads: John M. Olin and the Bradley Brothers: John M. Olin and the Bradley brothers were also major donors to conservative causes. Olin made his fortune in the chemical industry and used his wealth to promote conservative ideas. The Bradley brothers were heirs to a fortune made in the paper industry and used their wealth to fund conservative think tanks and media outlets.

Conclusion

Overall, Dark Money is an eye-opening account of the dangerous influence of money in politics and the lengths to which powerful individuals will go to protect their own interests. Mayer provides evidence that the government is being controlled by special interest groups and outside forces, and that the actions of politicians are not happening by chance but are intentional and influenced by a small group of powerful individuals.

While these individuals may claim to want less government, which would be beneficial for everyone, their tactics have had real negative consequences on the majority of American citizens. The question remains: do the means justify the end?

I wonder if anyone of equal power is fighting on the other side. The question remains, if these actions are as deleterious as they seem, how do we quell the power of these billionaires and prevent them from enacting their power over the rest? The purpose of a democracy is to stifle this impact, but how has it been doing? It seems that less government would really just be a return to monarchism or oligarchism.

Dark Money serves as a wake-up call to anyone who cares about democracy and the welfare of the majority of citizens. It raises important questions about the role of money in politics and the need for greater transparency in campaign finance.

Why I Chose This Book

I don’t remember how I learned about this book, but I’m glad I did. This has fundamentally changed how I look at politics. I think most people should read this, Americans and anyone else interested in American politics. This book was published in 2016 and every now and then, I’ve cursorily attempted to find anything written that is a follow-up to what’s discussed in the book. I haven’t quite found anything yet, though I’m sure there is, I just haven’t looked hard enough. One of the Koch brothers has died since then, but that’s all I can offer. I would love to read an analysis on what has changed and what hasn’t since this book was published.