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Paper Instructions:

Discussion Forum Eleven: How America Works

In Chapters 6 & 7 of the book "Griftopia", Matt Taibbi describes two American financial conspiracies involving collaboration between government and the corporate world. In Chapter Six, he eviscerates the Affordable Care Act for its giveaways to Big Pharma and Big Insurance, and in Chapter 7, he takes on Goldman Sachs for its far-reaching influence on the Street and in Washington. Summing it up in the Epilogue, Taibbi makes his claim to conspiracy clear:

“This is how America works. Our real government is mostly kept hidden from view, and the truly weighty decisions about where our society is going and what rules it is going to live by are made mostly in private, by groups of anonymous lawyers and bureaucrats and lobbyists, government officials and industry reps alike” (247).

INSTRUCTIONS: (at least 300 words)

Select either Option 1 or Option 2 below and write posting of at least 300 words. Also, make sure your posting's subject header refers directly to your example.

Option 1:    Reflect on a story that Taibbi shares in Chapter 6 to illustrate the human impact of the disproportionate control that Big Pharma or Big Insurance exerts over Americans' healthcare. Summarize this example and cite a quote as part of your response; you may also include your own experiences and observations of the healthcare system in your response.
  
(OR)

Option 2: Discuss a story that Taibbi shares in Chapter 7 to illustrate the pervasive presence of Goldman Sachs alumni and employees at the helm of government and in high finance. Summarize the example and cite a quote as part of your response; you may also include your own experiences and observations of financial institutions in your response.