The Wealth Hoarders. Chuck Collins
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“It is no great surprise anymore that we are facing the greatest crisis in income and wealth inequality that we have seen since the 1920s. What is shocking is the sprawling system of corruption that the ultra-rich have designed in order to hoard their unimaginable wealth at the expense of everyone else. Chuck’s book reveals not only the inner workings of this elaborate scheme to hide more than $20 trillion in wealth, it offers us a blueprint for reversing this obscene inequality so we can take back our democracy and ensure that our government works for everybody – not just the billionaire class and wealthy campaign contributors.”
Senator Bernie Sanders
“This book, a primer to the secrets of the money river, is an essential reformers’ handbook for navigating these dangerous times now facing us – and future generations.”
Nicholas Shaxson, author, The Finance Curse and Treasure Islands
“Skillfully blends personal narrative with social scientific research to create unique insights into a world of privilege that is ordinarily out of sight and out of mind for the rest of us.”
Brooke Harrington, Professor of Sociology at Dartmouth College. Author of Capital without Borders: Wealth Managers and the One Percent
“The Wealth Hoarders reveals that a whole parallel world exists in which the rich and powerful enjoy the freedom to avoid not just taxes but all kinds of laws they find inconvenient. Accepting the existence of this parallel world means putting democracy at risk.”
Frederik Obermaier, author of The Panama Papers: Breaking the Story of How the Rich and Powerful Hide Their Money
“This vital and expertly written book reveals the epic scale of theft occurring legally and in plain sight. Theft that destroys public services, removes access to housing and for which the poorest pay the highest price. The authors reveal how the fountain of wealth gushes ever upwards; we are all paying the price, some of us with our lives, as the wealth defence industry siphons off trillions. Chuck Collins is tireless in his determination to uncover the vicissitudes of the extremely wealthy. If you aren't already angry about inequality, then read this book. If you aren't angry enough to take action by the end of it, then you either work in the WDI or you are one of the 0.1 per cent.”
Dr. Wanda Wyporska, Executive Director, The Equality Trust, UK
“Chuck Collins shines a light on the powerful and pervasive ‘Wealth Defense Industry’, showcasing what it is and how it is entrenched in the ‘ecosystems’ that perpetuate the growing and harmful inequality of our time, and that the Covid-19 pandemic has further unveiled. Collins brings his exceptional research, insights and experience to this informative piece, which not only underscores the urgency for real systemic reform to reverse what can be an avoidable race-to-the-bottom, but helps unpack key leverage points for real change.”
Abby Maxman, President and CEO Oxfam America
“Chuck Collins reveals how the super-rich are different from the rest of us. While government takes out taxes before we get paid, the wealthiest avoid taxes with trusts, evade taxes with help from tax-haven governments and escape the IRS because Congress hobbles tax-law enforcement. Collins, who rejected the privilege of his birth, explains in plain English how wealth hoarding works and shows how we can stop this costly corruption.”
David Cay Johnston, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author of Perfectly Legal and Free Lunch
“Once again, Chuck Collins proves that building a better world is well within our reach. There is more than enough money to fund the societal transformation needed for equity, well-being, and a safe climate. It’s just hiding in the wrong places. With The Wealth Hoarders, we now know where to look.”
May Boeve, Executive Director, 350.org
“Collins gives us a rare insider’s view of the hidden wealth of the 0.1% and how the Wealth Defense Industry maintains inequality. This helps explain how concentrated wealth results in mass asset poverty and the path to building an economy