Reviews
Restore Trust
Economic Solutions To Current Social And Political Issues In The U.S.
Online Book Club - Review
Reviewer: Farzy
Date: December 3, 2021
Star Rating: **** 4 out of 4 Stars
“A retired employee that survived on his monthly pension moved to Colorado to enjoy the luxury of retirement and decided to voice out his view on why American lost its glory. Restore Trust by Werner NEFF is a book concerned with the economics and political aspect of citizens living in the United States.
He began by categorizing the United States as a divided region where citizens are only loyal to the political parties they represent. The most common source of debts that the United States owes is a result of unnecessary spending of money on unbeneficial programs. He further explained in his analysis that the source of revenue for the government, which is taxes, provides less money than what was spent. He thereby encouraged the government to increase sources of tax revenue, cut back on spending, and follow the old political principle.
However, it is fascinating that a fifth of the population in the land of opportunity is classified as earning below the federal poverty level [page 16 pdf]. As a tourist, I have always seen the U.S as a land filled with riches and wealth. Unknown to me, about forty-six million Americans are as poor! It is a shocking fact that I find hard to believe. Poverty accompanied by taxes has been the source of diminishing value in the United States.
He further explained the influence of democracy in recent governance. He also states that tons of revenues spent on elections and other government agendas could be allocated to another aspect of the economic system to build wealth.
I enjoyed reading Restore Trust, and I dislike nothing about it. It is an eyes opener that I am glad I read. The analysis made by the author is my favorite aspect of this book, and I enjoy the way he explained each problem in simple language giving non-economist like myself a better understanding of the state in which this nation is. I appreciate the solution Mr. Werner provided after a sufficient and well-detailed analysis of each problem. Also, I like the tone in which he lay down the dilemma giving neither a disrespectful nor sugar-coated tone.
After a thorough reading, I could not find anything to dislike about the book and therefore give it a rating of 4 out of 4 stars as it provides needful insight on how to better the country without being biased or racist. I further recommend this book to adults concerned about the depreciating value of the United States and anyone in power who appreciates the importance of a wealthy nation.”
20210628
Online Book Club - Review
Reviewer: Angie
Date: June 28, 2021
Star Rating: *** 3 out of 4 Stars
“Restore Trust is a book that links the society and the government from an economic perspective. It brings to light what is not frequently discussed about the economic situation of the United States. The author, Werner Neff has used basic societal matters such as wealth and taxes to show how all these have affected the common citizen, whether rich or poor, in an economic way. He shows how simple matters such as democracy, taxes and politics can greatly impact the way a state is governed, whether as a cause to a problem or as a solution to a problem.
The author has a clear flow of ideas from the beginning of the book to the end. The flow is such that he introduces the basic current situations then uses clear and vivid examples that are simple to understand to bring out his main point or rather the main underlying statement.
There are a few grammatical error that should have been captured through editing. Also, there are various topics that would have better been understood by the reader if descriptions such as graphs or use of imagery would have been implemented.
I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. This is because despite the one grammatical error I observed, I think with a bit of editing the book is a really great piece. It is very interesting to read and it captures a reader from the very beginning. It is also easy to understand and the discussions are not tiring to the reader but rather an eye opener to the current social and political issues in the U.S.
The book, Restore Trust Economic Solutions to Current Social and Political Issues in the U.S. by Werner Neff is a piece I would recommend to lovers of matters to do with the economy and governance. It would also appeal to those who are passionate about matters on human rights especially where the government is involved. It is also a good book to economic researchers who are interested in diving into political and government issues and how they affect the society.”
20210628
What others are saying
Online Book Club - Review
Reviewer: RenZero
Date: March 7, 2020
Star Rating: *** 3 out of 4 Stars
“Werner Neff, through his book - Restore Trust - attempts to raise public awareness and to encourage US citizens to actively represent their interest in politics. The book is divided into six main chapters. In the first three parts (or chapters) Werner outlines the state of American Economy while pointing out to the economic malfunctions and suggesting solutions to those. In the second half of the book he focuses on the American political system.
Werner indicates the presence of inequality within the society and questions the American democracy in several levels. He details how low minimum wage, part-time employment, broken healthcare system and lack of health insurance and retirement plans contribute to “institutional poverty traps”. He also emphasizes that the current system favors the interest of giant corporations and wealthy citizens to that of local companies and poor- or middle-class citizens. Werner does support his claims with references such as Krugman and Lazonick, statistics and real-life examples.
From the second half of the book, one can understand how the American political system functions, why is it difficult for smaller parties to overcome the two ruling parties - Democratic and Republican - and why the two-party system neglects the interest of the society. Werner suggests ways to improve the voting system, therefore allowing the remote citizens to participate in the elections. He indicates that the ruling parties don’t address important problems of the society such as fighting climate change, spending on infrastructure, raising minimum wage or fighting Ebola.
Overall, the book is well edited and does not contain any vulgar word or typos (except, I noticed ï instead of i two times). The appropriate audience for Werners’ Restore Trust are people who are interested in the American economic and political system. I would also recommend the book for someone who considers moving to the land of promises.
I rate the book 3 out of 4 stars. I find that the author shares valuable facts and flashes light to interesting connections (for example: how 'the wealthy' influences the art, entertainment or education of America) within the American society and economy. Although the author shares several valuable lessons, reading the book feels as if the author presents his idea in somewhat independently, in small fragments. As a result, the chapters are not so well synchronized and don’t read so easily.
I find that some parts of the book are very well thought; you can sense that the author has thought about some aspects of economic and political connections deeply. I also value the statistical data (especially those presented about big American firms and poverty) and that the author, despite of the lack of support in his field, stands up for his opinion. I didn’t like so much the tone and the mood of the book, but I understand if it’s intentional.”
Online Book Club - Review
Reviewer: Abacus
Date: August 18, 2019
Star Rating: **** 4 out of 4 stars
“Restore Trust by Werner Neff is a rigorous analysis of "current social and political issues in the U.S." and his proposed "economic solutions." Neff predicates that "employment, the budget deficit, and taxes are influential in economic decision making."
Minimum wage earners cannot survive without government programs to supplement their income; showing that America is not the free market it purports to be. Taxpayers must contribute to saving working people from starving, and working people must frequently work more than one job. He postulates it would be better to pay a living wage, allow the consequences of high prices or less profit, and reduce the welfare spending. The buying public would spend the same in aggregate for their goods but in a proper free-market environment. People in minimum wage jobs would maintain the dignity of supporting themselves adequately and not pay penalties for being poor. In the words of AlterNet's Greta Christina: "Being poor is expensive."
His thoughts on poverty suggest that welfare programs have institutionalized poverty and create and sustain it. He states that America is a welfare state and describes in detail the poverty traps that are self-sustaining. Based on Neff's experience in Switzerland: he advocates that full-time and part-time employees pay into a fully funded national and personal pension. Neff initially thought that America was a great democracy but after living here awhile saw that many voters were dissatisfied with their government.
Neff's provides meticulous research, and he offers a multitude of statistics to support his observations. Neff offers excellent insight into political influences over the last century, which affect America today. He suggests that at one time, each of the political parties was made up of conservatives and liberals. This mixture meant they were capable of governing and agreeing on a policy. However, in the present climate, each party is polarized and disparages the other to the detriment of civil government.
Many of Neff's observations are compelling, although I cannot wholly agree with his political outlook. He also discusses a gig economy - like Uber playing broker between consumer and supplier -, healthcare, the budget deficit, and our broken tax code. Neff concludes with a call to action: "The advantages of democracy are not offered freely; citizen action is necessary, such as supporting equal voting rights, becoming active in the political system, and reminding legislators of their campaign promises." His call to action specifies the steps we need to take under the headings of "Strengthen Democracy," "Fight Poverty," and "Reform the Economy."
Restore Trust deserves a 4 out of 4-star rating for its thorough research and comprehensive analysis of America's sociopolitical issues. It does not warrant 3 out of 4 stars because I detected no errors and it seems professionally edited. I recommend it to politicians, the voting public, and students of politics and economics. It could be read by anyone who cares about America’s future and the future of unborn generations. It is a call to action from the heart of an economist.
Many of Neff's observations are compelling, although I cannot wholly agree with his political outlook. He concludes with a call to action: "The advantages of democracy are not offered freely; citizen action is necessary, such as supporting equal voting rights, becoming active in the political system, and reminding legislators of their campaign promises." His call to action specifies the steps we need to take under the headings of "Strengthen Democracy," "Fight Poverty," and "Reform the Economy."”