William L. Riordan (1861–1909)

This isn't really the kind of book you "like," or "dislike," it just Is. Towards the end it did get a little tiresome, mostly because it was so disheartening to realize that Plunkitt was, in some ways, better than most modern politicians. With all his disturbing ideas of "honest" graft, at did at least make some effort to take care of the folks who put him in office. These days, politicians just sell them out to the highest bidder, and the Civil Service "reform" that he railed against has been corrupted in its own way.

Reading this wasn't enjoyable, but it was enlightening and thought-provoking.… (mer)

This isn't really the kind of book you "like," or "dislike," it just Is. Towards the end it did get a little tiresome, mostly because it was so disheartening to realize that Plunkitt was, in some ways, better than most modern politicians. With all his disturbing ideas of "honest" graft, at did at least make some effort to take care of the folks who put him in office. These days, politicians just sell them out to the highest bidder, and the Civil Service "reform" that he railed against has been corrupted in its own way.

Reading this wasn't enjoyable, but it was enlightening and thought-provoking.… (mer)

George Washington Plunkitt was a Democratic Senator from New York in the late 1800s to early 1900s. He was a part of the political machine known as Tammany Hall which had a huge influence on New York City's politics during this same period. These politicians were famous for lending aid to many of the newly arriving immigrants during this period, as well as their questionable tactics. Plunkitt, who became a millionaire was famous for his "plain talks on very practical politics." In these talks he explains the difference between 'honest graft' and 'dishonest graft.' He favored the idea of 'you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours.' Many of the immigrants would vote for a candidate such as Plunkitt in exchange for the opportunity of receiving government jobs. This was very important during a time when there were so many immigrants and so few jobs to come by. He also felt that it was OK to use insider information to grow his wealth. This book is a great little snapshot of the history of New York politics during this era.… (mer)