%0 Journal Article
%T Consumerism in American Society and the Role of Government
%A Fred Bedell
%J Open Access Library Journal
%V 1
%N 8
%P 1-9
%@ 2333-9721
%D 2014
%I Open Access Library
%R 10.4236/oalib.1100971
%X This essay speaks to the fact that the United States
is a consumptive society, as we are dependent on producers to provide the goods
and services necessary to maintain our daily living requirements. It addresses
a correlation between historical policies and presents events and practices
that continue to undermine public policies that benefit the consumer. Most
importantly, the role of government is to provide health and safety for the
population and protect it from a corrupt political system that places us at
risk for the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe. Mike
Leibovich in his book ¡°This Town¡± refers to Washington DC as the ¡°Gilded
Capital,¡± because in his view there is an incestuous relationship among the law
firms, politicians, media, and lobbying firms whose agendas are not often in
the public¡¯s interest. We will examine in detail three areas¡ªfood, health care,
and the counterfeiting of goods¡ªthat are of paramount interest to the nation
and examples of the point of the essay.
%K Consumerism
%K Role of Government
%K Corrupt System and Politicians
%K Health
%K Generically Modified Foods (GM)
%K Affordable Care Act (ACA)
%K Consumptive Society
%K Corporate Influence over the  Legislature
%K Health Care Reform
%K Counterfeit Goods
%U http://www.oalib.com/paper/3113616