The Shame of the Cities Book

This is yet another text that is only alluded to, even in AP US History classes, but never really read in depth. Lincoln Steffens and his colleague, Ida Tarbell, were among the first investigative journalists in America, and earned the title (which they wore proudly) of being "muckrakers."

The text is very important to read for those interested in self-government in general, and the variety spawned by the American experiment in particular. Having recently read Alexis de Tocqueville's chronicles of abuses of power during the Ancien Regime in France, I chortled at the unbelievable scale of corruption in American "democracy" chronicled in these pages, the likes of which have never been seen in France, and perhaps, never in the Old World. Indeed, Steffens makes an interesting case in these serialized articles for McClure's: not only is this corruption and these abuses normal to the American system, which so prizes the individual will, but that the American people are fine with these crimes, as long as they aren't personally bothered about them in their daily lives...too much. Helpful reading for those who think democracy is to be even remotely considered a cure-all. For those of us who know Original Sin, not this particular system or that, lie at the root of our governmental problems, this is just more evidence on a stack which will grow in stature until the end of Time.

For those who prefer history to the narratives peddled by CNN and the approved mouthpieces of Airstrip One, this text also provides ample evidence of voter fraud in numerous municipal elections. Voter fraud is neither rare nor uncommon, not in the US, not anywhere. It is the hubris of the disciples of Fukayama who would have us believe that voting is the great equalizer. It can be. But only if people value virtue instead of lucre.

"The boss is not a political, he is an American institution, the product of a freed people that have not the spirit to be free." (p. 7)

"The spirit of graft and of lawlessness is the American spirit." (p. 8)

"The people are not innocent. That is the only 'news' in all the journalism of these articles..." (p. 9)

"[W]hen the leading men began to devour their own city, the herd rushed into the trough and fed also." (p. 21)

"The 'good people' are herded into parties and stupefied with convictions and a name, Republican or Democrat; while the 'bad people' are so organized or interested by the boss that he can wield their votes to enforce terms with party managers and decide elections." (p. 42-43)

"Boss Magee's idea was not to corrupt the city government, but to be it; not to hire votes in councils, but to own councilmen..." (p. 107)

"This business man, the typical American merchant everywhere, cares no more for his city's interest than the politician does, and there is more light on American political corruption in such a speech than in the most sensational exposure of details." (p. 109)

"Philadelphia, with 47 per cent of its population native-born of native-born parents, is the most American of our greater cities." (p. 135)

"Our people do not seek, they avoid self-rule, and 'reforms' are spasmodic efforts to punish bad rulers..." (p. 137)

"They know what is going on, but they do not join reform movements. The provost of the University of Pennsylvania declined to join in a revolt because, he said, it might impair his usefulness to the University. And so it was with others, and with clergymen who have favorite charities; with Sabbath associations and City Beautiful clubs; with lawyers who want briefs; with real estate dealers who like to know in advance about public improvements, and real estate owners who appreciate light assessments; with shopkeepers who don't want to be bothered with strict inspections." (p. 148)

"Though a blow in the face is as readily given as a shake of the hand, Tammany kindness is real kindness, and will go far, remember long, and take infinite trouble for a friend." (p. 205)

"The American people don't mind grafting, but they hate scandals. They don't kick so much on a jiggered public contract for a boulevard, but they want the boulevard and no fuss and no dust." (p. 213)