Writing assignment: 500 words on this topic: “Why do you think Plunkitt was so open about how he made his money?”
I think Plunkitt was so open with how he made his money because he was showing that his “honest graft” system worked and was legal. A lot of people question his wealth and that’s why I think he was so open about it. With Plunkitt openly explaining his methods, he was proving that he was not corrupt or dishonest, but rather honest and successful in his graft.
Plunkitt talked about how he made his money. He said he made it through “honest graft.” Plunkitt felt strongly against people who used “dishonest graft” to earn their money. He talks in depth quite a bit about “dishonest and honest graft.” Plunkitt defines “honest graft” as money earned legally and fairly. He describes “dishonest graft” as the exact opposite. Throughout his autobiography he constantly reassures the reader that all his money was earned honestly. He explains the systems and methods he used. Although some of them were sketchy and controversial at times, they were legal, and he was honest about them.
Plunkitt explains the time he handed out candy to children. He did this so the kids would tell their parents to vote for him. He also gave money to homeless people for their vote in the next election. He also would buy land for politicians that way he was always needed. He did these things to gain support from voters in Tammany Hall. By giving people small benefits it encouraged them to vote for him. This helped him because the voters saw him as a politician who exactly helps. Plunkitt used this system as a strategy to build political power while using his “honest graft.”
My answer is still that he wanted everyone to know that he earned his money honestly. Plunkitt throughout the book gave examples from helping the homeless, giving away candy, buying land, and much more he showed that his “honest graft’ was indeed honest. He wanted to gain voter trust, defend Tammany Hall, and maintain his reputation.
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