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In-Depth Interview: Former One-Percenter Chuck Collins Fights Income and Wealth Inequality

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Chuck Collins, who gave up a major inheritance, fights against income and wealth inequality, using his privileged background to advocate for the rest of us.
In his new book, Born on Third Base: A One Percenter Makes the Case for Tackling Inequality, Bringing Wealth Home, and Committing to the Common Good, Collins talks about growing up in Detroit’s richest suburb and attending the same private school as Mitt Romney.  He explains his shame and ambivalence about his upbringing, and how it has influenced his work at the local and national levels.

In this wide-ranging conversation, we cover a number of issues related to the current political climate, the yawning gap between rich and poor, and thoughtful ways to address these issues.

We talk about his work with Bill Gates, Sr. and other “patriotic millionaires” who care about economic justice.  He has a thoughtful critique of the work of old-money foundations and corporate tax cheats.

He also talks about his local organizing in Jamaica Plain, where he lives near Boston, and “resilience circles” that provide mutual aid in the community, and how that work has grown into a larger effort.

Find out more at his website.