The Amway Decision (feautring Robert Fitzpatrick of Pyramid Scheme Alert) (3 of 4)

The Amway Decision. The Federal Trade Commission decided that Amway was not an illegal pyramid scheme, but a legitimate business. How did that happen? Why is it important. This week on the Truce Podcast we're joined once again by Robert Fitzpatrick of Pyramid Scheme Alert (https://pyramidschemealert.org/), author of Ponzinomics to explore the history of MLMs.

Also in this episode is a brief history of the founders of Amway: Richard DeVos and Jay VanAndel. The DeVos name probably sounds familiar. Our current Secretary of Education is Betsy DeVos, daughter-in-law to Richard. She's made a lot of news in her position because of her stances on charter schools and arming teachers in public schools.

A lot of information for this episode came from the book "Dark Money" by Jane Mayer (https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/215462/dark-money-by-jane-mayer/9780307947901/). It is an excellent read and raises a lot of good questions about money in politics.

Did you know that the Truce Podcast is listener supported? Find out how to help at http://www.trucepodcast.com/donate

Here is a link to the FTC website explaining the characteristics of a pyramid scheme: https://www.ftc.gov/public-statements/1998/05/pyramid-schemes

Topics explored in this episode?
* Is Amway a pyramid scheme?
*Are pyramid schemes legal?
*What makes a pyramid scheme legal?
*Am I in a pyramid scheme?
*Who is Betsy DeVos?
*History of Amway
*Why is Richard DeVos?
*What happened to Blackwater?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices