Review: A good tale of greed, corruption and survival
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 12 22, 2012
In the wake of corruption there are always those that suffer, they are the victims and whether they choose to take, a stand or not their lives become affected in adverse ways. The book Plundering the Till by author Ken Brimhall tells the story of corruption in the border town of San Miguel in South Texas and those affected by it.The hard working people of the town find themselves hard pressed to survive living their lives as the sticky hands of town's Sherriff and other politicos rob every possible aspect of the lives of the people of San Miguel.  Phil Strias and his growing family live in San Miguel where they observe the constant thievery and evil doings and they are determined to survive by staying out of its way.  After-all, Phil while in the Peace Corps, witnessed first-hand the horrors of the debauched politicos of Guatemala at the highest levels. Noting the similarities and differences of the life he lived in Guatemala and the life he lives in San Miguel- he knows what lies ahead for those who want to expose and fight the corruption. Phil is also friends with Ty Betancourt. Ty is a reporter for a local newspaper  and he wants to publish an article about the Brown Berets of San Miguel but Sherriff Shaw does not want the exposure that the article would bring and sends a less than friendly warning to Ty however Ty does not back down and soon mysteriously disappears.  He becomes a victim just like those he was attempting to help by virtue of his article.This book is an entertaining read that invites the reader to think about their own particular actions if faced with similar circumstances. Would you take the route of Ty and fight or would you follow the path of Phil and his family and make a conscious effort to avoid confrontation?The author has a nicely honed talent and writes in an eloquently detailed style, his scenes of life for the people of San Miguel are realistically portrayed. I enjoyed this book and recommend it as a worthy read.