Dangerous Influence

by William F. Amato

DANGEROUS INFLUENCE - SUMMARYChicago’s long history of political corruption is known world-wide; its modern day politicians are no less arrogant and blatantly dishonest than their predecessors. Marco Fisher’s daily afternoon talk show, Marco’s Morgue, couldn’t be based in a more fitting location.Dangerous Influence takes place in Chicago, Illinois, in the late 1990’s. Times are good. Across the United States, the economy is booming. The people are prospering, the nation is at peace, and talk radio is broadcasting’s most popular form of entertainment. Although there are no shooting wars in progress, there is another kind of battle being fought. No shots can be heard, no bomb blasts, but the conflict rages on. The weapons? Words are the bullets and missiles of the cultural war dividing the American people. As usual, politicians and other so-called public servants, such as the police, throw gasoline on the flames blazing in the chasm separating the seriously concerned from the apathetic ignorant. Like vultures, elected officials hover over the battlefield and scavenge the charred carcasses.Never lacking for material to discuss with the thousands of listeners who tune in every day, Marco’s Morgue is the most listened to, and the most controversial talk show in the hottest radio market in the country. Many of the leads are provided by loyal listeners, who participate in the show by telephone.Marco’s style of lacing humor into the discussion of the serious topics being explored daily, make him not only provocative, but entertaining as well. His obsession with reporting on public officials who abuse their positions of authority and power was brought about by an unfortunate event which left him a widower and single father of a ten year old little girl. Now, six years after the loss of his wife, Maryanne, Marco uses his radio show to release the pain and frustration caused by her death.It is always Marco’s intention to inform and educate his audience; never to incite them. His intense love for his country and his faith that good always overcomes evil serves as a source of inspiration for most of his fans, who consider him a positive force in their lives. For one, however, Marco’s words serve only as a Dangerous Influence.

287 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2012