Not All Rich People Start Off Rich...

[global1]

Many work hard and do something to make that transition. What happens to many of these people that have come from humble beginnings to suddenly turn on their former poor peers and become greedy to the point of depriving them the same opportunities to become rich or live comfortably?

I had friends that were in way worse shape than myself. They became rich practically overnight due to a lawsuit settlement. They immediately went out and bought a multi-million dollar home in Florida to avoid state tax. They then hobnobbed with other wealthy people in their new found neighborhood and turned their backs on their former friends. They changed their political affiliation from Dem to Repug. Just like Invasion of the Body Snatchers they are totally different now. How and why does and could this happen? What changes in their minds that causes this sort of transformation? Is it the financial advice they receive from their hired money managers? Is it a protective reaction?

I find this a fascinating topic because I've heard of other examples of this. Any thoughts?

[pscot]

1. Bill Gates was born in a log cabin

True fact.

[handmade34]

2. this one?

[lunatica]

3. It's not a matter of wealth

It's a matter of character. I noticed you didn't claim these people were wonderful before they were rich. What was the lawsuit about?

And there are many millionaires who are very good people.

[global1]

6. These People Were Just Like You And I....

they were wonderful to be around and be friends with. They voted Democratic.

I'm not going to get into the lawsuit - but it was not anything that should have an effect on this situation.

I know that there are many millionaires that are very good people. I'm just questioning the ones - like these people - that did a complete 180 because they came into money and all of a sudden they don't want to be associated with our kind.

All of a sudden they get very protective of their money and want to find refuge in a state where they don't have to pay state taxes. They change party affiliations because the Repug party is known as the party of the rich. All of a sudden they are too good for us middlers.

That's what I'm questioning - why does this happen? What causes this massive change?

[lunatica]

7. Self loathing causes people to change like that

I'm sure they gave signs of it when you thought they were wonderful people. Do you think you would do the same as they did?

[Bigmack]

4. Typical of some 'Murikans....

"Hooray for me and fuck you... I got mine!"

[rrneck]

5. For some people

the only thing keeping them from being a raging asshole is because they can't afford to. Money, more than booze, reduces inhibitive behavior.

That, and the human species is generally not very good at managing abundance.