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Related: About this forumWhoIsNumberNone
(7,875 posts)Fuck this shit. I don't need to be any more pissed at the .01%
ddavis195600
(23 posts)politicalbattle
(1 post)how would you like to be one of their servants?
WhoIsNumberNone
(7,875 posts)flamingdem
(39,319 posts)chervilant
(8,267 posts)The members of the Global Oligarchy are few in number (less the 370), yet they own and control more than 45% of the world's resources, including human resources.
The top 400 richest people are from Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, Egypt, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea (South), Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, Norway, Portugal, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Sweden, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, and Venezuela.
Despite the geographic diversity of the uber wealthy, their common socioeconomic status renders each a member of Richistan, whose citizenry enjoy the rarest of comestibles, the finest accommodations, the most expensive trinkets, and richly appointed exclusive residences. Denizens of Richistan travel in private jets, yachts, and limos; and they NEVER discuss their wealth.
Fully one-third of the wealthiest 400 are from the United States. Almost half of the 50 wealthiest people are from the United States. (Bill Gates was toppled from his rarefied status as the richest person on the planet in March of last year; replaced by Mexican mogul Carlos Slim Helu.)
When you contemplate this radical income inequity, dear reader, please understand viscerally, that you are NOT a member of this exclusive club, nor are you likely to EVER be. You are an insignificant member of the vast hoi polloi. The denizens of Richistan comprise a mere 5.28 X 10^(-6)% of our planet's population. You are as likely to win the lottery as to join the ranks of the uber wealthy.
If anyone thinks that the decline of the US as the premier superpower Global Bully will have any real impact on the wealth and power of the denizens of Richistan, I have to offer you exclusive beach front property in Helena, Montana.
ErikJ
(6,335 posts)99% of Americans are naive of the extreme inequality in the US. That's one reason I posted this. As it says, Bill Gates makes more money in his sleep than "mere" millionaires do in their entire lifetime. Millionaires have to worry about the cost of their mansions while billionaires pay cash site unseen without a care. Even though they live ostentatiously it is largely hidden from 99% of Americans. Gates bought 14 properties around his place for privacy.
Ellison went to Malibu and bought dozens of surrounding mansions for his privacy.
This is the reason that the average Republican cant agree to raising taxes on the rich-total ignorance and naivete.
This is obscene. We need to bring back the 90% top tax rate ASAP.
chervilant
(8,267 posts)Jonathan Haidt's The Righteous Mind. Perhaps I will come to understand why so many of us are naive, narcissistic, selfish, unkind, derisive, sarcastic, and ignorant. I find it ironic (and hypocritical) that so many "christians" evince these very traits. I guess it's okay to be these things, since 'Jesus' died for our sins...
I used to think about radical income inequity as a consequence of capitalism's wealth carrot meme. Now, I'm not so sure...
(BTW, I'm not entirely sold on Haidt's premises. We humans tend to be myopic, especially when we wear the mantle of 'social scientist' and write officious books.)
99th_Monkey
(19,326 posts)adjective
1. characterized by or given to pretentious or conspicuous show in an attempt to impress others: an ostentatious dresser.
2. (of actions, manner, qualities exhibited, etc.) intended to attract notice: Lady Bountiful's ostentatious charity.
Uber-Rich fucks used to have to tone down their conspicuous consumption and gluttony to as to not appear
too "ostentatious" ... but I guess those days are gone.
notadmblnd
(23,720 posts)never knowing if people want to be around you for you or for your money.