The Rich Get Richer While the Poor Get Poorer

[redfox]

Let's say all of the 500 richest people in the world that don't already live in the US moved here tomorrow. That would increase the disparity. How does that hurt us?

It hurts the rest of us because public policies are written by and for the benefit of the wealthy. The pain gets worse the lower down on the income spectrum one goes. Having wealth means better housing, food, health care, legal representation, transportation, and education.

I live in a neighborhood with many poor families, the majority of whom have brown or black skin. Their homes and vehicles (if they have any) are in disrepair. The area schools are dreadful. The grocery stores have junk and processed food, and what small quantities there are of fruits and veggies are old and expensive.

It's time for a maximum wage/income law, and a wholesale redistribution of wealth.

[Dharma Bum]

Why not try to lift people up rather than tear people down?

Would you rather live in a country with more or less economic freedom? Check the list: http://www.heritage.org/index/Ranking

[Jemima]

What I've personally observed out here in the 'burbs is that even the upper middle class is so removed from city (and rural) poverty that they are oblivious to how bad it is. I left one church because of a prevailing attitude that the poor were dishonest and had to be watched lest they steal a few extra cans of food from the emergency food pantry or the rummage sale. WTF??? I wrote the minister's wife a letter when I departed and pointed out that Jesus wouldn't be the least upset if someone helped themselves to an extra can of peas or an article of clothing that was being discarded anyway. I also pointed out that I've seen plenty of thieving by so-called professional people who pad their expense reports and think nothing of it.

I'm not exposed to the super-rich, but I imagine they are even farther removed from the reality of grinding poverty than my middle class neighbors.

And I agree wholeheartedly with Kib.

[pinkytoe]

In my imagination, the very wealthy will have to live behind gated walls with massive security to avoid the wrath of the "underlings". In just five years, I have noted that the homeless population here has at least doubled. There are woods near my house where they camp out; they routinely break into the homes and garages of the houses along the woods. I think as the sense of separation and exclusion widens, those with no or low incomes will become increasingly bold about taking what they want. What have they got to lose? In my job, I am exposed to the super wealthy and I can say that in many ways, most don't get it. They may claim altruistic ways through their philanthropy, but in the end, the rich really are different and lead very privileged lives.

[Gregg]

Why not try to lift people up rather than tear people down?

That's the real question, isn't it. What can we do to provide opportunity to all citizens? The problem is that people seem to think everyone should have the opportunity to become a billionaire. In one way you could argue that everyone does have that chance (no matter how slim), but realistically only a few will ever make it. Why don't we concentrate on giving everyone the opportunity to get a good education, to feel safe in their homes, to earn a decent living for their family, etc.?

[Jemima]

One of the impediments to equal opportunity is that the big, rich corporations have hogged resources that rightfully belong to all of us. They dole them out, along with jobs, as they see fit. Our once-democratic government is being run by these behemoths.

The whole concept of corporations is basically evil, IMO. A corporation has all the rights of a living individual, but not nearly all the responsibilities. They can protect themselves with enormously expensive insurance policies and a team of corporate lawyers, not to mention influencing politics with large contributions to the mouthpiece of their choice. They are a man-created monster not so far removed from that created by Dr. Frankenstein.

So many of us are either employed by, living on pensions from, or receiving dividends from these giants it is very, very difficult to get people to see what is going on and even more difficult to get anything done about it.

Rich individuals and families are only a very small part of the problem, but they tend to take the brunt of criticism. I fear that with our economy deteriorating as it is, that they will also be the target of violence.

[Dharma Bum]

One of the impediments to equal opportunity is that the big, rich corporations have hogged resources that rightfully belong to all of us. They dole them out, along with jobs, as they see fit.

Baloney. There are pros and cons to everything, but on balance we benefit greatly from collective efforts and modern efficiency. The reason you have a better life is the development of laws that facilitate collective action and commerce.

I always find it amusing when people whine about this on the internet. Maybe you and kib can build adjoining mud huts so you can complain to each other about BIG without being hypocrites.

[Gregg]

One of the impediments to equal opportunity is ...

I know this is Pandora's box, but why does opportunity have to be equal for all to be beneficial? People live in different places, have different aspirations, different needs. It's not a one size fits all society so why inflict the brain damage trying to make it so in this regard?

[bae]

Is wealth zero-sum?

Do the wealthy become so primarily by taking wealth out of the hands of the poor?

I'm quite wealthy. I became so by creating *new* wealth, selling my products in voluntary transactions with willing and uncoerced buyers. And I created thousands of jobs in the process.

So remember that when you come to burn down my house and take me to the guillotine.

[freein05]

bae said: "Do the wealthy become so primarily by taking wealth out of the hands of the poor?" Good question. I would not consider myself wealthy but well off and comfortable. I do not feel I took anything from the poor. My wealth has been increasing during these tough times. I am in the stock market and did not sell a thing when it was tanking. I bought when it was coming back. I invest in dividend paying stocks and interest paying bonds. I feel bad for the people who have lost jobs and have lost their homes.

I will say that the tax code is unfair. Wall street investors like me get to pay only 15% taxes on qualifying dividends. We also pay no state tax on our treasury notes and bonds. My dividends come from companies like GE and AT&T. I say that because these companies did not need my little investment in them to survive. Someone investing in a start-up company is a different situation.