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I am not against people having lots and lots of money. But, when they use their money to oppress people that's a problem and a whole lot of RW rich people do that.

democracy. That could lead to a debate about restricting campaign spending...you on the right site?

Enjoy your stay at DU.

The issue is not with individuals, it is with their underlying ideology (can't think of a better word). The Kochs are lowlifes, but the vast majority of the wealthy in this country share their underlying belief that everything in society can be monetized. THAT is the root of many, if not most, of our current problems. The solution is to not to laud the few who did something, but to change their accepted beliefs so the majority can't screw us anymore.

If we have a capitalist economy the Kochs will be industrialists in their McMansions.

If we have a socialist economy the Kochs will be commissars in their dachas.

Some people are drawn to power, whether its money or government. Both are simply the mechanisms for expressing power. Those who want power are those who make the worst candidates for investing power. The only way to cure this is to destroy power itself.

A few partial exceptions do not invalidate the demonstrated principle that extreme wealth is above the law and acts against our best interests.

The real issue for me is the belief that everything is for sale. At some point, something has to be sacred.

How can you find joy in life if fear and financial destruction is surrounding you?

we only read about the rich. The vast majority of people in our history were poor before the new deal.
We really don't know about the everyday American in our past.

The vast majority of these people are middle class and lower class.

he won't do anything at the government level to jeopardize the money he married in to.

they generally have no more idea what it means to be either middle class and generally function on the principle of "noblesse exists".

The result is sometimes solutions that are not adequate, as well intended they may be. Sure a few individuals may be exceptional, but, for the most part, they just consider that adopting progressive politics is in their best interest.

I am not anti-rich, and anyway, who is rich is often in the eye of the beholder, but I am weary when I see rich people dominate the decision making on BOTH sides of the political class.

You're right that the right wing rich are a problem. But it's not just that. It's also everyone -- right wing or otherwise -- who buys into the idea that we should accept astronomical differences in wealth and income. If we do not reject this idea I doubt that we are going to see any real change.

But it doesn't seem like many of the rich on either side really care. The "left-wing" rich are usually nothing of the sort, they're just social liberals who still want to buy off politicians to make it easier for them to double their billions.

To become a billionaire you must take, take and take some more

To be a true social progressive you give, give and give back much more.

or be killed.