3 ms·
you can't use a non-standard definition of a word and then complain others are playing word games. you seem to think all that matters is inequality in politica
by brokensegue 6y ago
you can't use a non-standard definition of a word and then complain others are playing word games.
you seem to think all that matters is inequality in political power but I think inequality in, say, quality of life, protection under the law or healthcare are also important and those exist well below the 0.01% (and in non-wealth dimensions).
Also, I'm nowhere near the top 0.01% but I do donate a good amount to political campaigns and I regularly get personal calls from congress people (presumably expecting more money). I don't think people in the bottom 50% get such calls.
- programmarchy 6y agoWikipedia's definition includes those who "wield the most political power", so I don't think it's non-standard, per se. Although, I have complained elsewhere in this thread that the language we use to describe class and power obscures the existence of "elites" who hold the most influence. Because elite power is hidden, it becomes unaccountable. You can scapegoat the "upper class" asshole with a Lamborghini and infinity pool, but that's obscuring the massive influence of figures like the Koch Brothers and Sheldon Adelson. I completely agree with you that protection under the law, healthcare, etc, are important and should be rectified. But the people who are ultimately deciding that are the ultra wealthy elites [1]. So taxing multi-millionaires is rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic, rather than addressing inequality in a meaningful way. To do this, elite power must be held accountable. To be held accountable, it must be seen, and not made invisible by "word games". [1] https://journalistsresource.org/studies/politics/finance-lobbying/the-influence-of-elites-interest-groups-and-average-voters-on-american-politics/ https://journalistsresource.org/studies/politics/finance-lob...
- brokensegue 6y agoaccording to gallup polling between 1-3% of people self-identify as upper class. no matter your definition that's gonna include people with merely $20MM in wealth. and i'll add that $20MM definitely gets you regular lunch with congresspeople and maybe even a ride on airforce one (I know someone who donated enough to Trump to get this and isn't a billionaire).
- programmarchy 6y agoStill won’t address my point. Compared with what the elites are getting, a ride on air force one is a pat on the head. Get a clue.
- dang 6y agoPlease don't do tedious flamewars on HN, and especially please don't cross into personal attack. https://news.ycombinator.com/newsguidelines.html https://news.ycombinator.com/newsguidelines.html