The super-rich families ruling the US, which is something evidence-based, may act to benefit the US citizens. I guess you think I have gone mad again. No, the US super-rich groups may really be useful.
In this article, I will present what are the benefits and negatives of the ruling forces of the US.
When did the US super-rich groups get in charge?
Every country has its shadow eminences. People didn’t make it without patron-client relationships which ridden the politics in recorded history (at least for longer periods). While humankind made significant efforts in terms of science, the way we conduct politics is on the level of African savannah tribal groups. Actually, we have evolved to do politics on the level of a few people in hunter-gatherer groups.
Robber barons in the 19th century, Russian-like style
The late 19th century, often referred to as the Gilded Age, was a period marked by rapid industrialization, economic growth, and significant political influence wielded by a group of powerful businessmen known as the “robber barons.” This term, while pejorative, reflects the perception that these industrial magnates amassed their wealth through ruthless business practices, exploitation of workers, and manipulation of political systems. Among the most notable robber barons were John D. Rockefeller, Andrew Carnegie, Cornelius Vanderbilt, and J.P. Morgan, whose vast fortunes and business empires allowed them to exert unprecedented control over the American economy and politics.
The Rockefellers
John D. Rockefeller, founder of Standard Oil, epitomized the power and influence of the robber barons. By the 1880s and 1890s, Rockefeller had established a near-monopoly over the oil industry, using aggressive tactics such as predatory pricing and secret rebates from railroads to eliminate competition. His immense wealth enabled him to influence political outcomes directly through substantial campaign contributions and indirectly through extensive lobbying efforts. Rockefeller’s financial support helped elect politicians who were sympathetic to big business and opposed stringent regulations on monopolies, thus ensuring a favorable legislative environment for Standard Oil.
Andrew Carnegie, Vanderbilts and Morgans
Andrew Carnegie, a steel magnate, also played a significant role in shaping American politics during this era. Carnegie’s business strategies, including vertical integration and aggressive expansion, led to the dominance of Carnegie Steel. Like Rockefeller, Carnegie used his wealth to influence political decisions, particularly those related to tariffs and trade policies that would benefit the steel industry. However, Carnegie also believed in philanthropy and the “Gospel of Wealth,” advocating for the wealthy to use their riches to benefit society. This dual approach of business acumen and charitable giving further cemented his influence on American society and politics.
Cornelius Vanderbilt, known for his control over the railroad industry, utilized his vast resources to manipulate political outcomes to favor his business interests. Vanderbilt’s influence extended to securing favorable legislation, such as land grants and subsidies for railroad construction, which were critical to the expansion and profitability of his railroads. His ability to sway political decisions underscored the significant power held by the robber barons, who often operated above the checks and balances of democratic governance.
J.P. Morgan, a financier and banker, exemplified the financial power wielded by the robber barons. Morgan played a crucial role in stabilizing the American economy during financial crises, such as the Panic of 1907, using his resources to provide liquidity and restore confidence in the financial system. His influence extended to the highest levels of government, where he advised presidents and policymakers. Morgan’s ability to marshal vast financial resources and orchestrate mergers and acquisitions highlighted the interdependence between big business and politics during the Gilded Age.
The US super-rich groups: where are we now?
Not only have the families managed to get closer to the state apparatus, but their pockets got much bigger (which is owned by capitalism – the super-rich multiply their wealth). This cannot be even expressed by any numbers.
They control legislative, judicial, and executive powers. A lot has been written about the relationship of the influential with the attorneys, judges, police, FBI, and CIA.
Make no mistake, a lot of it is via lobbyists. Who do you think to finance the campaigns the most?
The banking dynasties and other businesses are the means they control the presidents. When you are strong economically, you are strong politically.
They are deeply established and there isn’t a single bird’s tweet that can happen without them in the highest circles.
The positives of the world order
In 2024, the US remains the sole superpower and it is still a democracy (yet flawed) if we accept the narrative political scientists present us with.
So what do the US super-rich groups own overseas? The whole of Japan, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Canada, a huge part of Germany, and to some degree Mexico.
One former Czech prime minister concluded that Germany should act for its own benefit, not for the benefit of the USA. So now you know how powerful the US is.
So this leads to a democratic world order being maintained (economically and militarily). And we don’t have to live in a world where totalitarian, autocratic, or pseudodemocratic regimes prevail.
They maintain democracy and a party system
Henry Ford, who was a member of the Freemasons, proclaimed in 1940 that the Freemasons (the super-rich) were the best for the balance of power in the United States. Thus preserving democracy.
Also, imagine if the bipartisan system (with its super-rich groups backers) didn’t exist, the chaos would ensue. New parties would be detrimental to US citizens (of course people voting for them), with extremism and nationalism as it could emerge. This could possibly destabilize the whole world.
Super-rich groups make sure universities are top
The US used to have the worst universities prior to WW2, the best after the war. Our usual suspects are the super-rich groups.
In order to have a strong economy, and to be military capable, the universities and the basic and applied research are the key.
They make sure the global warming won’t destroy us
A significant majority of Americans are aware of and concerned about global warming. According to a 2024 survey by the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication, 73% of Americans say they know at least a moderate amount about climate change. And 78% believe the U.S. government should do at least a moderate amount to address it. Additionally, 73% report having observed the effects of climate change personally.
But this doesn’t mean they necessarily promote enacting such laws fighting this phenomenon.
While a significant majority of the world’s citizens recognize the reality of climate change and the need for action, a persistent minority influenced by political, economic, and psychological factors continues to deny it.
Another positive: massive surveillance
It is positive and negative simultaneously. While this pervasive phenomenon makes someone puke, massive espionage ensures that the super-rich groups have control over future politicians, current spies, and influential persons.
The negatives – so what is more beneficial? With or without them?
I have been ranting against the super-rich and I am advocating them now? I can strongly assure you this is not the case. You may not believe it, but despite the benefits, the negatives massively prevail.
Total paralysis of the political process
Since the interest groups exist in a complex constellation and are hostile to each other, it consequently must show in the quality of the US political process which is nothing but terrible. Imagine a utopia where every issue (from a normal morality standpoint) is solved. And now imagine that only one issue from ten thousand is solved.
Forget about it. The most pressing US issues
Economic inequality remains a pressing issue. The wealth gap between the richest Americans and the rest of the population continues to widen. This disparity affects access to essential services like healthcare and education and contributes to broader social and economic instability. Addressing this inequality is crucial for ensuring a more equitable society.
A nightmare called the health system
Despite ongoing reforms, the U.S. healthcare system still faces significant challenges. Issues include high costs, unequal access to services, and disparities in health outcomes based on race, income, and geography. Finding ways to improve affordability and access remains a key concern for policymakers and the public alike.
A landmark 2009 study published in the “American Journal of Public Health” estimated that approximately 45,000 deaths per year were associated with a lack of health insurance. This figure reflects the increased risk of mortality for uninsured individuals due to barriers in accessing timely medical care.
Lack of access to healthcare can contribute to deaths indirectly by exacerbating chronic conditions. This leads to preventable diseases, or delaying necessary treatments. The overall impact on mortality includes factors such as limited access to preventive services, early interventions, and management of chronic conditions.
Get shot or die on the street because of hunger
Gun violence is a major concern in the U.S. The country experiences higher rates of such violence compared to other developed nations. Finding effective solutions to address this issue involves complex debates over gun control measures, mental health resources, and community safety strategies.
As of 2022, around 10% of U.S. households experienced food insecurity at some point during the year. While food insecurity itself does not usually lead directly to death from starvation, it can result in severe health consequences that indirectly impact mortality.
Education reform nowhere to be found
The U.S. education system faces challenges related to equity and quality. Disparities in educational opportunities and outcomes are evident across different regions and demographics. Ensuring that all students have access to high-quality education is critical for the future success of individuals and the nation as a whole.
Super-rich groups don’t care about mental health crisis
The U.S. is facing a significant mental health crisis. It is exacerbated by factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, economic stress, and social isolation. Mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, are prevalent and can severely impact quality of life and well-being. Access to mental health care remains uneven, with many individuals facing barriers to receiving timely and effective treatment. Addressing mental health requires improving access to services, reducing stigma, and integrating mental health support into primary care.
According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), in 2021, approximately 41% of state prisoners and 37% of federal prisoners reported having a mental health condition. This includes conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, and psychosis.
The 2023 Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR) to Congress estimated that on a single night in January 2023, there were approximately 580,000 people experiencing homelessness in the U.S. Of this population, around 10% were considered chronically homeless, and a significant portion of these individuals had mental health issues.
The U.S. infrastructure system requires significant investment to address aging roads, bridges, public transportation systems, and other critical components. Modernizing and maintaining infrastructure is vital for economic growth, public safety, and quality of life.
Drug addiction and the War on Drugs
The opioid crisis has been one of the most devastating drug-related public health issues in the U.S. It began in the late 1990s with the widespread prescription of opioid painkillers, which led to a surge in addiction and overdose deaths. The crisis has evolved to include heroin and synthetic opioids like fentanyl. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 110,000 drug overdose deaths were recorded in 2022, with opioids being the leading cause. Efforts to combat the opioid epidemic include increasing access to addiction treatment, distributing naloxone (a medication that reverses opioid overdoses), and implementing prescription drug monitoring programs. Despite these measures, the crisis is compounded by the rise of fentanyl, which is often mixed with other drugs, increasing the risk of overdose.
Alongside opioids, the use of stimulant drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine has been on the rise. Methamphetamine use, in particular, has surged, leading to increased overdose deaths and associated health issues. Stimulants contribute to severe health problems, including cardiovascular complications and mental health disorders. Data from the CDC indicate a significant increase in stimulant-involved overdose deaths, reflecting a troubling trend in substance use that complicates public health efforts and treatment strategies.
All of this is accompanied by a criminally-minded War on Drugs, which is nothing but a failure and, of course, a product of clientelism.
Nearly total disrespect to human rights
Despite the US politicians boasting as saviors of the world’s state of human rights, the opposite is true.
The only human right they press for is democracy. No economic human rights, no social human rights. There is one exception – and that is corruption. They want to make sure they can invest there without bribing everyone in the countries ridden with corruption.
Disrespect for human rights domestically
In the United States, significant gaps remain in several key areas of social and economic human rights. Access to healthcare is a major concern, as many Americans are uninsured or face prohibitive costs even with insurance. This lack of affordable healthcare can lead to untreated illnesses and financial strain for millions. Adequate housing is another critical issue, with homelessness and housing insecurity affecting large numbers of people, particularly in urban areas where affordable housing is scarce.
Educational inequality also poses a significant challenge, as public schools in low-income areas often lack the resources and support necessary to provide quality education, perpetuating cycles of poverty. Furthermore, workers’ rights are under pressure due to wage stagnation, declining union influence, and the prevalence of low-wage jobs that do not provide a living wage or adequate benefits. The social safety nets, including unemployment and disability benefits, are frequently insufficient, leaving many vulnerable individuals without the necessary support.
Total lack of pressing for human rights in the world
Globally, the situation is even more pronounced, with widespread deficiencies in essential human rights. Access to healthcare is highly uneven, with many countries lacking the necessary medical infrastructure and funding to provide basic health services, leading to high mortality rates from preventable diseases. Housing conditions are dire in many parts of the world, especially in developing nations where millions live in slums without access to clean water and sanitation.
Education remains inaccessible for many children, particularly girls and marginalized groups, due to economic, cultural, and security barriers. Food insecurity is a pressing issue, with millions suffering from hunger and malnutrition exacerbated by conflicts, climate change, and economic instability. Labor exploitation is rampant, with many workers enduring forced labor, child labor, and unsafe working conditions due to weak labor laws and enforcement. Access to clean water and sanitation is still a significant problem, contributing to severe health issues and hindering economic development in affected regions.
The majority of the world’s population lives in countries where massive prison torture is prevalent.
Senseless wars aiming for economic domination
The Vietnam War, the Iraq War, the Korean War, the Somali civil war intervention, the Invasion of Grenada, and the Libya intervention were fought nothing but for business interests.
They want to control and own the whole economies meanwhile the poor soldiers adoring the culture of the US Army are dying or are crippled because of the few super-rich sociopaths.
Back then, when the media were more open, their own documents revealed that the Vietnam War was fought because of the containment of China.
Massive human causalities and enormous misfortune are caused by it.
Make sure developed countries stay developed and US super-rich groups maintain economic dominance
If we cannot control or own them, make sure they continue to be poor, thus militarily and economically falling behind. So they are no threats.
The US profits because of the patron-client system based on big money where there are pushes and pulls, making sure the US has dominance in economic, military and power structures.
And it all can result in war, only because of the economic interests: “War is a continuation of politics by other means.”
The U.S. dollar’s status as the world’s primary reserve currency is a cornerstone of American economic power. So their competitors pay the price.
This dominance allows the U.S. to enjoy several advantages, including easier international trade, as the dollar is the preferred currency for global transactions. This widespread use of the dollar helps stabilize U.S. businesses against exchange rate fluctuations and attracts foreign investment. Additionally, the dollar’s central role in global finance enables the U.S. to impose economic sanctions more effectively, leveraging its financial influence to support its geopolitical objectives.
The U.S. is home to some of the world’s largest and most influential financial markets, including the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq. These markets offer depth and liquidity that attract international investors, reinforcing the U.S.’s position as a global financial hub. The sophistication and innovation present in U.S. financial markets also contribute to its competitive edge, making it a central player in global investment and economic strategy.
The U.S. has extensive trade relationships with countries around the world, enhancing its economic influence. Through bilateral and multilateral trade agreements, the U.S. secures market access and supports its global economic interests. Strategic economic partnerships and alliances further bolster its influence, allowing it to maintain a significant role in international trade and access critical resources.
Their privatized bipartisan system prevents massive world changes
They say there are the only two ideologies (and ideologies are something evolutionary-given), the reality lies somewher else. Here is proposed spectrum:
More redistribution/Less redistribution
Liberal/Conservative
Anti-consumerism/Consumerism
Tens of percent of GDP investing in science/Little investment in science
Trillions of dollars for building whole countries/Little aid
Complex grasp of what surplus value is and how to change the constellation of the whole system/Unregulated savage capitalism
Pro-eugenics/Ill society
Clientelism-free politics/Patron-client political style
Massive support of natality/Few people being born
Animal-like stories news/Statistical-mathematical educational news
Lifetime education on how to change politics/Obscurantism
Anti-corruption fight/Corrupt politics
State atheism/Believing in superstitions
Forced collaboration of all political parties on common issues/Partisan politics
Cultural changes of ordinary people for better/Conservative cultures
Vegan, vegetarian society/Mass torture-prone concentration camps
Anti-Global warming/Denial
Paying the smartest people to be politicians/Feeble-minded prone to manipulation of politicians
Eugenically healthy people – less money for a cure, more money for medical research/Ill society with trillions paid for a cure
Eugenically healthy people – less criminals, less prisons/Society full of crime
AI-friendly society/Anti AI
Global government/Eternal nationalistic wars
Global redistribution of wealth/National redistribution
Speaking one language/Babylon
Global educational system/Poor educational system around the world
People having access to a political background/Shallow hidden politics
Right to work, right to have decent housing, right to have adequate money/Savage capitalism
Morality improvement/Nihilistic-like morality
Legalizing drugs/War on Drugs
Education system renaissance/Rigid education system
Placing the brightest minds where they belong/Commercial misuse of the smartest
Banning lobbyists (governments would find out what is really needed to do)/Corrupt politics
Medical supervision/Estimated 200,000 people die from medical malpractice annually in the US
People not functioning in capitalism socially secured/The homeless army
The changes must come from the US, otherwise the US power structure destroys any attempts from somewhere else.
There would be new parties offering completely new solutions.
There is also a possibility of a huge eugenics (AI-connected) program that would bring humankind to another level.
Countries can be controlled by economic means by state owned companies
If there were no powerful background eminences, the democratic world would lose its allies. It would mean less democracy and more opression.
But what if the assets of the super-rich groups were transformed to government. It would mean status quo.
And if the US started financing political campaings with more resources than it is now, the dominance would remain intact.
Fighting to sustain savage capitalism
They don’t tell the top economists at universities to find alternatives to capitalism. They must find something that benefits the super-rich.
Maybe there is only a possible mixed capitalism model. I am not an economist. But us super-rich families promote savage capitalism at home and abroad.
Massive surveillance is dangerous
While mass surveillance is something the super-rich groups lust for, it is a nightmare for ordinary citizens.
This can be misused by extorting future politicians, powerful people, and – last but not least – a regular Joe. Orwell warned against this, but they had successfully implemented it.
Chaos could be only temporary
Of course, people are stupid (an IQ of 100 is average), so without the super-rich, there is – I must admit – a real possibility of people voting for some horrible parties. But things could be reversed. In a culture such as America, no autocracy or totalitarian regime can last for long (remember what happened with all the regimes like those).
Conclusion: US super-rich groups are overwhelmingly detrimental
When I was young, I thought George W. Bush had been a good guy. When you start acquiring intelligence, judgment, and critical thinking, you start to realize that he is the world’s class criminal, a war criminal, and the main proponent of the super-rich-controlled America.
Václav Havel, whom I respect as a dissident (and that’s all), was a friend of George W. Bush despite having realized in deep communism (and he was from a rich family) that the super-rich families are no good. But he experienced a turnover.
Let’s make it clear. A US president is not the most powerful man. Lobbyists are higher.
But while super-rich families can bring stability to the world order, make top universities, and sustain democracy, there are downsides: total paralysis of the political process, no issues solved, no respect for human rights, ensuring they remain the richest at the expense of other countries, oppressing developing countries, and so on.
While the super-rich may bring something good, the same things can be done without them. So we need a party that will rid the great USA of clientelism and make the future better for the upcoming generations.
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