Using Technology to Deepen Democracy, Using Democracy to Ensure Technology Benefits Us All

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Plutocracy Now! Plutocracy Forever!

The Chicago Tribune snags "a rare interview" (given the result, one suspects such interviews might well become rarer still) with hedge-fund multi-billionaire Ken Griffin.

In the 2012 election cycle Griffin has already given (alone and in tandem with his wife) $150,000 to Restore Our Future, the Romney super PAC; $560,000 to the Republican Governors Association; $300,000 to American Crossroads, the Karl Rove, Ed Gillespie GOP mud-slinging operation. In 2010, Griffin gave $500,000 to American Crossroads, and together the Griffins have given one and a half million over the years to the Koch brothers "grassroots" anti-tax anti-government anti-civilization demolition engine Americans for Prosperity.

Asked by the Tribune: "What do you think in general about the influence of people with your means on the political process? ... Do you think the ultrawealthy have an inordinate or inappropriate amount of influence on the political process?" Griffin responded, thusly:
I think they [NB, not "we" -- Perhaps like Ann Romney Griffin doesn't consider himself wealthy, "an interesting thing" --d] actually have an insufficient influence. Those who have enjoyed the benefits of our system more than ever now owe a duty to protect the system that has created the greatest nation on this planet. And so I hope that other individuals who have really enjoyed growing up in a country that believes in life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness -- and economic freedom is part of the pursuit of happiness -- (I hope they realize) they have a duty now to step up and protect that."
Needless to say, some might propose that "those who have enjoyed the benefits of our system more than ever now owe a duty to protect" would probably look less like a duty or justification for rich people running and controlling everything at the expense of the majority of their fellow citizens who actually work for a living, and would look much more like a duty or justification for them actually paying their fair share in the taxes that pay for the maintenance of the system on which they depend for their flourishing.

No comments: