Posted by
Mike on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 8:30:17 PM
http://westernperspective.blogspot.com/
Several decades ago, Ferdinand Lundberg completed a monumental
study of the rich and the super-rich. He identified the primary
dynastic families at that time as being Du Pont, Mellon, Rockefeller,
Ford, and to a lesser extent Pew. Since that time, new wealth has been
amassed by other families including those of Walton, Buffett and Gates.
What effect does exorbitant wealth have on the formation of social policy?
The
super-rich exert tremendous control over the media and the government,
which has the effect of slowing down the process of democratization in
society whether at home or abroad. Capitalism is basically a given at
this stage of history. Most social injustices are caused by the wealthy
wanting to keep control. Wealthy family foundations fund anti-life,
anti-family programs such as Planned Parenthood, and are large
contributors to liberal candidates for government offices, judgeships,
and causes. Of course there are exceptions such as Richard Scaife a
scion of the Mellon Dynasty, and the Pew Research Center which conducts
research into religious strengths and weaknesses.
Capitalism
obviously is not going to go away overnight. It is therefore the duty
of responsible citizens to work for justice within these limitations.