One basic problem that this wealthy elite doesn't think it has any role, any responsibilities to the people. As if they are just rich because of their own awesomeness.The Ruling Class composed of the very wealthy and their ranks of political and economic servants down the line pretty much run things for their own benefit and convenience. — Bitter Crank
What kind of political system does the U.S. actually have? — Enrique
Yet not always and in every country has the ruling elite been corrupt and looking only at it's self interest.
Just look at the cabal of freemasons who rose up against their King and founded United States. Many times when nation states have been formed, the economic, political and cultural elite has been very active in the whole project, which has been very crucial in getting the masses of people to join in and for the whole endeavor to be successful.
For example something like the Nordic style welfare state has emerged in Nordic countries thanks to the active support of the elites. It's not only because of the socialists and especially not because of the communists dreaming of a revolution and waiting for capitalism to collapse, it's because the project had universal support
Is there any correlation between welfare states and monarchies? The universal support for such policies could be explained by a sense of unity brought about by monarchies. — NOS4A2
But that wouldn't explain the geographic clustering, would it? There are other correlations concerning the nordic european countries: Protestantism. An early start on high literacy rates. Participation in government starting from the ground up.
Not just the Nordic welfare system, but welfare states in general. I’m thinking also Canada, Japan, Australia, the UK. — NOS4A2
I'll get in touch with my inner Socrates. What is an upper class, how can we define it? An upper class isn't simply people with lots of power... — Enrique
what distinguishes these professional policy-makers from the ruling class? — Enrique
What level of continuity does the upper class have that would give it a sustained, multi-generational and cohesive agenda? — Enrique
what is the mechanism of real control? It seems like you're suggesting money might be the mode of influence, but what is the relationship between financing and cultural organization? — Enrique
Americans often pride themselves on not having a monarchy, but ironically the president is essentially an elected king with monarchical powers, both head of state and head of government. The head of state aspect could be the reason why campaigns are longer and rife with so much emotion. — NOS4A2
These social arrangements no doubt have some grand function. — Enrique
What kind of political system does the U.S. actually have? — Enrique
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