Democracy or Plutocracy: You Decide

Recently I watched a Hulu documentary entitled “Four Horsemen.” If you’re unfamiliar with Hulu, it’s a free website offering informative and entertaining shows. What caught my eye about “Horsemen” was the brief synopsis stating “there is still hope in re-establishing a moral and just society.” Any documentary making such a declaration in a country infested with lobbyists was one I wanted to see.

           

This is not a video kids will enjoy because they’ll be terrified, not of monsters or zombies, but of our country’s financial or governing system. “Horsemen” is a commentary on debt-based economy, the fiat monetary system, and the practice of investment banks loaning money without reserves to cover the loans. It also warns of plutocracy, a form of government by the wealthy.

The Four Horsemen are described as crooked financial systems, escalating organized violence, worldwide abject poverty, and depletion of the earth’s resources. Interviewees contend legalized corruption in governments and banks creates a form of socialism for the rich ultimately resulting in a plutocratic system, one apparently rampant during the early industrial days of our country. Men like Vanderbilt, Carnegie, Rockefeller, and Morgan were called “Robber Barons.” These men may have been geniuses, but some argue their wealth was built on the backs of impoverished laborers, manipulated congressmen, and figurehead presidents.

Successful zillionaire capitalist Nick Hanauer says: “We plutocrats live incredible lives, surrounded by luxury, insulated from risk and discomfort. We have a long and proud history of controlling human societies. We got a $700 billion rescue of the financial system, and corporate wealth is at a 50 year high. The false belief we are ‘job creators’ is essential to justify our status and power.”

In a Politico article he wrote: “If we don’t do something to fix the glaring inequalities in this economy, the pitchforks are coming for us.” Noam Chomsky, a “Horsemen” participant, suggested plutocrats use their wealth for the betterment of society. Sounds like Hanauer might agree.

Plutocracy creeps into democracies as unnoticed as fiat money crept into our monetary system. It’s interesting to note the term “democracy” is not found in our Constitution or Declaration of Independence. Does that open the door for plutocracy or is it already here? As the divide between rich and poor increases, one might pause and wonder.

What’s going on in Washington and what form of government runs this country?