flstf

I think the reality and/or perception that the system is rigged is something that has to be fixed especially if it is believed by many to be a major reason for inequality of income. People are not happy when they think they are getting screwed regardless of income.

One example I can think of is a local farmer who owned some acreage outright since his parents squated it in the 1800s. The land was just sitting there unused and a group from the capital city came along and offered him $100,000 for it and he was happy to accept it. In a few months construction began on a freeway adjacent to the property and the value went up into the millions. The landowner died within a year, his son said he never got over being taken advantage of by the politically connected buyers who had inside information.

Politically connected and company officers and friends steal millions from our pension funds (via inside information stock trading, etc..) and get a slap on the wrist or sometimes a few months in a country club facility while many small time crooks do hard time.

Our polititians have no problem bailing out banks and mortgage companies whose officers make millions and then hem and haw about bailing out homeowners who can't make payments because it will send the wrong message. Not that I think they should do either but the perception of corruption is there.

Also the way our tax system is currently set up the poor and middle class pay a much higher percentage of their income to support the government than the wealthy. Now Washington is talking about raising taxes on the oil companies. Isn't it obvious that gasoline buyers will ultimately pay this?

I think if people really thought that there was equal opportunity without political corruption and manipulation by the wealthy then inequality of income would not be such a big deal. Unless it gets to the point where a small percentage acquire most of the wealth then eventually the majority will revolt.