Watch this video and note how the people on the street imagine America to be more equal than it actually is. It turns out that America has an extraordinarily high level of economic inequality -- much greater than any other advanced industrialized country in the world and far more unequal compared to countries like Sweden or Norway.
Here is my point: Wealthy and upper middle class elites are disproportionately represented in Congress. And, a very small number of very wealthy people own the vast majority of income and property in America. Wealthy American citizens exercise greater influence over Congress and own most of the stuff around the country -- poor and working class Americans exercise way less influence over Congress and own way less stuff in America.
What do you think?
Can a millionaire properly represent your economic interests? Does a millionaire know what it is like to be poor or middle class? Why do you suppose that poor and middle class people continue to elect millionaires to Congress? Could electing millionaires actually hurt poor and middle class Americans? Would America be more economically equal if more poor and working class citizens were elected to political office?
Can a millionaire properly represent your economic interests? Does a millionaire know what it is like to be poor or middle class? Why do you suppose that poor and middle class people continue to elect millionaires to Congress? Could electing millionaires actually hurt poor and middle class Americans? Would America be more economically equal if more poor and working class citizens were elected to political office?
As for the inequality in America, this is the product of capitalism. I am not insinuating that capitalism is bad in any way, however, that is why there is disproportion within the population. I do not think that millionaires in Congress can properly represent the average American unless he/she grew up poor or middle-class and then became wealthy due to his/her own self-determination. People continue to elect these people because usually the only people that are on the ballot are millionaires. Therefore, it is impossible to vote for a non-millionaire if only millionaires are on the ballot. For one, they are the only ones to run for Congress because the filing fee to run for Congress was $25,000 until just recently. This just changed to $1,740 (In West Virginia). It is hard to say whether electing poor/middle-class people to office would actually help the lower classes because this is determined by their policies, rather than their class. I will say that if we elected lower class people to Congress then they would have a better understanding of what most Americans experience though.
ReplyDeleteKevin Hagerty PSCI 100.02
DeleteI do not believe a millionaire can properly represent lower "class" citizens unless they the millionaire themselves is a down to earth person who knows they have money but pay more attention to what the collective needs then themselves. It is probably not very likely but I do believe there are those who have wealth who care more about the world then themselves. Millionaires do not always know what it is like to be poor or middle class unless that is where they started and then some how gained their wealth, we would like to think that they would remember what it was like but money corrupts some people. I believe that the reason millionaires keep getting elected is because people think that only the wealthy can campaign to get into office because of the amount of money it costs so lower class people don't dare run because they could not afford it. This is true but it is also possible to start small and work your way up and gain support of people who will help you out on the financial end, you just can't let the power corrupt you. I believe it can and has hurt us if you take an example from our last blog post. I talked about tax deductions and the difference of what the wealthy get versus the poor it was a significant difference. (66,000 vs 104.00) I think that if there were more poor and working class citizens in office who were not corruptible then the economy could become more equal because then those people would be living with the problems that needed to be fixed and would push for them to be fixed. It honestly comes down to who the person is whether a millionaire or poor working class.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree that a Millionaire cannot be appointed to represent the lower class unless there are certain circumstances like, they were born into a rich family. However, they had to work their way up the chain to earn and deserve the wealth that their family has. Also, if the individual started out in the lower class and worked his way up the food chain to the upper class. That means he knows what it is like to live and be in the other classes, because he was in both of them before and he does not want to fall back down the chain. Due to that they also knows what to improve and how to help people do it also to better themselves and help them move up the food chain, just like they did. There are other type of millionaires ones who become popular out of luck and hit it big and ones who are born into a rich home and handed everything, the only flaw there parents are so busy there nanny is more family then mom and dad. Which is very sad but the life of a millionaire can be very lonely, which can make them anger and bitter. It is also very expensive to run and to get picked appearances, and the campaign means everything. My opinion is that I would not want someone being the voice for the low or middle class if they don’t know what it is like to be there or have no idea what its like to not have everything handed to them or enough money in the world that options were unlimited. People seem to let money do the talking these days and vote for what they know is safe.
Delete(Stephanie Hennessee PSCI 100-03)
Depending on the situation and how the person obtained their fortune plays a big role. If they worked hard and are self made money then they will know the struggle that the common person faces because they were that person. If they were born rich and have always had money then they really don,t know what it is like for the average family living paycheck to paycheck. Honestly it simply comes down to the person and the situation.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree. While being "born into money" is the most common, doesn't mean it's the only way to have money. It depends how the person got to that point.
DeleteI do not think millionaries would represent out state the best unless he/she grew up in a middle class or poor household. I think it would be hard for someone with so much money to be able to realize what the needs are struggles are for those middle/ poorer class people. I think middle classe and poor people are electing millionaries because those are the only ones on the ballots, it's hard for someone who doesn't bring in a large income to run. Just for your name to be on the ballot you have to pay a fee. Middle and poorer class people need that money to provide for their family. I think it would be beneficial to elect middle class and poorer people, they would be able to represent local citizens more accurate.
ReplyDelete(Hannah Mansell)
I am not so sure that a millionaire can represent my economic interest. Maybe if that person became a millionaire by working their ass off and obtained wealth by hard work alone, maybe. I believe that the reason why millionaires keep getting elected is basically, that is what is running. Average Joe cannot afford to run for Congress, nor would most of us even begin to know how to raise the amount of money needed. I believe that electing the wealthy does hurt us. They have no idea how the average family struggles. The wealthy do not realize what it is like to live “pay check to pay check”. Maybe one day we will get an “average Joe” in Congress that understands what most families go through each and every month. Maybe then something might get done, but I would not hold my breath.
ReplyDeleteI believe that a millionaire cannot properly represent our economic interests. I believe this, because unless this millionaire was raised in a blue collar environment and worked for what he earned, than he does not understand the current person's interest. A millionaire does not understand what the middle class or poor have to deal with and the possibility of losing everything you work for. The only reason why millionaires are still elected into Congress, is that the public has no other choice. The only way to run for any type of political office, is that you need a backing which means a lot of money. I feel that electing millionaires does hurt the poor and middle classes because they end up being taxed for things that only the 1% deserves to be taxed for. I feel that we would be better off with someone who was elected from the middle class or was poor. This would make it equal for everyone else and I feel that the middle class would finally be fairly represented.
ReplyDeleteCallie Long Poli Sci 100.02
I meant PSCI 100.03
DeleteI believe that a millionaire who worked hard and began as a lower class citizen and then worked his/her way to the top is a good choice to work in congress. However, with only 1 percent being millionaires of the average people, congress should not be filled with mainly people of great wealth because a lot of them never experienced economic hardships or whether or not you'd have food that night or help your kid go to college or the fact that you worked three jobs and worked extremely hard each day but you still only have enough to pay the bills. Many Americans wish but do not have the luxury of money. Im not saying we should have none in congress because then the wealthy would not get represented but at the moment they are getting over represented and they are going to continue to stay because we keep voting for them. A big reason is americans are oblivious to the fact that we are extremely unequal in a economic stance because politicians are really good at making you believe they are just like any hard working man. One thing that bothers me the most is take the military for instance. Those men and women are going out to fight for this country and for those politicians to sit in their seats and "run" the country, however, military payment is getting lowered? and the politicians are still making millions? How in any way does that make sense?
ReplyDeleteI think it depends on the millionaire. I believe that some of the rich actually work hard to earn their wealth. Many wealthy figures never forget what brought them to their status, hard work. I think that some politicians today share that same value for hard work. I would've voted for Obama over Romney simply because he was not wealthy his whole life, Romney was. There is no way an individual who has not earned their wealth can look in the eyes of the poor and say they understand them. I think we continue to vote rich people in to politics because they have the resources and connections to become one. In todays system you need money and connections to become a politician, which is mesed up. Our political system is up shit creek.
ReplyDeleteFrederick Filberg Poli Sci: 100 03
I think if someone is a millionaire and they were "born" into it, then they do not have a good idea about how the normal person lives an everyday lifestyle. No matter how hard they try to understand, in my opinion, they never will. Some millionaires however, worked their butts off their whole life and grew up in poverty. They know what it is like to come from nothing and I think this is a much better choice for someone in congress than someone who has had luxury their whole lives. As a whole though, I feel as though millionaires cannot represent the people at all. The whole concept of living is different for them. That is why, I feel we need a "normal" person to represent the country and the ideas and lives of the people. If we continue to elect people who don't represent us, then the country will keep falling apart.
ReplyDeleteSeth Myers PSCI 100.3
I don't think a millionaire can properly represent my economic interests at all. I highly doubt a millionaire knows what it feels like to be middle or lower class at all. They only known the upper class, and that's all they're most likely ever going to know. Poor and middle class people keep electing millionaires because for some messed up reason, they think the millionaire will understand what they are going through in life, and will be able to help them. They're obviously not very smart to keep electing millionaires. Yes it's hurting people! The millionaire promises all this stuff for poor and middle class people, and then when they're elected into whatever office, they do whatever they and their financial backers want. They only care about the poor and middle class people when they need votes,other than that, they don't give a rat's ass. Even if someone that was poor or middle class was elected, I still don't think America would be economically equal. I feel like they would start off by helping out people with good intentions, but eventually politics, people, and money would swallow them up and they would turn evil.
ReplyDeleteDakota DiMagno PSCI 100.02
I think it depends on how the millionaire was raised. If the millionaire was raised in a wealthy family and never had to worry about money issues, then they do not know how it feels to poor. Now if someone worked their way up to be a millionaire, then they know what it is like to have nothing. I feel that the if the millionaires ran in Congress, then they need to know how it is to live in the middle and low class.
ReplyDeleteSeth Brooks 100.02
I don't think a millionaire has our best interest in mind as they are more worried about their own interest. A lot of millionaires have it given to them and never had to work for anything so they have no clue what it is like to not have something or to have to work for everything they have. If they worked to receive everything they have then maybe they would worry about the working class and understand. So only if they have became a millionaire on their own would I believe that they have my best interest as a member of the working class in mind.
ReplyDelete(Dustin Wilt 100:03)
I agree with you. They do not know what its like to be in the middle or lower classes so I don't think they could know whats best for us either. They seem to want to make more money for their own interest and do not ever really think of the other classes. I think it would be better for the working and lower class to have somebody like them to represent their interest.
Delete(Christopher Hosby 100.03)
I remember a point when Donald Trump was threatening to run for President of the U.S. Now whether or not he has an impressive name in politics, he is known for managing a multimillion dollar empire. Is the United States not a corporation? Trump has earned a reputation for being a successful business man, fully aware of how to make accurate calculations and increase a profit, something the United States has failed to acquire over the past decade. My point being, maybe we don't need someone who's sat in a political office their entire lives to manage the government check book. I wouldn't neglect Trump's ability to reverse the economic downfall of the U.S., I mean if he can turn small businesses into billion dollar investments why couldn't be secure a successful future for our middle class?
ReplyDelete(Michael Wallace)
Personally I believe it all depends on how that millionaire was raised. Growing up where money is just handed to you because your family is wealthy is completely different than starting from nothing and working your butt off to reach for the top. For example, Obama; he wasn't always rich. He experienced being low/middle class and worked his way to the top. Therefore, I do believe he means well with Obama Care. Yes, a lot of people don't like the idea, but he is trying to do good for the low class because he understands their struggles. When have we every had someone in congress stick to their word about helping the poor...? Usually before getting elected they talk about how their going to help the poor, but after being elected it usually doesn't happen. That's another reason why I think some people keep voting for the rich. Because they say their going to do one thing because they are able to gain the resources and have all the connections but once elected it never happens...
ReplyDeleteWow! First off this was an amazing interview, study, and video segment. The separation of wealth does not surprise me, however the lack of knowledge by the people absolutely does.
ReplyDeletePart of the problem in our country is that the millionaires running it, with some exceptions, have no understanding of the lower classes. There are those exceptions where they are officials who worked their way up from the bottom. For the most part it is old money officials and they have no clue to what real life is. They cannot understand the effects of policies if they do not understand our neighborhoods, societies, and way of life.
We continually elect these officials for lack of options. It has become so expensive to run for offices that you must be millionaire to make a go at it. There have been attempts but the opponents with the money usually drown those out with ease. Another reason is the lack of the "grass roots" groups in our country, they are next to none. This makes it hard for an average person to gain support and voice on a scale large enough to run for office.
We continue to elect the rich and it continues to hurt the poor and middle class. They are making the decisions to raise wages, control the stock markets, and they are doing it in a way to keep the larger population at the bottom. This serves their interest best and allows their reign of control to last longer with a larger footprint. It would take a revolt to change these graphs that were shown. Anything short of that would not do the job, in fact I believe that the gap in the economy is going to keep growing.
It would not take a couple of working class citizens to make a difference as elected officials, but a large enough share in the houses to have a voting presence on the floor to make the changes needed for their classes. And this is not say that once there that they themselves would be tempted and swindled, and cohered into the thinking patterns of the rich lawmakers.
I believe a millionaire cannot properly represent the average person's economic interest.Unless they went from rags to riches they have no idea what it is like to be poor economically. They do not know what it is like going yard sale shopping to get their clothes, appliances and toys for their kids. They do not know what it is like going to the laundromat when you cannot afford your own washer and dryer. I suppose we continue to elect millionaires because they are the only ones who can afford to run and often times people believe that those who have money are smart and no what is best for everyone. By electing millionaires though, we are probably hurting our economy. They do not know how to take care of those whose wealth is limited unlike their own. If there were more average US citizens, middle class and poverty stricken, I believe there would be a focus on our economy to help those who need it most.
ReplyDeleteA millionaire cannot represent an average persons' economic interests.. unless they were poor at one time. We keep voting in millionaires because that is the only people on the ballot because average people cannot run for office. So we have to pick the lesser of the two evils. If it would not cost so much to run more average people would and not all these millionaires
ReplyDeleteI do not believe that millionaires can properly represent our economic interests.A millionaire does not know what it is like to be middle class or poor because the majority of millionaires were born into their money. Therefore they cannot properly represent us because they do not know what would effectively help the poor and middle class. Poor and middle class people continue to elect them because that is what is easiest. It would take work to find and elect another candidate. I think that if middle and poor class were to be elected there would be more of a balance and equality in congress.
ReplyDeleteIt does not matter if our elected officials are millionaires or not, but rather if they can carry out actions that have the best interest for the people. Of course it’s always nice to have an official who has seen the other side of the tracks and know how it feels to be down to your last, but that does not guarantee that person would work in favor of the people. We must start focusing on what it is that our elected officials plan to bring to the table, how do they plan on bringing it to the people, and if we as people start seeing our electives stray away from their promised agenda and not taking actions based on what the people want, then we must see to it that they are removed from office. I feel as though a lot of the problems we face are due to the fact that we as a people are not involved enough in what’s going on in our government and the actions and decision that are being made for us. That may be due to the fact that we’re too busy trying to survive, while those who are well off have the time to invest more of their attention into politics, into government affairs, which in return works in their favor because while we’re too busy trying to survive, the rich are having policies put into place that do nothing but benefit them. So to answer the questions, no I do not feel electing millionaires will hurt the low and middle class, its all about who you elect. Yes a millionaire can represents our economic best interest but not because they are a millionaire but because if elected it was due to the faith the people laid within there candidate to fulfill the best interest for the people, to bring forth issues by the people. It just so happens to be that there a millionaire.
ReplyDeleteDa'shawn Long (PSCI 100.03)
I think it is wrong to have the wealthy representing the state because more than the majority of the United States is "middle calass" or "average". Therefore they might try and relate to how we spend our money our what our financial needs or priorities are as a government nut we need someone who is like the majority us to represent the majority.... which is not the wealthy.
ReplyDeleteI agree, how can someone who has never been in the shoes of a middle or average classes shoes possibly know what they need or what is best for them. Most of the rich people own care about themselves would would only better things that they will benefit from even though them may have made all kinds of promise to be voted.
Delete(Stephanie Hennessee PSCI-100-03)