Preface
Gaming American Politics - The Most Profitable "Industry" on Earth
David Stockman, Ronald Reagan's Budget Director and architect of the largest tax cuts in history complained in an interview for 60 Minutes (Oct. 31, 2010):
"In 1985, the top five percent of the households, wealthiest five
percent, had net worth of $8 trillion. Today, the top five percent
have net worth of $40 trillion. The top five percent have gained more
wealth (in 25 years) than the whole human race had created prior to 1980."
Who would argue that half (if not more) of that $32 trillion increase in wealth was acquired at the expense of increased government deficits, reduced government services, damaged economy and middle class losses? It certainly appears that the directly corresponding "*30-year increase in political expenditures" made by the corporate elite succeeded in purchasing near absolute control of our politicians, government, tax code and revenue.
As always found in free market business conditions, corporate leaders most likely anticipated that their competition (in this case citizens reeling from devastating loss) would eventually:
A) Reverse engineer what corporations provide politicians for control (about $3.5 billion/yr)
B) Discover this is costing citizens at least $640 billion per year ($32 trillion/25 yrs x 1/2)
C) Decide to apply 'standard business practices' of 'spend-a-little-to-save-allot', by making a 'competitive bid' to pay politicians the $3.5 billion directly (through pay incentives and campaign funds), cutting-out-the-corporate-middle-man, saving hundreds of billions of dollars per year
A profit of $640 billion/year on a $3.5 billion investment provides a breathtaking 15,000% "Return On Investment". The annual profits from this "industry" far surpass American oil industry profits combined, making "Gaming American Politics" the most profitable industry - and best investment on earth - for 25 consecutive years!
There are two ways to effect change: mandate it or incentivize it. The voting masses have tried for decades to mandate loyalty from our politicians via the threat of voting them out. For many, losing political office only means making millions working for corporations - so in the 21st century that's an empty threat - and throwing Congress in prison is entirely impractical and will never happen because they make the laws.
Given this reality, clearly it's time for something entirely new - like cutting our losses and pursuing the opposite strategy of incentivizing loyalty. This proven strategy works exceptionally well for the Koch brothers - so why not copy them?
The Logistics:
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