America Today Is An Oligarchy: Considering Wealth Inequality, Favorability Of Laws To Big Business, Ultra Rich Billionaires

Sanders Statement on Oligarchy in America

Editor’s note: The recent review of Justice Is Coming by Cenk Uygur details the many ways in which this country has in a sense become an oligarchy, including via the politicians who take money from giant corporations and then make laws that favor these same corporations and billionaires. 

WASHINGTON — Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) released the following statement about oligarchy in America:

This is what Oligarchy looks like:

Today, while 60% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck, three multi-billionaires own more wealth than the bottom half of American society.

Today, we have a greater concentration of ownership than we have seen since the Gilded Age. In sector after sector — financial services, health care, agriculture, transportation, energy, food, housing, etc. — fewer and fewer giant corporations control what is produced and the prices we pay.

Today, in America, we have more media consolidation than we have ever had. Some estimates claim as much as 90% of U.S. media is controlled by just six huge global conglomerates that have a defining impact on our culture and the information we receive.

Today, in America, we have a political system that is increasingly controlled by the billionaire class. In the recent elections, just 150 billionaire families spent nearly $2 billion to get their candidates elected.

Our job in the coming months and years is clear. We must defeat the oligarchs and create an economy and government that works for all, not just the few.

Banner Image: Opulence. Image Credit – Nick Fewings

Senator Bernie Sanders

Bernie Sanders is serving his third term in the U.S. Senate after winning re-election in 2018. His previous 16 years in the House of Representatives make him the longest serving independent member of Congress in American history.