I know that where there is wealth there is power. The ruling elite in the world comprises of the wealthiest people and companies. I get that and what's more, I may be a small part and would love to be a bigger part of the wealthy elite and would likely continue the ways of the wealthy elite. The majority of Americans will agree with this. I just want to point out that the wealthy elite should take their position as stewarts of our society seriously and with wisdom. All our livelihood depends on it. Unwise actions and paths taken by the ruling elite will be detrimental to us all in the long run.
Let's take some examples:
The tobacco companies - they made loads of money. They had power. They fiercely protected their interests and profits. But that business was ultimately unsustainable because cigarette smoke caused deaths and suffering. The elite behind those companies moved on to foods and diversified to protect their wealth so they continue to prosper. But the point is their unsustainable business ceases to exist in the long run.
The NRA and gun manufacturers - they make loads of money. They have power. They also fiercely protect their interests. Yet I believe their trade is also unsustainable in the long run. Either it will stop the way the tobacco business stopped or it will stop because there will not be enough people around so there's no point, but they will stop eventually.
The Bush administration and what it represents - in a nutshell, I believe the Bush administration unabashedly and overtly represents the interests of the wealthy elite. This represents tremendous unstoppable power and the tradition will continue to go on beyond the Bush administration years. However, they did somethings that went overboard. Things like twisting and bending or just outright ignoring the rule of law and ignoring American ideals. Those type of actions take our nation on an unsustainable path. My fear is that if our ruling wealthy elite does not change course, our future generations will bear the burden of these missteps.
So the wealthy elite will always be on top and will always rule by definition. I just hope and wish that they rule wisely.