A Trump Oligarchy Is Moving to Washington, and Buying Up Prime Addresses

H

Hume

Verified User
President Biden warned in his farewell address to the nation last week that an oligarchy is taking shape in America. In Washington, the oligarchs are already here, buying big houses.

Counting President-elect Donald J. Trump himself, there are at least a dozen billionaires among his cabinet picks and those headed for senior roles in the new administration. Elon Musk tops the list with a $429 billion net worth, according to Forbes, making him the world’s richest man. Mr. Trump weighs in with an estimated $6.8 billion.

www.nytimes.com

A Trump Oligarchy Is Moving to Washington, and Buying Up Prime Addresses

Billionaires and multimillionaires are flocking to a city where power has been more important than money, but is now deeply intertwined with it.
www.nytimes.com www.nytimes.com
 
Hume said:
Maybe you are stupid.
Click to expand...


Think so?

Wealthy individuals have indeed maintained residences in Washington, DC throughout history, though the nature and extent of their presence have evolved over time. Here's a brief overview:

  • Early Republic to 19th Century: During the early days of the United States, Washington, DC, was not as developed or populated as it would later become. Wealthy individuals, particularly politicians and diplomats, would often maintain homes in the city during legislative sessions or diplomatic duties but might also have primary residences elsewhere.
  • Gilded Age: This period saw an increase in wealth concentration and the rise of industrialists. Figures like Andrew Carnegie and John D. Rockefeller would have significant influence in Washington but didn't necessarily live there year-round. However, the city began to see more luxurious estates and townhouses constructed by the wealthy.
  • 20th Century: With the expansion of federal government roles and responsibilities, especially during and after World War II, Washington, DC, became more central to national politics and policy-making. Wealthy individuals, including business leaders, lobbyists, and those with vested interests in government decisions, started to have more permanent residences in DC.
  • Late 20th to Early 21st Century: The concentration of think tanks, lobbying firms, and political consultancies in DC further solidified the city's appeal to the wealthy. The presence of billionaires and millionaires with homes in DC or its suburbs like Chevy Chase or McLean, Virginia, became more notable.
  • Contemporary Era: Now, Washington, DC, is home to many billionaires and multimillionaires, not just for political reasons but also due to the city's cultural attractions, educational institutions, and economic opportunities. The city's status as a power center ensures that there's always a significant presence of affluent individuals.

The reasons for maintaining residences in DC have included:

  • Political Influence: Proximity to power centers like Congress, the White House, and federal agencies.
  • Social and Networking Opportunities: The city hosts numerous events, galas, and social gatherings where influential people can connect.
  • Economic Opportunities: Beyond politics, there are economic benefits from real estate, business development, and the service sector catering to high-income individuals.

Therefore, while the scale and reasons might have shifted, wealthy individuals have consistently had a presence in Washington, DC, adapting to the changing dynamics of American politics and society.

@Grok
 
Diogenes said:
Think so?

Wealthy individuals have indeed maintained residences in Washington, DC throughout history, though the nature and extent of their presence have evolved over time. Here's a brief overview:

  • Early Republic to 19th Century: During the early days of the United States, Washington, DC, was not as developed or populated as it would later become. Wealthy individuals, particularly politicians and diplomats, would often maintain homes in the city during legislative sessions or diplomatic duties but might also have primary residences elsewhere.
  • Gilded Age: This period saw an increase in wealth concentration and the rise of industrialists. Figures like Andrew Carnegie and John D. Rockefeller would have significant influence in Washington but didn't necessarily live there year-round. However, the city began to see more luxurious estates and townhouses constructed by the wealthy.
  • 20th Century: With the expansion of federal government roles and responsibilities, especially during and after World War II, Washington, DC, became more central to national politics and policy-making. Wealthy individuals, including business leaders, lobbyists, and those with vested interests in government decisions, started to have more permanent residences in DC.
  • Late 20th to Early 21st Century: The concentration of think tanks, lobbying firms, and political consultancies in DC further solidified the city's appeal to the wealthy. The presence of billionaires and millionaires with homes in DC or its suburbs like Chevy Chase or McLean, Virginia, became more notable.
  • Contemporary Era: Now, Washington, DC, is home to many billionaires and multimillionaires, not just for political reasons but also due to the city's cultural attractions, educational institutions, and economic opportunities. The city's status as a power center ensures that there's always a significant presence of affluent individuals.

The reasons for maintaining residences in DC have included:

  • Political Influence: Proximity to power centers like Congress, the White House, and federal agencies.
  • Social and Networking Opportunities: The city hosts numerous events, galas, and social gatherings where influential people can connect.
  • Economic Opportunities: Beyond politics, there are economic benefits from real estate, business development, and the service sector catering to high-income individuals.

Therefore, while the scale and reasons might have shifted, wealthy individuals have consistently had a presence in Washington, DC, adapting to the changing dynamics of American politics and society.

@Grok
Click to expand...
I know so.
 
Hume said:
Plutocracy. Or, oligarchy. Rule by the wealthy.
Click to expand...

The involvement of wealthy individuals in American government has varied significantly over time, influenced by historical, economic, and political contexts. Here’s a nuanced look at this phenomenon:

  • Founding Era (Late 18th Century): Many of the Founding Fathers were among the wealthiest individuals in the colonies. Figures like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin were men of considerable means. Wealth was not only a source of influence but also a requirement for holding certain offices under the original property qualifications for voting and office-holding.
  • 19th Century: As the U.S. expanded and industrialized, wealth from land, agriculture, and later industry, played a significant role in politics. However, "disproportionate" involvement could be seen in the form of elected senators (before the 17th Amendment which mandated direct election of senators by the people) who were often from the elite class, chosen by state legislatures which themselves were influenced by wealth.
  • Gilded Age (Late 19th Century): This period saw an unprecedented concentration of wealth with figures like J.P. Morgan, Andrew Carnegie, and John D. Rockefeller. Their influence on politics was considerable, often through lobbying or direct involvement in government roles. This era was marked by significant corruption and the influence of "robber barons" in shaping policy.
  • Progressive Era (Early 20th Century): There was pushback against the dominance of the wealthy in politics, leading to reforms like direct election of senators, antitrust laws, and other measures aimed at reducing the influence of big money in politics.
  • Mid to Late 20th Century: While the direct involvement of the wealthiest in government might have seemed less overt due to regulatory reforms, the influence of wealth continued through campaign contributions, lobbying, and the rise of Political Action Committees (PACs).
  • Contemporary Era: Today, the connection between wealth and government involvement is more visible than ever, with numerous wealthy individuals serving in politics or influencing policy through donations, think tanks, and advocacy groups. The cost of running for office has escalated, making it advantageous for those with significant personal wealth to enter politics directly or to exert influence indirectly.
    • Direct Involvement: Examples include members of Congress with considerable personal wealth, presidential candidates who self-fund campaigns, or appointees in administrations with backgrounds in high finance or industry.
    • Indirect Influence: Through Super PACs, lobbying, and the revolving door between government and industry, wealth continues to shape policy in disproportionate ways.

The notion of "disproportionate" here relates to several factors:
  • Representation: Wealthy individuals are overrepresented in government compared to the general population's economic demographics.
  • Influence: The ability to affect policy through financial means or networks not available to those without significant wealth.
  • Opportunity: The financial barrier to entry into politics can be prohibitive, limiting participation to those who can afford it or those backed by wealthy interests.

In summary, the influence of wealth has been a consistent theme, with periods where it was more overt, countered by times of reform, only to see new forms of influence emerge. This dynamic continues to evolve with changes in campaign finance laws, political culture, and economic structures.


@Grok
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top