The Power Elite

The more things change, the more they remain the same.

Since Bill and I talked about this topic in class, I don't have much more to add. Its seems obvious to me that not much has changed in the 50 odd years since this article was written. Everything still centers around the military, economic and political bases of power in this country, and perhaps others. Eisenhower was perhaps the first, but the Bushes and Cheneys (and even Wesley Clarks?) of the world seem to play musical chairs between being central powers in one domain or another.

One difference remains. The leaders of 50 years ago may have held up the facade of being public servants, I wonder if that thought ever even crossed the minds of Cheney, Rumsfeld and company so seem so drunk on their own power. If anything, I'm more inclined to accept that Americans today and those yet to be born have become bonded labor at the hands of our leaders.

Generally speaking, power elite are a necessary evil (a word I use rather loosely), the driving force that move society forward, both with their vision and their wallets.

Does Bill Gates even carry a wallet?