Trump’s Victory Shows Power of Greed and the Ultra-Rich
Seeking Order from Chaos
The US presidential election is over, and it’s time for recrimination among the losers. Among the explanations offered for Kamala Harris’s defeat is one that says an increasing number of Americans believe their government is the source of all their problems.
These people fervently believe that “big government”, within which lies the “deep state”, that cabal of powerful, unelected bureaucrats act against the interests of the American people.
If this is indeed the reason behind the loss, then it’s bad news for the long-term prospects of the losing Democrats, the party that believes the government is a critical factor to solving many of society’s problems.
In a country that emphasizes personal liberty and the pursuit of the “American Dream”, many view the US federal government, with its laws and regulations, as an obstacle to achieving their destiny. That makes the government their enemy that must be dealt with.
The winners are already working to scale down the federal government in the name of unleashing the energy of the people currently held in check by bureaucracy and regulations. If these anti-big-government Republicans get their way, whatever government is left will be a pale shadow of its former self.
Warren Buffet on Class Warfare
Whether that’s for the better or worse depends on how you see the world. What seems clear though is the presidential election was won by pure, unbridled greed, manifested by the likes of Donald Trump and Elon Musk and the billionaire-class. This triumph of the ultra-rich proves yet again that money can indeed buy power.
Are governments innocent of these accusations? Certainly not. Organized governments, having existed for so long, especially in the more mature western democracies, are bound to have developed instincts of self-preservation that result in bloat, overreach and in some instances downright toxicity.
Toxic Meritocracy
It feels like we’re back to days of class warfare again, with the majority pitted against the ultra-rich few. The irony is the power they bought with their wealth nowadays comes through the support of the people who stand to lose the most when all is said and done.
Who’s winning the class war then? Here’s what Warren Buffett, one of the richest humans on earth, has to say about this: “There’s a class warfare all right, but it’s my class, the rich class, that’s making war, and we’re winning.”
Buffet isn’t gloating about the winning ways of his class. He’s actually bemoaning it, seeing the rise of many ultra-rich who lack the desire to accept the responsibility that comes with great wealth.
Conclusion
The victors here are the ultra-rich, who have seen their vast wealth grow by leaps and bounds, often regardless, or perhaps because of, pandemics or wars or inflationary forces and other aspects of human misery.
It’s time for us to reflect on the implications of this toxic meritocracy and the power of greed in shaping our world. We must not forget that the rich have always had the power to shape the narrative and dictate the terms of the game.
FAQs
Q: What is toxic meritocracy?
A: Toxic meritocracy refers to a system where those who are already wealthy and powerful use their influence to maintain their status and prevent others from rising to their level.
Q: What is the implication of Trump’s victory on the power of greed and the ultra-rich?
A: Trump’s victory shows that the power of greed and the ultra-rich can indeed buy power and influence, and that the wealthy have the ability to shape the narrative and dictate the terms of the game.
Q: What is the role of governments in this context?
A: Governments are not innocent of these accusations. They have developed instincts of self-preservation that result in bloat, overreach and in some instances downright toxicity.
Q: What is the implication of this toxic meritocracy on society?
A: The implication is that the rich will continue to accumulate wealth and power, while the poor and marginalized will continue to struggle to make ends meet.