Money and power in the modern age

[Thor]

I'm curious, as we are about to have a new revolution in Iceland, what do you guys think about how much money and privileged rule our world at the detriment of the middle class and the poor.

[nik-]

Unfortunately until they take the money out of politics, it doesn't really matter what we think about it

[T@T]

It was the same thousands of years ago and I suspect it won't change any time soon.

[Nehkara]

Originally Posted by Thor

I'm curious, as we are about to have a new revolution in Iceland, what do you guys think about how much money and privileged rule our world at the detriment of the middle class and the poor.

I'm curious Thor, what is the situation in Iceland?

[Thor]

Originally Posted by Nehkara

I'm curious Thor, what is the situation in Iceland?

The anger in Iceland is reaching a new high, everyone knows about the post crash revolution, but now we have the same parties in power and rich people pushing the agenda in Iceland.

They went one policy too far, and now we have a revolution going on

https://www.facebook.com/groups/364265003734207/

[Mr.Coffee]

The first post here doesn't make a lot of sense. Is that a question or a statement and also... what?

What do we think about money and privilege ruling the middle class and poor? Is that the question? Could you be more specific?

[Thor]

Well Mr Coffee, in the west, if you look at the last 50 yrs, the middle class has stagnated, while the tiny % of the rich has grown by leaps and bounds.

[Mr.Coffee]

Yes I know but your phrase is worded poorly. "What do (we) think about how much money and privileged rule our world at the detriment..."

You mean how much money and privileged rule in our world is at the detriment of... or what are you trying to say?

Yes I'm being serious, your sentence is confusing.

Anyway I think it's absurd and will result in revolution in the United States as well. When the game is rigged, it'll only last so long.

Revolution in this instance could be very healthy and result in a much better progressive society actually.

[Thor]

Its generally the idea that we just are beaten down by the wealthy and powerful, but on monday in Iceland we are starting a new revolution after the 2 parties which are the lap dogs of power have finally been called out.

I hope this is the start of something much much bigger.

[Northendzone]

There is something changing in the climate of consciousness on this planet today.......

[Mr.Coffee]

Originally Posted by Northendzone

There is something changing in the climate of consciousness on this planet today.......

such as........go on....

[Chill Cosby]

I don't really feel ruled or at a detriment.

Personally, I think life is pretty great as part of the Middle class in Canada.

[Thor]

Originally Posted by Chill Cosby

I don't really feel ruled or at a detriment.

Personally, I think life is pretty great as part of the Middle class in Canada.

The illusion, or distraction, for the last 40 years your wage has barely moved, while the rich have become much wealthier..........

[GP_Matt]

I don't think money in politics is the problem. I see apathy as a far bigger problem.

In 2011 the Conservatives spent about $21 million on the election campaign. That is a tiny amount of money for a country of 35 million people. If people actually cared, it would take 10% of Canadian adults contributing 8$ each to match the Conservative financing. The US isn't that different.

The reality is that as long as most people aren't willing to put in the bare minimum of effort nothing is going to change.

[GP_Matt]

Originally Posted by Thor

The illusion, or distraction, for the last 40 years your wage has barely moved, while the rich have become much wealthier..........

Not everyone gets ahead, but I have always felt that Canada is a meritocracy. That isn't to say that working hard will get you ahead for sure, just that working hard will improve your odds more than being born rich or well connected will.

That could be based on my situation, but in Alberta, working in the oil patch I know a lot of people who have done quite well by taking risks and being smart with their money. I don't know anyone who is rich because they received a bunch of money from their parents.

[WhiteTiger]

Originally Posted by GP_Matt

I don't know anyone who is rich because they received a bunch of money from their parents.

I might hazard the guess that unless you are part of that circle (born into money) it's unlikely you are going to know anyone IN that circle.

[ranchlandsselling]

Originally Posted by Thor

The illusion, or distraction, for the last 40 years your wage has barely moved, while the rich have become much wealthier..........

I share the sentiment of Chill Cosby.
I'm not rich, but I dont think it's because the rich are getting more rich and some force is holding me down.

[Thor]

Originally Posted by GP_Matt

Not everyone gets ahead, but I have always felt that Canada is a meritocracy. That isn't to say that working hard will get you ahead for sure, just that working hard will improve your odds more than being born rich or well connected will.

That could be based on my situation, but in Alberta, working in the oil patch I know a lot of people who have done quite well by taking risks and being smart with their money. I don't know anyone who is rich because they received a bunch of money from their parents.

An incredibly tiny sample size, likely you are conservative, you are likely under 30 yrs of age... The question is not about innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit that we look down upon, but sadly as an example the workers in the oil patch are given big tokens of wealth while the parent company makes ridiculous amounts of money...

Ultimately we are peasants, some of us live better than others, but if you look at the last 500 years, its still about lords/ladies and peasants. Just the living conditions are better....

[GP_Matt]

Originally Posted by WhiteTiger

I might hazard the guess that unless you are part of that circle (born into money) it's unlikely you are going to know anyone IN that circle.

I guess it depends if we are talking about the guys who are worth hundreds of millions or the guys who are worth one to ten million.

I think Alberta is the kind of place where there is opportunity for someone who can afford to go to University to work their way into the later category.

Getting into the former category probably takes something extraordinary. I don't think knowing the right people is going to help you earn 100 million though.

[GP_Matt]

Originally Posted by Thor

An incredibly tiny sample size, likely you are conservative, you are likely under 30 yrs of age... The question is not about innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit that we look down upon, but sadly as an example the workers in the oil patch are given big tokens of wealth while the parent company makes ridiculous amounts of money...

Ultimately we are peasants, some of us live better than others, but if you look at the last 500 years, its still about lords/ladies and peasants. Just the living conditions are better....

I was conservative in my youth. I am no longer sure where I lie on the political spectrum. My days of being involved left me disillusioned with politics so I have taken a break from it.

I am in my 30's although not too far into said bracket.

A lot of the workers of the oil patch receive enormous sums of money, easily enough to boost themselves into upper middle class if they are able to save and invest it properly. This is work that is open to almost everyone in the country but requires incredibly hard work and a bit of luck to succeed.

Take welding as an example. The guy who learns to weld and gets a job where he earns good money but spends the money living will not likely get ahead. If another guy were to save his money he could buy a welding truck and work as a contractor. If he continues to save his money he can buy a few more trucks and hire the first welder to work for him. This is something that happens all the time in Alberta and if done right will see the second guy well on his way to an upper middle class lifestyle.