Why the Rich and Powerful Believe They Can Break the Law

In the grand scheme of society, the rich and powerful may appear invincible, but they are not as strong as they seem. This belief that they can break the law and get away with it often stems from misconceptions about the true cost of wealth and power, as well as the realities of political influence. Let's delve into the truth behind this perception.

The Price of Money

It's true that for the right price, most things can go away, or at least appear to. However, there are certain realities that stand firm. For the top 10 percent of the world's population, the cost of getting away with breaking the law is often a steep one. Yet, for the wealthy, the allure of wealth often means they can afford to buy off the bottom 80 percent of the population.

Money is king, or so the saying goes. The phrase 'money talks' is not just a catchy slogan, it's often a reality. This power of money is particularly evident when it comes to political influence. One notable example is the Trump Foundation, which was set up for charitable giving in 1988 and closed in 2019. While the foundation did indeed make donations to worthy causes, it also became a tool for charitable giving to further personal and political interests.

The Trump Foundation Controversy

The Trump Foundation was far from a straightforward charity. According to its records, Trump used it to support his political campaigns by paying salaries in violation of laws, settling business debts, and even providing perks for his favorite causes. In one scandal, Trump paid Susan B. Komen for a helmet and jersey for his office, masking the payment through a blind bidder at a charity auction. The foundation eventually had to forfeit $27 million to settle charges. In 2018, Trump was ordered to return these items, but the underlying issue remains: the use of charitable funds for personal gain.

This inappropriate use of the foundation highlights a broader issue of political influence. The rich and powerful often use their money to manipulate systems, whether it's to secure favorable business deals, secure political favors, or to avoid scrutiny. This can include paying for endorsements, supporting candidates, or engaging in other corrupt practices. While the laws are in place to prevent this, the wealthy can often afford to find loopholes and make sure their actions go unnoticed or unchallenged.

The Reality of Political Influence

It's important to recognize that the rich and powerful are not as strong as they seem. They may be more pushy, but they are often just as frail as the rest of us. The idea that they can break the law and get away with it is a myth perpetuated by their ability to exert significant political influence. Many legal and ethical boundaries can be pushed, but at a cost.

Take, for example, the countless cases of corporate influence in legislation and law enforcement. The ultra-rich run the world, and they always have. Behind the scenes, there are many evil things going on that the rest of us don't have access to. These events often involve buying off politicians, manipulating public opinion, and using their wealth to shape the legal and regulatory landscape to their advantage.

The truth is that while money is undoubtedly power, it shouldn't be that much power. This is why it is so important for those in positions of wealth and influence, like former President Trump, to face accountability. The unchecked use of power can lead to significant systemic problems, undermining the rule of law and eroding trust in institutions.

Conclusion

While the rich and powerful may believe that they can break the law and get away with it, the reality is far from that. The use of money to manipulate systems and laws is a risk that comes with the territory of wealth and influence. The story of the Trump Foundation is just one example of how this can play out. The idea that the rich and powerful are beyond the law is a dangerous myth that needs to be debunked. Only then can we begin to address the systemic issues that arise from unchecked political and economic power.