(C) Daily Kos This story was originally published by Daily Kos and is unaltered. . . . . . . . . . . Billionaires’ & Wall Street’s support for Trump shows the psychopathy of too many rich folks [1] ['This Content Is Not Subject To Review Daily Kos Staff Prior To Publication.'] Date: 2024-06-03 Many billionaires are throwing their support to Trump. It shows a level of psychopathy endemic to the wealthy. It is not enough that they earned it on everyone else’s back. Billionaire Psychopathy. Watch Politics Done Right T.V. here. x Embedded Content Podcasts (Video — Audio) The growing support of billionaires and Wall Street magnates for Donald Trump highlights the deep-seated issues within America’s economic and political systems. This phenomenon underscores a disturbing trend: the wealthy elite prioritize their financial gain and power over the well-being of the broader population. In examining this trend, it becomes evident that the ultra-rich’s endorsement of Trump is less about his policies and more about preserving their own interests in a system that already heavily favors them. The critique begins with a clear distinction between capitalism and free enterprise; two concepts often conflated but fundamentally different. As practiced in the United States, capitalism has increasingly favored wealth accumulation among a small elite, often at the expense of the working class. Free enterprise, in contrast, ideally promotes equal access to economic opportunities, where success is determined by hard work and innovation rather than inherited wealth or corporate monopolies. However, free enterprise should be coupled with a robust social safety net to protect individuals from economic calamities, a feature glaringly absent in the current system. Billionaire Bill Ackman and other wealthy individuals‘ recent shift to supporting Trump illuminates their strategic thinking. Despite their previous disavowal of Trump, citing concerns over his January 6th actions and general instability, these figures have now pivoted back, driven by promises of lower corporate taxes, deregulation, and the protection of their financial interests. Trump’s transactional nature makes him an appealing ally for these billionaires, who see an opportunity to safeguard and enhance their fortunes under his administration. The motivations behind this support are multifaceted. At the core lies a desire to maintain proximity to power. Billionaires like Ackman are acutely aware that aligning with Trump, especially during his moments of vulnerability, could yield significant returns if he regains the presidency. This alignment is not just about immediate financial benefits, such as tax cuts and deregulation, but also about the long-term strategic advantage of having a sympathetic ear in the White House. This desire for power and influence extends to regulatory matters. Under Trump’s administration, the rollback of environmental and public health regulations became a significant theme. The wealthy elite, whose businesses often face scrutiny from agencies like the FTC and SEC, see Trump’s potential return to power as a chance to diminish regulatory oversight further. This deregulation would allow them to operate with fewer constraints, prioritizing profit over environmental sustainability and public health. The environmental implications of such deregulation are profound. Loosening regulations that protect water quality, air purity, and public health will be harmful. For instance, the rollback of protections against pollutants could lead to increased contamination of water supplies, affecting millions of Americans. Similarly, reducing air quality standards would exacerbate respiratory issues, disproportionately impacting vulnerable communities. In this context, billionaires’ support for Trump is a clear indication of their willingness to sacrifice the common good for personal gain. They advocate for a system where regulations are minimized, even if it means endangering public health and the environment. This stance highlights the ethical disconnect between the wealthy elite and the general population, who bear the brunt of such deregulation. We need a fundamental change in the economic system, advocating for a model that genuinely works for everyone. This new system should ensure equal access to economic opportunities and be underpinned by a strong social safety net. Regulations should protect public health and the environment rather than being dismantled for profit. Such a system would be fairer and more sustainable in the long term. The endorsement of Trump by billionaires and Wall Street magnates is a stark reminder of the priorities of the wealthy elite. Their support is driven by a desire to maintain and enhance their power and financial interests, often at the expense of the broader population and the environment. This underscores the urgent need for economic reform that prioritizes the well-being of all citizens, ensuring that success is determined by merit and hard work rather than inherited wealth and corporate monopolies. The call for a reformed economic system is a critique and a rallying cry for a fairer, more equitable society. Are you interested in the Progressive work we are doing on the terrestrial radio, streaming, and social media platforms? Check it out here. 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