Submitted by vsk, Dec 27, 2006 01:39

Yes, there is disparity. There has been and will continue to be. Whether it's represented by V-16 Cadillacs of the late 1930s or V-12 Maybachs of today, there has always been an untouchable realm. A ‘poor corrupt official' like me doesn't sense too much difference in the Newport manions of yesterday with the $40 million dollar penthouse of today, maybe I just have to expand my paradigms.

The idea that the uber-rich can leap frog ever higher makes sense to me in a few ways... There are more people, some might argue that in itself throws a statistical monkey wrench in things. Technology and resulting productivity enable ideas and implementation capabilities.

Think of the better mousetrap ( I got sick of ‘widgets'). There are more people at large to consume the mousetrap. There is more dirt cheap labor available to manufacture this mousetrap (Heaven help us if we make this thing domestically!). The mousetrap can be designed with CAD software and marketed and sold with a fraction of the people it took in the pre-computer/internet age. It can be bulk shipped in containers or specialty delivery companies with the utmost efficiency. These incremental advantages can add up in some industries more than others. In oil, exploration and delivery can be more cost effective, in an internet company, you have a bunch of servers in a closet making a few people rich (ok just an exaggeration). But seriously, talent and ability can go further in the world we have today vs. 1937.

On a quick reflexive thought, I have no objection to the wealthy one percenters, so long as they are responsible stewards of their wealth. No one likes a sore winner. I also don't mind as long as they believe there's enough to go around. And yes, they should pay their fair share of taxes otherwise, the whole thing falls apart. It may all be too much of a happy Hollywood ending though.

What will happen going forward? I think I have more of a 1938ist mindset, but I still have hope.

I am glad to see a vintage JB piece. Much a pleasant suprise in the midst of the busy holiday season.

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