>> Is there a way to separate wealth inequality from power inequality?
Why does money buy power? As state control expands and authoritarian thinking is embraced by both parties in the United States, there is more centralized power TO purchase.
It is in everyone's best interest at the top (politicians and billionaires alike) that government continues to expand the size and scope of their aims, while keeping taxes low. Not so much for the average and poor people, but this seems obvious.
By saying that “both parties” are embracing authoritarianism, all you are doing is being useful to the clearly, unabashedly authoritarian party currently busy consolidating its power.
Knocking down strawmen left and right, I'm impressed. Or just the strawmen on your right in this case, I guess.
Both turn to authoritarianism to solve their problems. One party just happens to be more moral in doing so. That makes them preferable, somewhat. But friendly to libertarianism, neither party is, and calling it for what it is doesn't make me an ally of anyone.
Why does money buy power? As state control expands and authoritarian thinking is embraced by both parties in the United States, there is more centralized power TO purchase.
It is in everyone's best interest at the top (politicians and billionaires alike) that government continues to expand the size and scope of their aims, while keeping taxes low. Not so much for the average and poor people, but this seems obvious.