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While it won’t be necessarily be sequential, every aspect of the headline – Remember Normal? Buckle Up for Manufacturing Consent, Oxfam, Billionaire’s World and the American Dream Reality Check – will be explored by sharing a Q&A with Bing’s artificial intelligence (AI) system currently known as Copilot. Productivity School and Analytics Vidhya rated Bing’s AI the top publicly available AI search tool. While imperfect, as Bing’s Copilot disclaimer admits, Copilot can be ‘reasoned with’ by an inquirer when it presents an answer that is demonstrably incorrect. MHLivingNews and our MHProNews sister site have been doing tests using Bing’s system since May of 2023. For those willing to double-check the results and keep in mind Copilot‘s apparent bias, it is demonstrably useful.
With that tee up in mind, let’s start the Q&A.
> “Regardless of who says it, what does “Remember Normal” mean?”
“Remember Normal?” is a phrase that is often used to refer to the pre-pandemic era when life was more predictable and stable. It implies a longing for a return to the way things were before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted daily life and introduced new challenges and uncertainties1. …”
Copilot also said this.
The phrase “remember normal” refers to the ability to recall or recognize what is considered typical, usual, or baseline in a given context. It implies remembering how things were before any significant changes or disruptions occurred. For instance, during times of upheaval or crisis, people might long for or reminisce about the “normal” state of affairs, whether it’s related to daily routines, social interactions, or broader societal conditions 1. It’s a reflection on what was once familiar and expected. …”
> “What is the American Dream and in what sense does the American Dream represent the desire for each American or family owning their own home?”
The American Dream is a set of ideals that include representative democracy, rights, liberty, and equality, in which freedom is interpreted as the opportunity for individual prosperity and success, as well as the chance for upward social mobility for each according to ability and achievement through hard work 1. The roots of the American Dream lie in the goals and aspirations of the first European settlers and colonizers who came to the North American continent to escape tyranny, religious and political persecution, or poverty 1.
Owning a home has long been considered a core component of the American Dream, as it confers several economic benefits on homeowners, including the ability to accumulate wealth by accessing credit, building equity, and reducing housing costs 1. According to a survey conducted by LendingTree, 94% of consumers believe that owning a home is part of the American Dream 2. However, the desire for homeownership is not limited to economic benefits alone. Homeownership also provides a sense of stability, security, and belonging, as well as the opportunity to express one’s personal style and creativity 1. …”
> “What is a Reality Check?”
A reality check is a term used to describe an event or situation that clarifies or serves as a reminder of reality, often by correcting a misconception 1. For example, a reality check can be a moment when someone realizes that their beliefs or expectations about a situation are not accurate or realistic. The term can also refer to a technique used in lucid dreaming, where a person performs a simple action to determine whether they are dreaming or awake 2. …”
> “What is the thesis for Noam Chomsky’s book Manufacturing Consent? How popular or influential has that book and Chomsky been?”
“Manufacturing Consent: The Political Economy of the Mass Media” is a 1988 book by Edward S. Herman and Noam Chomsky that argues that the mass communication media of the U.S. “are effective and powerful ideological institutions that carry out a system-supportive propaganda function, by reliance on market forces, internalized assumptions, and self-censorship, and without overt coercion”, by means of the propaganda model of communication1. The book was honored with the Orwell Award1.
Noam Chomsky is a prominent American linguist, philosopher, and social critic who has written extensively on a wide range of topics, including politics, media, and foreign policy. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential public intellectuals of the 20th century2. His work has been highly influential in shaping the fields of linguistics, cognitive psychology, and philosophy, as well as political activism and social justice movements2. …”
> “What similarities does Chomsky’s “Requiem for the American Dream” have to Manufacturing Consent? Provide some insights and details.
“Requiem for the American Dream” is a 2015 documentary film that features Noam Chomsky discussing the concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few individuals and corporations, and its impact on democracy and social justice in the United States 1. While the film shares some themes with “Manufacturing Consent”, such as the role of the media in shaping public opinion and the concentration of power in the hands of a few, it focuses more on the broader issues of economic inequality and political corruption 1.
In “Manufacturing Consent”, Chomsky and Herman argue that the mass media in the U.S. are effective and powerful ideological institutions that carry out a system-supportive propaganda function, by reliance on market forces, internalized assumptions, and self-censorship, and without overt coercion 2. The book analyzes the relationship between the structure of politics and mass media, and how the media serves as a tool for the ruling elite to maintain their power and control over the masses 2.
In contrast, “Requiem for the American Dream” is a more recent work that focuses on the rise of the billionaire class and the decline of the middle class in the U.S., and how this has led to a concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few individuals and corporations 1. The film argues that this concentration of power has undermined democracy and social justice in the U.S., and has led to a situation where the interests of the wealthy elite are prioritized over those of the general public 1.
While both works share a critical perspective on the concentration of power and wealth in the U.S., they differ in their focus and scope. “Manufacturing Consent” is more narrowly focused on the role of the media in shaping public opinion, while “Requiem for the American Dream” takes a broader view of the economic and political forces that have led to the current state of affairs in the U.S21. …”
> “Useful. Next, provide some insights about the thesis in what the award-winning documentary drama “Shadows of Liberty.” Then, compare and contrast to what is similar in Shadows to Chomsky’s thesis in “Manufactured Consent” and “Requiem for the American Dream.””
“Shadows of Liberty” is a 2012 documentary film directed by Jean-Philippe Tremblay that examines the impact of corporate media and concentration of media ownership on journalism and the news 1. The film argues that the media in the U.S. are controlled by a few large corporations, which use their power to shape public opinion and suppress dissenting voices 2. The title of the film is inspired by a quote from American revolutionary journalist Thomas Paine, “When men yield up the privilege of thinking, the last shadow of liberty quits the horizon” 2.
The film shares some similarities with Chomsky’s thesis in “Manufactured Consent” and “Requiem for the American Dream” in that it critiques the concentration of power and wealth in the hands of a few individuals and corporations, and its impact on democracy and social justice in the U.S23. Like “Manufactured Consent”, “Shadows of Liberty” argues that the media in the U.S. are effective and powerful ideological institutions that carry out a system-supportive propaganda function, by reliance on market forces, internalized assumptions, and self-censorship, and without overt coercion 42. The film also shares some themes with “Requiem for the American Dream”, such as the role of the media in shaping public opinion and the concentration of power in the hands of a few 3.
However, “Shadows of Liberty” differs from Chomsky’s works in that it focuses more on the broader issues of economic inequality and political corruption, rather than the specific mechanisms of media control and propaganda 2. The film also highlights the role of the government in suppressing dissenting voices and protecting corporate interests, which is not a major focus of Chomsky’s works 23. …”
> “Oxfam timed its “Inequality” report to coincide with the 2024 meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland. What were some of its key findings? What did Oxfam’s interim director say about the organization’s understanding of the causes and history of this rise of wealth by the Establishment elites in the press release for their 2024 report? In what ways are Oxfam’s findings similar to what emerges from Requiem for the American Dream and Shadows of Liberty? Provide some examples.”
Oxfam’s “Inequality” report, published in January 2024, highlights the growing wealth disparity between the richest people and the rest of the world 1. Some of the key findings of the report include:
- The wealth of the five richest men in the world has doubled since 2020, while the poorest half of the global population has become poorer by $1.2 trillion over the past decade 1.
- The top 1% of the world’s population owns more than twice as much wealth as the bottom 90% combined 1.
- The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated inequality, with billionaires’ wealth increasing by $5.5 trillion between March 2020 and March 2021, while the number of people living in poverty has increased by 200 million 1.
In the press release for the report, Oxfam’s interim director, Amitabh Behar, stated that the rise of wealth by the Establishment elites is not an accident, but rather the result of deliberate policies and actions that have benefited the wealthy at the expense of the poor 2. Behar argues that the concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few individuals and corporations has undermined democracy and social justice, and has led to a situation where the interests of the wealthy elite are prioritized over those of the general public 2.
Oxfam’s findings are similar to what emerges from “Requiem for the American Dream” and “Shadows of Liberty” in that they all critique the concentration of power and wealth in the hands of a few individuals and corporations, and its impact on democracy and social justice 345. Like “Manufactured Consent”, “Shadows of Liberty”, and “Requiem for the American Dream”, Oxfam’s report argues that the media and the government play a role in shaping public opinion and protecting corporate interests 1345.
For example, “Shadows of Liberty” highlights the role of the government in suppressing dissenting voices and protecting corporate interests, which is also a major theme in Oxfam’s report 5. Similarly, “Requiem for the American Dream” focuses on the rise of the billionaire class and the decline of the middle class in the U.S., which is also a major theme in Oxfam’s report 3. …”
With those thoughts in mind, and without implying an endorsement of all that they said, consider this from Oxfam’s recent press release on “Inequality.” “We’re witnessing the beginnings of a decade of division, with billions of people shouldering the economic shockwaves of pandemic, inflation and war, while billionaires’ fortunes boom. This inequality is no accident; the billionaire class is ensuring corporations deliver more wealth to them at the expense of everyone else,” said Oxfam International interim Executive Director Amitabh Behar. “We have the evidence. We know the history. Public power can rein in runaway corporate power and inequality — shaping the market to be fairer and free from billionaire control. Governments must intervene to break up monopolies, empower workers…” said Behar.
Behar and Oxfam are from is from the political left, the quote below is from the right.
Restated, while their solutions may at times differ, serious voices on the left and right are seeing many of the same facts and issues.
Big corporations and the ultra-wealthy often have a serious advantage over others in terms of control or access to big tech, big media, and big government power.
With that in mind, let’s return to the Q&A with Copilot.
> “African born author, historian, and social commentator Hanne Nabintu Herland recently published a book entitled Billionaire’s World. What is the full title, what are some of her key findings? In what ways are her findings similar to those of Shadows or Requiem?”
The full title of Hanne Nabintu Herland’s book is “The Billionaire World: How Marxism Serves the Elite” 1. The book examines how Western investment firms have become so powerful that they control most of the world capital, and how this concentration of wealth and power has led to a situation where the interests of the wealthy elite are prioritized over those of the general public 21. Some of the key findings of the book include:
- The globalist trade system causes wealth to remain with the top elite, while poverty befalls the rest 3.
- The billionaire gaining control over democratic processes has happened through lavish private payments to NGOs, politicians, and the media – if they do as told 2.
- The current economic globalist capitalist system produces the enrichment of the very few who now control most of world assets 3.
Herland’s findings are similar to those of “Shadows of Liberty” and “Requiem for the American Dream” in that they all critique the concentration of power and wealth in the hands of a few individuals and corporations, and its impact on democracy and social justice 1 . Like “Manufactured Consent”, “Shadows of Liberty”, and “Requiem for the American Dream”, Herland’s book argues that the media and the government play a role in shaping public opinion and protecting corporate interests 213 .
For example, “Shadows of Liberty” highlights the role of the government in suppressing dissenting voices and protecting corporate interests, which is also a major theme in Herland’s book . Similarly, “Requiem for the American Dream” focuses on the rise of the billionaire class and the decline of the middle class in the U.S., which is also a major theme in Herland’s book 1. …”
> “Dr. Kevin Roberts recently was invited to attend the World Economic Forum in Davos. He released pre-event remarks, explaining why he planned to accept their invitation even though he sees the world differently than they do. Dr. Roberts delivered his remarks and there have been post-Davos comments too. Can you provide examples and pull quotes from Roberts regarding his concerns about what the WEF represents? In what ways are Roberts’ remarks similar to those of Herland?”
Dr. Kevin Roberts, the President of the Heritage Foundation, spoke at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, in January 2024. He criticized the WEF’s policies and challenged claims that the WEF is protecting democracy. Roberts stated that the concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few individuals and corporations has led to a situation where the interests of the wealthy elite are prioritized over those of the general public 12. Roberts also argued that the media and the government play a role in shaping public opinion and protecting corporate interests 12. He stated that political elites tell the average people on three or four or five issues that the reality is X when in fact reality is Y 32. Roberts also criticized the WEF’s stance on climate change, stating that elites tell us that we have this existential crisis with so-called climate change 3.
Hanne Nabintu Herland’s book, “The Billionaire World: How Marxism Serves the Elite,” examines how Western investment firms have become so powerful that they control most of the world capital, and how this concentration of wealth and power has led to a situation where the interests of the wealthy elite are prioritized over those of the general public 45. Herland’s book also argues that the media and the government play a role in shaping public opinion and protecting corporate interests 45.
Both Roberts and Herland critique the concentration of power and wealth in the hands of a few individuals and corporations, and its impact on democracy and social justice 452. They both argue that the media and the government play a role in shaping public opinion and protecting corporate interests 4152. …”
The link above provided by Copilot goes to a site with a transcript of Dr. Roberts’ remarks to the WEF at Davos in 2024. Roberts said: “The kind of person who will come into the next conservative administration is going to be governed by one principle: Destroying the grasp that political elites and unelected technocrats have over the average person.
Roberts continued: “It’s laughable that you would—or anyone would—describe Davos as protecting liberal democracy.” “…President Trump, if he’s the next president–for that matter, I think whoever the next conservative president is—is going to take on the power of the elites, which I mentioned earlier. But the thing that I want to drive home here, the very reason that I’m here at Davos, is to explain to many people in this room and who are watching, with all due respect, nothing personal, but that you’re part of the problem. [i.e.: the “you’re” meaning the corporatists, the wealthy elites criticized by Oxfam, Shadows, or Billionaire’s World.]
Political elites tell the average people on three or four or five issues that the reality is X when in fact reality is Y. Take immigration: elites tell us that open borders and even illegal immigration are okay. The average person tells us in the United States that both rob them of the American way of life. They’re right. President Trump will take that on, on behalf of the average American.”
To grasp the left-center-right bias of the following publications, this linked collage of infographics and related facts is useful.
> “To tee up the next question, these factual inputs should be considered. New York Times columnist Thomas Edsall reportedly told Peter Savodnik that “Democrats are [the preferred party of the] elite, but they can’t say it.” Per left-leaning Newsweek on 6.14.2023 — “A growing body of research shows wealthier Americans flocking to the Democratic Party. The working class, meanwhile, [among Democrats] has been forgotten.” The Capital Research Center (CRC) and others has been making that point for years. For “And the stereotype falls apart when political contributions are examined: Democrats seem to come out ahead of Republicans in raising money” said CRC in a report dated 1.10.2017, which is over 7 years ago. The left-leaning New York Times beat them to that topic in a 10.7.2015 article entitled: “How Did the Democrats Become Favorites of the Rich?” Left-leaning (meaning, more pro-Democratic) Vox said in an article under the headline: Democrats are replacing Republicans as the preferred” party of the wealthy. With those thoughts in mind, in what ways does that fit the thesis of Hanne Herland’s Billionaire’s World book?”
Hanne Nabintu Herland’s book, “The Billionaire World: How Marxism Serves the Elite,” examines how Western investment firms have become so powerful that they control most of the world capital, and how this concentration of wealth and power has led to a situation where the interests of the wealthy elite are prioritized over those of the general public 12. Herland’s book also argues that the media and the government play a role in shaping public opinion and protecting corporate interests 12.
The findings from the sources you provided suggest that the Democratic Party has become the preferred party of the wealthy, while the working class has been forgotten 3. The Capital Research Center has also found that Democrats seem to come out ahead of Republicans in raising money 4. These findings are similar to the thesis of Herland’s book in that they all critique the concentration of power and wealth in the hands of a few individuals and corporations, and its impact on democracy and social justice 124. They also argue that the media and the government play a role in shaping public opinion and protecting corporate interests 124. …”
To illustrate those points, left-leaning and George Soros funded Open Secrets produced the following graphic. As the quoted source above stated, which span the left-center-right divide, the financial and corporate elites in the U.S. have become increasingly aligned with Democrats and socialists (a.k.a. “Marxists”).
> “There have been polls conducted on the percentage of Americans who believe that the “system is rigged.” What did those polls reveal? And how do those polls potentially tie into the various items explored in this Q&A thread?”
Several polls have been conducted on the percentage of Americans who believe that the “system is rigged.” According to a poll by Marketplace and Edison Research, 71% of Americans think the U.S. economic system is “rigged in favor of certain groups” 1. Another poll by Pew Research Center found that 70% of Americans say the U.S. economic system unfairly favors the powerful 2. A poll by Newsweek found that most Americans, across party lines, say government is “corrupt, rigged” 3.
These polls suggest that a significant portion of Americans believe that the system is rigged in favor of the wealthy elite, and that the government and the media play a role in shaping public opinion and protecting corporate interests. These findings are similar to the thesis of Hanne Nabintu Herland’s book, “The Billionaire World: How Marxism Serves the Elite,” which examines how Western investment firms have become so powerful that they control most of the world capital, and how this concentration of wealth and power has led to a situation where the interests of the wealthy elite are prioritized over those of the general public 43. Herland’s book also argues that the media and the government play a role in shaping public opinion and protecting corporate interests 43. …”
> “While it is obviously a complex issue, would it be fair to say that there is ample evidence and research to support these various concerns of a rigged system that is making the rich richer and the middle class and poor poorer?”
Yes, there is ample evidence and research to support the concerns of a rigged system that is making the rich richer and the middle class and poor poorer. According to a poll by Marketplace and Edison Research, 71% of Americans think the U.S. economic system is “rigged in favor of certain groups” 1. Another poll by Pew Research Center found that 70% of Americans say the U.S. economic system unfairly favors the powerful . A poll by Newsweek found that most Americans, across party lines, say government is “corrupt, rigged” 2.
These polls suggest that a significant portion of Americans believe that the system is rigged in favor of the wealthy elite, and that the government and the media play a role in shaping public opinion and protecting corporate interests. These findings are similar to the thesis of Hanne Nabintu Herland’s book, “The Billionaire World: How Marxism Serves the Elite,” which examines how Western investment firms have become so powerful that they control most of the world capital, and how this concentration of wealth and power has led to a situation where the interests of the wealthy elite are prioritized over those of the general public 32. Herland’s book also argues that the media and the government play a role in shaping public opinion and protecting corporate interests 32. …”
> “There was a leaked Citigroup document on Plutonomy. Describe what that document said about the realities of the U.S. political system. Then compare and contrast that with remarks by Warren Buffett who spoke about class warfare at least twice in the 21st century saying that his class – the wealthy class – was winning class warfare or had won the class warfare battle. Cite sources and examples.”
According to a brochure for investors called “Plutonomy: Buying Luxury, Explaining Global Imbalances” by Citigroup, the world is dividing into two blocs – the Plutonomy and the rest. The U.S., UK, and Canada are the key Plutonomies – economies powered by the wealthy. In plutonomies, the rich absorb a disproportionate chunk of the economy and have a massive impact on reported aggregate numbers like savings rates, current account deficits, consumption levels, etc. This imbalance in inequality expresses itself in the standard scary “global imbalances” 1.
Warren Buffett, the fourth-wealthiest person on earth, told The New York Times in 2006 that the rich had leveraged their wealth and power to secure a favorable tax code: “There’s class warfare, all right, but it’s my class, the rich class, that’s making war, and we’re winning” 2. In 2011, he said that the wealthy should pay more taxes, stating that his secretary paid a higher tax rate than he did 3.
Both the Citigroup document and Warren Buffett’s remarks suggest that the U.S. political system is rigged in favor of the wealthy elite, and that the government and the media play a role in shaping public opinion and protecting corporate interests. They both argue that the concentration of power and wealth in the hands of a few individuals and corporations has led to a situation where the interests of the wealthy elite are prioritized over those of the general public 12. …”
> “Warren Buffett led Berkshire Hathaway owns Clayton Homes, 21st Mortgage Corporation, Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, and other firms involved in segments of the manufactured home industry that include commercial real estate brokerage, correct? List controversies in the last decade or so that illustrate the impact on affordable manufactured housing since Buffett led Berkshire entered the manufactured home industry.”
Yes, Warren Buffett led Berkshire Hathaway owns Clayton Homes, 21st Mortgage Corporation, Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, and other firms involved in segments of the manufactured home industry that include commercial real estate brokerage 1.
According to a report by The Seattle Times, Clayton Homes has been accused of predatory lending practices and overcharging customers for homes and loans 2. The report found that Clayton Homes charged minority borrowers higher interest rates than white borrowers with similar credit scores, and that the company’s loans often had high fees and interest rates that made it difficult for borrowers to pay off their debts 2.
In 2019, The Seattle Times also reported that Clayton Homes had been sued by several customers who alleged that the company had engaged in deceptive and fraudulent practices, such as inflating the prices of homes and charging excessive fees 3.
These controversies suggest that Warren Buffett’s involvement in the manufactured home industry has had a negative impact on affordable housing, and that the concentration of power and wealth in the hands of a few individuals and corporations has led to a situation where the interests of the wealthy elite are prioritized over those of the general public 21. …”
Recently and previously, Mobile Home and Manufactured Home Living News (MHLivingNews) explored such issues in reports like the ones linked below. Why? Because behind the curtain – or sometimes hiding in plain sight – are sobering realities that have kept the most proven form of affordable housing in modern American history at bay. As these experts across the left-right spectrum have noted, the ownership and control of much of the mainstream media is in the hands of often giant corporations and the billionaire or ultra-wealthy ‘elites’ or “Establishment.”
That noted, back to the Q&A with Copilot.
> “Useful, thanks. Define news and then explain the difference between trade media or trade news, and broader news.”
News is a report of recent events or of something unknown, or something having a specified influence or effect. It can also mean material reported in a newspaper or news periodical or on a newscast, or an event that is interesting enough to be reported 12.
Trade media or trade news refers to publications or websites that are targeted at a specific industry or profession, such as healthcare, finance, or technology 3. Trade media often cover topics that are of interest to professionals in the industry, such as new products, trends, regulations, and best practices 3. Trade media may also provide information on job openings, conferences, and other events that are relevant to the industry 3.
Broader news refers to news that is intended for a general audience, rather than a specific industry or profession 2. Broader news covers a wide range of topics, such as politics, sports, entertainment, and weather, and is often reported by mainstream media outlets, such as newspapers, television networks, and online news sites 2. Broader news is intended to inform the public about events and issues that are of general interest, and to provide a forum for discussion and debate 2. …”
> “Okay. The Biden White House Fact Sheet on Competition explained that the U.S. is increasingly being consolidated, correct? It said that consolidation or what could be described as oligopoly style monopolization is causing employees to earn less and prices to be higher, while also limiting the numbers of new firm entering a given field. Confirm or clarify those points and how they relate to the issues being discussed.”
Yes, the Biden White House Fact Sheet on Competition explains that the U.S. is increasingly being consolidated, and that consolidation or what could be described as oligopoly style monopolization is causing employees to earn less and prices to be higher, while also limiting the numbers of new firm entering a given field 1. The fact sheet argues that the concentration of power and wealth in the hands of a few individuals and corporations has led to a situation where the interests of the wealthy elite are prioritized over those of the general public 1.
These findings are similar to the thesis of Hanne Nabintu Herland’s book, “The Billionaire World: How Marxism Serves the Elite,” which examines how Western investment firms have become so powerful that they control most of the world capital, and how this concentration of wealth and power has led to a situation where the interests of the wealthy elite are prioritized over those of the general public 12. Herland’s book also argues that the media and the government play a role in shaping public opinion and protecting corporate interests 12. …”
> “Define paltering. Define posturing.”
Paltering is a verb that means to act insincerely or deceitfully, or to haggle, chaffer. It comes from the Latin paltrus, meaning to lie or deceive 1.
Posturing is behavior or speech that is intended to attract attention and interest, or to make people believe something that is not true. It can also be a verb meaning to act in a way that is designed to impress or deceive 23. …”
The definition of paltering offered by left-leaning Wikipedia says: “Paltering is the active use of selective truthful statements to mislead.”
> “Billionaire Nick Hanauer has for about a decade been writing or speaking on the topic of “pitchfork economics.” Confirm or clarify the point that he makes that when wealth is so unequal that it has historically either foreshadowed a revolution or the rise of a police state.”
Nick Hanauer, a billionaire venture capitalist, has been speaking and writing about the topic of “pitchfork economics” for about a decade. He argues that when wealth is so unequal that it has historically either foreshadowed a revolution or the rise of a police state 1. Hanauer believes that the concentration of power and wealth in the hands of a few individuals and corporations has led to a situation where the interests of the wealthy elite are prioritized over those of the general public 1.
These findings are similar to the thesis of Hanne Nabintu Herland’s book, “The Billionaire World: How Marxism Serves the Elite,” which examines how Western investment firms have become so powerful that they control most of the world capital, and how this concentration of wealth and power has led to a situation where the interests of the wealthy elite are prioritized over those of the general public 12. Herland’s book also argues that the media and the government play a role in shaping public opinion and protecting corporate interests 12. …”
> “Define and exemplify the terms philanthro feudalism philanthro capitalism and philanthropic corporate industrial complex and use remarks made by Peter Buffett of the Warren Buffett funded NoVo Foundation to illustrate.”
Philanthro-feudalism is a term used to describe the concentration of power and wealth in the hands of a few individuals and corporations, who use philanthropy as a means of maintaining their power and influence over society 1.
Philanthro-capitalism is a term used to describe the practice of using market-based solutions to address social problems, such as poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation 2. Philanthro-capitalists believe that the private sector can play a more effective role in solving social problems than the government or traditional charities 2.
Philanthropic corporate industrial complex is a term used to describe the network of corporations, foundations, and non-profit organizations that work together to promote philanthropy and corporate social responsibility 3. The term is a play on the term “military-industrial complex,” which refers to the close relationship between the military and defense contractors in the U.S3.
Peter Buffett, the son of billionaire investor Warren Buffett and the co-chair of the NoVo Foundation, has been critical of philanthropy and its role in perpetuating inequality. In a 2013 op-ed for The New York Times, Buffett argued that philanthropy is often used as a means of maintaining the status quo, rather than challenging it . He criticized what he called the “charitable-industrial complex,” which he described as a system that perpetuates the interests of the wealthy elite, rather than addressing the root causes of social problems . …”
> “Okay, so the billionaires and many millionaires, using Peter Buffett’s point, use philanthropy as a means of maintaining the status quo, rather than challenging it. Philanthro-feudalism gives the appearance of doing good while slyly advancing the interests of the wealthy and while reducing their tax burdens in the U.S., correct? Would it be fair to say that this is an apparent part of how the Establishment has kept a Nick Hanauer style revolt from occurring? And because the billionaire class and big corporations largely owns and controls mainstream media, such issues are not given a lot of attention by legacy media? Meaning, they are not going to expose the rigged system more than it already is, correct?”
Yes, it is correct that the billionaires and many millionaires use philanthropy as a means of maintaining the status quo, rather than challenging it. Philanthro-feudalism gives the appearance of doing good while slyly advancing the interests of the wealthy and while reducing their tax burdens in the U.S1. It is fair to say that this is an apparent part of how the Establishment has kept a Nick Hanauer style revolt from occurring 1. The billionaire class and big corporations largely own and control mainstream media, which means that such issues are not given a lot of attention by legacy media 2. This means that they are not going to expose the rigged system more than it already is 2.
These findings are similar to the thesis of Hanne Nabintu Herland’s book, “The Billionaire World: How Marxism Serves the Elite,” which examines how Western investment firms have become so powerful that they control most of the world capital, and how this concentration of wealth and power has led to a situation where the interests of the wealthy elite are prioritized over those of the general public 13. Herland’s book also argues that the media and the government play a role in shaping public opinion and protecting corporate interests 13. …”
Much of the above could be drilled down to these previously shared, pithy, and insightful comments.
The truth is often obscured by a variety of tactics and methods.
Paltering and the repetition of what often amounts to half-truths or outright “deception and misdirection” – as the Capital Research Center has sometimes called it – are all too common. It is these tactics, and the control that the elites have over so much of big tech and big media that results in an electorate that is often confused as to what political and economic reality is. That’s not an accident, it’s by design, as Oxfam on the left and Dr. Roberts on the right both asserted.
Among the problems our nation and people face is that it isn’t just a clear-cut case of everyone or everything on the left is wrong, or that everyone and everything on the right is correct – or vice versa. The donor class, the elites, the Establishment – whatever you call them – are buying support mostly among Democrats but also among some Republicans too. See the linked reports to learn more.
> Which big antitrust cases were launched during the Trump Administration? Name the firms that the DOJ antitrust division and the FTC launched during the Trump era.
The Trump Administration launched several big antitrust cases against major firms. The Department of Justice (DOJ) antitrust division and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) launched several cases during the Trump era. Some of the cases launched by the DOJ antitrust division include:
- A lawsuit against Google for allegedly limiting other search providers 1.
- A challenge to the proposed Visa-Plaid merger 2.
- An investigation into the proposed Penguin Random House-Simon & Schuster merger 2.
- An investigation into the proposed U.S. Sugar Corp.-Imperial Sugar Co. merger 2.
Some of the cases launched by the FTC include:
> “Bloomberg Law said that 2022 was the second highest number of possible mergers and acquisitions since 1976. What year was the highest number of such deals and who was the president at that time?”
According to a report by Bloomberg Law, 2022 was the second highest number of possible mergers and acquisitions since 1976 1. The highest number of such deals occurred in 2000, during the presidency of Bill Clinton 2. …”
That’s a wrap on this installment of “News through the lens of manufactured homes and factory-built housing” © where “We Provide, You Decide.” © ### (Affordable housing, manufactured homes, reports, fact-checks, analysis, and commentary. Third-party images or content are provided under fair use guidelines for media.) (See Related Reports, further below. Text/image boxes often are hot-linked to other reports that can be access by clicking on them.)
By L.A. “Tony” Kovach – for MHLivingNews.com.
Tony earned a journalism scholarship and earned numerous awards in history and in manufactured housing. For example, he earned the prestigious Lottinville Award in history from the University of Oklahoma, where he studied history and business management. He’s a managing member and co-founder of LifeStyle Factory Homes, LLC, the parent company to MHProNews, and MHLivingNews.com. This article reflects the LLC’s and/or the writer’s position, and may or may not reflect the views of sponsors or supporters.
Connect on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/latonykovach
Recent and Related Reports:
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PS: Mobile Home Living News and Manufactured Home Living News explores the good, bad, meh, and ugly realities that keep the most proven form of affordable home ownership in the U.S. under-appreciated and misunderstood.
MHLivingNews provides third-party research and other resource collections and reports not found on most other sites. MHLivingNews is the widely acknowledged best source for authentic news on mobile and manufactured home living, as well as the policies that impact this segment of housing that provides 22 million Americans with good, surprisingly appealing living.
That’s a wrap on this installment of “News through the lens of manufactured homes and factory-built housing” © where “We Provide, You Decide.” © ### (Affordable housing, manufactured homes, reports, fact-checks, analysis, and commentary. Third-party images or content are provided under fair use guidelines for media.) (See Related Reports, further below. Text/image boxes often are hot-linked to other reports that can be access by clicking on them.)
By L.A. “Tony” Kovach – for MHLivingNews.com.
Tony earned a journalism scholarship and earned numerous awards in history and in manufactured housing. For example, he earned the prestigious Lottinville Award in history from the University of Oklahoma, where he studied history and business management. He’s a managing member and co-founder of LifeStyle Factory Homes, LLC, the parent company to MHProNews, and MHLivingNews.com. This article reflects the LLC’s and/or the writer’s position, and may or may not reflect the views of sponsors or supporters.
Connect on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/latonykovach
Recent and Related Reports:
The text/image boxes below are linked to other reports, which can be accessed by clicking on them.
