Writer Anand Giridharadas describes in his book " Winners Take All: The Elite Charade of Changing the World " why the rich do not pay taxes, but with their philanthropy determine the course of the world (and thereby undermine our democracy).
"Last year, more than four hundred billion dollars were spent on philanthropy in the United States. This is nearly going beyond the government budget - excluding the budget for defense. "
This is just one of the insights of the former New York Times columnist and writer Anand Giridharadas. He paints a picture of a parallel government: one that is not democratic, but that is run by the super-rich of this world.
Giridharadas therefore advocates a return to the public interest through renewed cooperation within our democratic institutions. Because, that's how the writer rhetorically summarizes the problem:
"Which rich person or company has done more for the elderly in the United States than social security?"
"Which rich person or company has done more for health care for the poor than Medicaid?"
"Which rich person or company has done more for women than the right to vote?"
"Which rich person or company has done more for African Americans than the Votings Rights Act and the Civil Rights Act?"
An interview with Anand Giridharadas about the super-rich and how they undermine democracy.