Money, money, money

Recent reports allude to the possibility that six members of the Walton (Walmart) family have amassed more wealth than 93 million Americans. Imagine 6 vs 93,000,000! While may praise an economic system that would allow such an accomplishment there have to be questions raised whether this is really desirable for the country to have such income disparity. One area that calls for questioning is how this wealth is being used. Again, much has been said about how the Waltons have used their economic power to influence legislation. As much as $100 million has been contributed to political campaigns of politicians who have pledged to eliminate inheritance taxes. While on the surface there might appear to be nothing wrong with this action on the part of the Walton family, the reality is that they are spending $100 million dollars to save over $35 billion dollars in possible taxes. Also keep in mind that without much of what has been provided by taxpayers such as roads, railroads, and ports, it would have been difficult for Walmart to stock their stores. In many cases changes in local zoning rules were necessary to permit the building of their stores. As innovative as Sam Walton was, he did not build his empire with some help from taxpayers. It should also be pointed out that while his businesses made economic contributions those same businesses were partially if not wholly responsible for the closing of many small businesses and the decimation of many small towns. The point being using that wealth to influence legislation is not right. This is a perfect example of the influence of special interests. Less than ten thousand families would benefit from changes in the inheritance tax laws. It is bad enough that over fifty percent of the members of Congress would be affected by these changes and they are voting for their own interests rather than the interests of the majority of those they represent. When you add power of wealth from people like the Waltons is becomes obvious that our country is being sold to the highest bidder. Grover Norquist was able to induce many members of Congress to sign a pledge to never raise taxes contrary to their oath of office. Citizens need to refuse to elect anyone signing such a pledge and make sure that those they do elect keep their interests foremost in their minds rather than the interests of the Waltons or their own personal interests. Members of Congress are being paid to represent the people not themselves nor just the Waltons.