Meet The 25 Billionaires Who Control Everything

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Meet the 25 Billionaires Who Control

Everything
SEPTEMBER 12, 2014 BY ANDREI BURKE
The Brookings Institution just released a list of the 25 US billionaires with
the most political power
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The list is a part of Brookings Institution Governance Studies Director Darrell Wests
forthcoming book Billionaires: Reflections on the Upper Crust. The book argues that the
wealthy are more politically engaged than the general public. Research has found that 99
percent of the top 1% of wealth holders vote in presidential elections, nearly double the
rate of the general public. This is likely due to the fact that the super wealthy know that
political engagement matters, and being involved in politics yields results. While the
general public is busy turning a cynical eye to elections, seeing little difference between
Democrats and Republicans, the ultra rich are buying up our government and influencing
domestic and foreign affairs.
West notes that much of the debate of how wealth influences politics suffers from an
ideological fallacy. Progressives raise alarm when conservative billionaires are politically
active, yet are quick to praise the efforts of the left-leaning rich. Alternately, conservatives
fear when liberal billionaires put money into elections but celebrate the advocacy efforts of
their own billionaires and special interest groups. West argues that each side misses the
challenges raised by billionaire activism for the entire system. The extensive resources and
advocacy efforts of the super wealthy provoke concerns about political influence,
transparency and accountability. During this time of high income concentration and
dysfunctional political institutions it is important that the general public understand just
how much money impacts politics.
Heres the top five billionaires with the most political power:
1. The Koch Brothers
Topping the list are Charles and David Koch, the multibillionaire owners of Koch
Industries, who in 2014 alone have spent well over $30 million in campaign ads targeting
vulnerable Democrats in a number of states Senate races. That number is expected to rise
to $290 million by Election Day.
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California); the campaign against Obamas re-election; Mitt Romney; Scott Walkers
campaign for governor of Wisconsin; anti-union groups; keeping young members of the
Democratic Party from voting and more.
2. Michael Bloomberg
The former New York City Mayor spent $650 million on his political campaigns and
advocacy activities. He has currently devoted $50 million to fight the NRA and promote
his views on gun violence using Independence USA, his Super PAC.
3. Tom Steyer
Steyer made his fortune as a hedge fund manager. Like Bloomberg, Steyer is a billionaire
concerned with leftist political causes such as raising public awareness about climate
change. He announced that he plans to spend $100 million during the 2014 midterms
through his NextGen Climate Action PAC.
4. Sheldon Adelson
Adelson is the CEO of the Las Vegas Sands corporation. In 2012, he spent $93 million to
defeat President Barack Obama. While he was unsuccessful, after the election he promised
to spend twice as much next time around. Republican presidential candidates look at him
as a serious source of campaign finance. Recently, Adelson held a so-called Sheldon
primary in which four prospective candidates visited Las Vegas for personal meetings.
Chris Christie, Jeb Bush, Scott Walker and John Kasich each showed and delivered a
major speech. The winner of this money primary can expect a hug super-PAC expenditure.
5. George Soros
Soros is a major supporter of progressive grassroots organizations in the United States. He
funds causes such as social justice, political rights and HIV prevention through his Open
Society Foundations. In 2012, Soros provided $1 million to President Obamas reelection
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Its pretty despondent to think that American politics is like a game of capture the flag
being played between a small group of ultra rich. While we may root for our team to win
the game, it is at the expense of losing our own voice. But knowledge is power, and never
has the need been greater for policies that promote better disclosure, governance and
opportunity.
About Andrei Burke
Andrei Burke is a citizen journalist and alternative & independent news blogger. He
currently resides in the Los Angeles area.
4 of 8 9/24/2014 7:20 PM

metalious
This list is a joke. Because the people who "control everything" don't show up in lists like this.

krinks
Right. Where are the owners of the Fed as well as the other Central Banks of the Earth?

Anonymous
Fun fact: Wealth = power

owlafaye
Correct...and the wealthiest person in the world is not who they say it is. The Rothschild wealth is
measured in 100's of trillions alone.
And, where is all the gold?

Ivan Cabrera
where are rothchilds, the walton family themselves have 125 Billion dllrs in their empire........you kidding me
?

babytalk
The Rothchilds don't count their money in billions......they count it in dynasties.Billionairs are
shooting marbles in the alley.

Vee
are they from US?

unity100
Title says 25, there is fucking 5.

BuelahMan
Is this a bar mitzvah invitation list?

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5 of 8 9/24/2014 7:20 PM
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