Concentration of Wealth in the US and Internationally Grows (Rich Sam Invents Palm Grease)

( Illustrative only)

Rich Sam thinks he invented
palm grease but
really it has been
around a long time.
He is rich so everyone 
tells him he is brilliant
and such a hard worker.
At least that is what
he was told at the
"Social Seminar" on the island
with his other rich
friends.
Sam was born wealthy
and connected.  He is
free to do what he wants, 
when he wants. Money
buys much more than
comfort and security. 

Poverty is exhausting. When you have very little, every decision becomes about survival. You worry about paying rent, keeping the heat on, buying food, or covering credit card bills. Living paycheck to paycheck leaves almost no room for planning the future.

It is easy to call people lazy when you are financially secure, but that view often ignores how different the daily reality is for those struggling. Conversations about investing in stocks, bonds, and assets are common among the wealthy. For many poorer households, the conversation is much simpler: how to make it through the month.

Many Americans live paycheck to paycheck, and it is not always because of overspending. The cost of living is high, and unexpected expenses can quickly push people into crisis. Consider the first article below and the concentration of wealth.

Philanthropy is valuable, and generous donations help many people. But much of today’s extreme wealth is measured in billions of dollars. While talent, effort, and innovation play a role, economic systems and structures also make it easier for wealth to remain concentrated at the top (That is not by accident. Decision making are self-interested by nature. We all are in some ways unless one has a higher value system and took the time to reflect.).

Once someone reaches a certain level of wealth, the risk of becoming poor becomes very small. Wealth often grows through investments and financial systems that benefit those who already have capital. While investment is important for economic growth, its benefits do not always flow evenly to the broader population.

(Illustrative Only)

Dan and Denise 
are from the hypothetical Feather
Party that doesn't exist
at this time in history, doesn't
work with special interests,
caps donations, and allows
independents to make their own
choices based on an agreed upon 
decision making matrix. 
It is a philosophical discussion.
Party line votes are not
allowed and they owe no
loyalty to anyone except
the Constitution, their communities,
the next generation,
and to their moral conscious. 

They found out that unless
your rich or connected your
ideas don't count much and
the road to helping your people
is a long one. Most
doors are closed. Because
they didn't pay enough
for their suits they were
put on a list and
told to use the service door
to come in and vote. 
In previous systems
we called them poor
country knights. 
Lots of chivalry but
not a lot of jewels
or polish.

One way to improve this balance is by supporting small businesses, micro-businesses, and entrepreneurship. These businesses tend to circulate money locally, create jobs, and expand opportunity. A healthy capitalist system should allow people to build, create, and find pathways to prosperity—not consistently concentrate wealth at the top. To be truly generative that wealth should eventually break apart in a generation or so to distribute capital and allow new wealthy to rise creating circulation of ideas and people. A little more merit based approach that improves human motivation and capital for broader societal benefit.

(Ensuring the environment is free from manipulation is called broad based capitalism based on human ingenuity and natural motivation where people have opportunities at different levels of society. Micro, small and medium grow along with corporations generating broader wealth. It is in contrast to concentrated capitalism that ensures rich have opportunities others won't have. The earliest tenents of capitalism are based on individual entrepreneurship but that can become difficult if access if decision makers create clear barriers to market entry from other classes.The vetting proces and cost of political campaigns is a hindrance to higher group leadership and true north anchoring. Good ideas and companies may die on the vine before scaling or innovating industries thereby reducing prosperity for many other people. The rich live in a different world than we do and systems cater to their needs through their social connections. One leads to innovation and national growth and the other eventual decline and dependency. i.e. the downside of the cycle without rejuvenation. The economic patterns of the past are unlikely to be the patterns of the future. There will be more poor if natural effort and motivation is hindered. Early Capitalism)

Encouraging broader participation in the economy helps more people succeed. It is not about opposing wealth; it is about expanding opportunity so more people can build stability and prosperity.

Ultimately, society works best when we recognize that everyone has value. Policies and decisions should reflect the needs of ordinary people as well as the successful few. When people participate in civic decisions, including voting, they can support ideas and policies that strengthen opportunity for the broader community.

Wealth Inequality in the United States

• The United States has one of the highest levels of wealth inequality among developed countries.

• The top 10% of households own more than two-thirds of total U.S. wealth.

• The top 1% holds about 31% of the nation’s wealth, roughly equal to the wealth of the bottom 90%.

• The richest 1% own more than half of all stocks and mutual funds, concentrating financial assets among a small group.

• Wealth at the very top has grown rapidly, with the combined wealth of the 12 richest Americans exceeding $2 trillion.

Institute for Policy Studies. (n.d.). Wealth inequality. https://inequality.org/facts/wealth-inequality/

2025 Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI)

• About 1.1 billion people across 109 countries live in acute multidimensional poverty.

• More than half of those living in multidimensional poverty are children.

• Around 64.5% of the multidimensionally poor (about 740 million people) live in middle-income countries, showing poverty exists even in countries with growing economies.

• Approximately 80% of people living in multidimensional poverty are exposed to climate-related hazards such as floods, droughts, extreme heat, or air pollution.

• Roughly 309 million poor people experience three or four climate risks at the same time.

• Poverty in the index is measured across three dimensions: health, education, and living standards.

• The index evaluates ten indicators including nutrition, child mortality, years of schooling, school attendance, cooking fuel, sanitation, drinking water, electricity, housing, and basic assets.

• Common deprivations include lack of clean cooking fuel, inadequate housing, poor sanitation, undernutrition, and lack of electricity.

• Many countries have reduced multidimensional poverty, with 76 of 88 countries with comparable data showing progress at least once.

• The report highlights a growing connection between poverty and climate vulnerability, with poorer populations often facing the highest environmental risks.

United Nations Development Programme. (2025). Global multidimensional poverty index 2025. https://hdr.undp.org/content/2025-global-multidimensional-poverty-index-mpi

The Tomato Shrimp Bisque (Camp Cooking)

Who doesn’t love tomato and shrimp bisque? Unlike a traditional bisque, I skipped the milk—partly because I didn’t have any, but also because I wanted to avoid the extra dairy. Instead, I added a little more water, spices, and a bouillon cube to deepen the flavor. Because of that, the bisque turned out more red than the usual orange color you’d expect from a classic bisque.

I added garlic and onions, along with extra vegetables like peas and carrots. A little olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, pepper, and a few other spices helped round out the flavor. I also did something a bit unconventional and added noodles. It actually worked really well.

In the end, it became something of a cross between a bisque and a light shrimp chili—still brothy and simple, but with a bit more substance. It is something good on cold winter nights. 

It’s very easy to make. Just add everything to a pot, bring it to a boil, then reduce it to a simmer. Stir occasionally until the shrimp are fully cooked, the vegetables are tender, and the flavors develop the depth you want.

One thing you realize when you start cooking more is that many dishes begin with a base. From there, you can adjust and experiment however you like. Once you understand the base of a dish, you can start changing it and making it your own.

 

Plastics, Environment and Neuroligical Disease as Something to Think About in Environmental Sustainability

Plastics are everywhere—our TVs, cups, bottles, and countless other products. They’ve become deeply woven into modern life, so the solution isn’t simply to get rid of them. Instead, we need better materials and better systems. That could mean developing plastics that don’t break down into harmful particles, improving recycling, reusing more items, or building city systems that keep waste out of the environment (Wouldn't that be nice with some of preventable spillages.). It would be a major step forward if our waterways and wildlife weren’t constantly exposed to plastic pollution.

(Illustrative Only)

Even if they are 0 calories
and no carbs they may not be
healthy for you!

Awareness matters. When people understand the issue, they can push for alternatives and support innovation. We spend money on many things as a society including domestic and foreign issues, yet investment in safer, sustainable materials often lags behind. One breakthrough in plastic design could reduce environmental and health risks on a large scale—especially if companies see long-term profit developing something sustainable rather than short-term gain.

Plastics aren’t “the enemy,” and early on, no one/few predicted today’s issues. But research now suggests plastics may contribute to environmental damage and potentially to health concerns, including neurological or other disorders. We can’t ignore that evidence. Even if there’s debate, the growing body of research points toward real impacts. Is it enough? That is up to you....

Ultimately, we each have to weigh the benefits plastics bring against the harm they may cause. They have done much good and much bad. Simple steps—like reusing cups, utensils, and containers—can reduce our own contribution. A drop in the bucket. And at a broader level, we have a responsibility to support solutions that protect both current and future generations.

This study highlights some plastics issues,

Scientists uncover nanoplastics in brain tissue and question their role in neurological disease

• Researchers have identified nanoplastics in human brain tissue, showing that these particles can cross biological barriers and accumulate in the central nervous system.
• Findings suggest possible links between nanoplastics, neuroinflammation, and proteins associated with neurodegenerative diseases, though causation is not yet established.
• Scientists emphasize the need for further research to understand exposure pathways, long-term effects, and how these particles may influence neurological health.

Malesu, V. K. (2026, February 17). Scientists uncover nanoplastics in brain tissue and question their role in neurological disease. News-Medical. https://www.news-medical.net/news/20260217/Scientists-uncover-nanoplastics-in-brain-tissue-and-question-their-role-in-neurological-disease.aspx

Productivity and The Role of Small and Medium Enterprises in Local Economic Development

(Illustrative Only)
Ying and Yang as
a philosophical concept
large and small,
product and service,
two businesses, etc.
sharing what 
they do best to help 
each other and developing
economic balance.

It is possible to create
synergy through connecting ideas, 
fostering a business community,
and expanding the wealth
of two+ partnering businesses
which encourages 
other growth in the area.

A few semi-related
ideas. 
Org. Collaborate
Start-UP
Attracting MNC
Cluster Formation
Supply Chain Int.
Transac Sub
Rebuild Downtown
Social Cognition
Economic Platforms
Sustain Systems

Small and medium-sized businesses play a major role in the economy and in the development of local communities. As large corporations grow, they tend to pull resources and profits toward investors and centralized operations. Some local wealth is created but could be maximized if they worked more closely with small area businesses they could create broader wealth as well as economic cushion. Small businesses usually circulate more of their revenue within the local area (i.e. downtown, industrial park, etc.). Maximizing the development, efficiency, and productivity of MSMEs leads to drawing resources more locally and that can have a long tail impact on broader transactions throughout the community both economically and socially (In theory called broad based capitalism)

Small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) make up a significant share of the economy, but they are typically less productive than large firms. They often have limited resources and rely on the tools and abilities of those who manage them. When new businesses form and begin to grow, there is often room to improve efficiency, strengthen financial footing, and refine or scale their products. Supporting this process benefits both the businesses and the communities around them.

Some localities have stronger connections to global supply chains, which can create opportunities for local firms. Economic clusters—groups of related businesses in the same area—often form around a few anchor companies that are tied into larger supply chains or financial networks. Smaller businesses grow around these anchors, providing support services and complementary products. Other firms, such as those in tourism, may also benefit from anchor businesses while diversifying the local economy. This diversification helps communities become more resilient to economic shocks and more attractive for future investment, talent, and growth.

The study referenced below discusses the challenges SMEs face and the importance of connecting them to supply chains. However, it’s also valuable for businesses to diversify their revenue streams when possible rather than relying on a single industry. This is one reason micro-manufacturing, start-ups  and medium businesses are appealing: they can produce exportable goods, support additional industries like tourism, help revitalize downtowns, improve local wages, increase the tax base, and can tie into supply chains when an export market opportunities are available (The reason why we have discussed not only start ups but also export conduits and marketing). These businesses can scale while still keeping most of their revenue within the local community, supporting broad-based economic development. It also can create additional investment capital and attract new investment capital.

An interesting article, 

A microscope on small businesses: Spotting opportunities to boost productivity

• Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are a major part of the global economy, accounting for about half of value added and a large share of employment in many countries.

• MSMEs are generally much less productive than large companies. On average their productivity is about half that of larger firms.

• Closing the productivity gap could be worth an estimated 5 % of GDP in advanced economies and 10 % in emerging economies.

• Productivity differences vary widely by country, sector, and subsector; some subsectors offer much bigger opportunities to improve than others.

• MSMEs often benefit when they are closely connected with larger firms (for example in supply chains), and business-to-business MSMEs tend to be more productive than those selling mainly to consumers.

• Productivity improvements don’t just help small firms — when MSME and large firm productivity both rise together, the broader economy benefits more.

• Policy makers, larger companies, and MSMEs themselves all have roles to play in improving productivity, such as by improving access to markets, technology, finance, and better infrastructure. 

Madgavkar, A., Piccitto, M., White, O., Ramírez, M. J., Mischke, J., & Chockalingam, K. (2024, May 2). A microscope on small businesses: Spotting opportunities to boost productivity. McKinsey Global Institute. https://www.mckinsey.com/mgi/our-research/a-microscope-on-small-businesses-spotting-opportunities-to-boost-productivity?

The Concept of Willful Ignorance: Choose Moral Leaders and be a Moral Influence

(Illustrative Only)

People struggling
to pay their bills,
afford groceries
or pay for healthcare.
Wages are not rising
for the average but
are expanding quickly
for the people on top.

Immorality in certain 
circles is high and it
is the rest of us who suffer. 
Leaders should be the 
best and brightest and 
not the most connected
or wealthy least
selfishness is projected
onto the rest of society.

Sometimes we wonder why, even when we know something is wrong, we don’t fix it. In many ways it’s like any other pattern we fail to correct — it simply continues. Most of us are decent people who try to do the right thing, as long as it doesn’t inconvenience us too much. But very few of us are willing to take a loss, even when it would be the moral choice. Our values become flexible, and the bigger the gap between those who gain and those who lose, the easier it becomes to justify self-serving behavior.

In essence, we choose a level of ignorance. And that ignorance has real consequences for society. Some people end up consistently treated poorly, while others benefit without thinking much about those left behind. Those who are gaining rarely worry about those who are losing. It is just the way it has been since the begining of soceity. For the vast majority of people it is about taking all they can get, ensuring the processes around them make it easier to do that, and surrounding themselves with people who can help them gain what they want. 

Of course, some people are different. They are more prosocial, guided by deeper values, and more aware of the needs of others. But research shows that about 40% of people choose willful ignorance—especially when being informed would mean acknowledging harm to others or giving up personal benefit. The real number may be even higher, depending on how we define it. No one is perfect. People can be selfish, decent, or—on rare occasions—truly generous. It has always been that way and likely always will be, because it’s deeply rooted in human nature.

Still, we can make choices about who we want to be. That awareness makes us more in control of our impulses. The next time you select someone for a position, consider an unearned advantage, lack of moral qualifications, or vote for a leader, think about the long-term consequences for everyone if people continue acting out of narrow self-interest and judging others based on status or social circles. These small decisions may be part of the reason the rich grow richer while many average folks are falling further behind.

I have seen people go out of their way to take advantage of others and I have seen people do wonderful things. Each has its benefits and detractors. Don't expect all people or leaders to be moral or make good decisions for society. Expect it to be a toss up but always beware of those who want things a little too much. 

Choosing Ignorance: 40% Shun Consequence Knowledge for Selfish Gains

• About 40% of people choose not to learn how their decisions will affect others when given the option.

• People who avoid this information tend to act more selfishly in those situations.

• When people are informed about the consequences, they behave more generously (altruistically) than those who stay ignorant.

• One reason for choosing ignorance is that it allows people to maintain a positive self-image without having to act in a costly altruistic way.

Vu, L., Soraperra, I., Leib, M., van der Weele, J. J., & Shalvi, S. (2023). Ignorance by choice: A meta-analytic review of the underlying motives of willful ignorance and its consequences. Psychological Bulletin, 149(9–10), 611–635. https://doi.org/10.1037/bul0000398

Is There Too Much Money in Campaigns, Voting, and Outcomes that Don't Support the Average Person?

(Illustrative Only)

Jed worked with his hands
his whole life but has 
learned a lot. 
He is from the hypothetical
Feather Party and wants
to help the next generation. 
As he retires he seeks
to help his grandchildren
and is tired of the overconcentration
of wealth and opportunity.
He knows that many 
politicians follow the money and
compromise their values. 
Sometimes their souls. 
Vote for the best and brightest
and for your personal
values. Not for rhetoric
or slogans. Be your own
person.

*The hypothetical Feather
Party doesn't exist at this time
in history, is made of independents,
seeks to tip votes based on evidence
and good judgement, caps donations,
doesn't work with special 
interests, doesn't allow
for party line votes
as each member makes
their own decision based
on a decision making matrix. 
They owe their
loyalty to no one
except the Constitution, 
their communities, the next
generation, and their moral
conscious. Public
office should be held
by servants of people and
not the entitled.

 We live in a K-shaped economy where wealth is heavily concentrated at the top. When wealth concentrates, so does political influence — money drives votes, campaigns, media visibility, and access to policymakers. As this continues, decisions increasingly benefit those at the top rather than the average American. That’s why small and medium businesses often struggle while large corporations have direct access to key decision-makers.

People sometimes look at political choices and wonder, “Why would they do that?” The answer is often found in the network connecting wealthy donors and politicians. As politicians filter information through donor and special interests, their positions shift, and money pressures them into strict party-line voting even when ideas don’t fully align. That impacts the laws and institutional trust and performance.

In the end, regular people get left behind. They may feel disconnected. One practical solution would be stronger limits on campaign spending. Campaign finance reform could help rebuild trust in institutions, because right now many decisions are shaped by money rather than fairness or the broader public good. Because of that things are not always pointed true north.  It is helpful to think of ways to change that. 

This is an interesting article you may want to read that supports in part the idea that money has an influence on decision making and voting.
Political donations from mega-donors affect political representation in US politicians

• Contributions from the richest 1 % of donors grew a lot after the Citizens United decision, rising from about 7 % to about 20 % of all campaign donations.

• Members of Congress were more likely to vote in line with the preferences of wealthy constituents after large donations, and less likely to align with the preferences of lower-income constituents.

• This shift was stronger on fiscal policy issues where rich and poor voters tend to disagree.

• The researchers interpret this as evidence that big money gives wealthy donors more influence over political representation

Xu, G., Babenko, I., & Fedaseyeu, V. (2024, December 16). Political donations from mega-donors affect political representation in US politicians. Rotterdam School of Management Discovery. https://www.rsm.nl/discovery/2024/political-donations-from-mega-donors/

Reducing Crime and Social Trust Through Feedback Loops

Reducing crime isn’t always about spending more money or being “tougher.” Another major factor is social and economic development—helping people connect, creating opportunities, and building community. We often gravitate toward the more obvious but don't understand the underlining factors. As an example, one might run an analysis and find that economic and social development reduces crime significantly. 

The larger point is that we often overlook an important part of the picture. Communities have different experiences and perspectives, and metrics need to reflect that. If we surveyed people—asking where problems are, what’s going well, and what needs improvement—we would create a useful feedback loop. Feedback and adjustments builds trust. It adds information beyond budgets, prisons, or crime statistics and helps guide better decision-making.

Most people agree that policing and removing dangerous individuals from the streets are necessary. At the same time, corruption and hate undermine trust at its foundation. A broader metric—one that includes public feedback and social trust—helps reveal those problems. Sometimes more information doesn't help but based on broader conversations this one might help head off unseen or covered problems.

For example if courts know of wrongdoing and put it on victims due to dehumanization then generally that wouldn't show up in standard metrics even thought it becomes part of the outcomes. In our allegory the Clan ignored important metrics, relying instead on loyalty and social ties rather than purpose or oaths. While this does not reflect the many honorable people who take those oaths seriously, the story highlights why improvements and better measures of accountability are needed. Thus, stronger metrics that give a more holistic perspective as well as highlight areas of improvement can help. Otherwise rights can become subjective and outcomes misaligned.

Social Trust in Criminal Justice: A Metric

• The authors argue that current ways of measuring how well criminal justice works (like crime rates or conviction rates) are flawed and don’t capture what really matters.
• They propose using social trust as the main measure of success.
• Social trust means how much people trust: institutions and officials in the criminal justice system, government more broadly, and each other after crime and justice responses.
• A well-functioning system is one that increases people’s trust; a poorly functioning system decreases trust.
• Measuring trust could be done with surveys asking people how encounters with the system affected their trust.
• Using social trust as a metric would align government incentives with community values and make issues like fairness, legitimacy, and racial justice more visible.

Let me know if you want this in even shorter form or broken into sections.