The New Monarchy

I was reading a few articles on the world's richest people. Something was mentioned earlier in my day and it peaked my interest. Just how rich are these people? Two hundred people have more money combined than the GDP of France, the fifth largest GDP in the world; 200 people! The smallest GDP in the world is $36 billion and there are 196 countries on this planet (depending on your source). 

We truly submit ourselves to companies now, not monarchs, kings, conquerors etc. The times have changed and we are a different type of servant. A more sophisticated and seemingly willing bunch of servants. It used to be that at the top of the food chain was a person who represented the country whether it be a King, Queen or whatever, but now we serve our own needs under the guise of freedom but are we free? 

You want to get really ill and look at the daily ups and downs these people go through. On the day of this writing, Mark Zuckerberg lost a little over $690 million! Really? I think most of us would not be thrilled if our retirement lost a few thousand dollars a day. It has happened and it hurts because when we are 70, I am sure being the greeter at Walmart is not on the bucket list. 

We often times look at these people and say "Wow! That is f$$king unreal!" and it is. Losing $690 million in one day, but you are nowhere near losing your spot with the elite. It's nothing. I mean, it's not a billion right? And he has several of those stashed away for rainy day. 

We know the names of the richest people, but who owns the richest companies. Several of the richest people are owners of the largest companies in the world so the wealth is in essence still in the same place. Banks and Energy dominate along with a couple of Automakers. It is interesting how the ladder leads to such a small group of people. Who owns Exxon? Some people say, nobody except millions of shareholders. Well, who are the largest shareholders? There certainly has to be some sort of similarity between the wealthiest people on earth and where their wealth is located. 

Mark Zuckerberg is not sitting with billions of dollars in a bank account. No, he has shares which are based on speculated value, that never go through his hands and are only worth what people are willing to pay. His value goes up and down and he never really has to touch any money. Then his speculated value can be drawn upon which is likely invested in other high value items or companies. All because people said he could. 

It's much different than opening up a sandwich shop, whipping up sandwiches for cash. Maybe you do well and open up another one. It is unlikely that you will ever make a billion dollars selling sandwiches, but not impossible (check out Ray Kroc)

A great benefit to this wealth by either individual or company is that they aren't affected by politics but in turn influence it to move their agendas forward. Energy is in high demand and that will continue to grow. It's like Mr. Burns on "The Simpson's" when he covered the sun. If you control the needs of the people... you control the money. People have been led to believe that it is best to leave your money with the Bank because it is in their best interest, but it really is in the best interest of the bank. Suckers! 

Our basic needs in life feed the richest people in the world regardless if it is Walton or Gates. The mega rich and their companies only get bigger. Of course there is volatility  but the wealth remains with the few. If Gates doesn't own the market, Apple  takes some. However the needs have to be met before the wants. 

Our world has an approx GDP of $70 Trillion dollars. 200 people possess 1/35 of the entire world's GDP and yet people are starving so an oil baron can have gold sinks. WTF!!

End Rant