• American Oligarchy (Mother Jones)
For its January + February 2024 issue, Mother Jones explores the rise and power of the emerging class of billionaires—fueled by the monopolistic growth of Big Tech—who are remaking America in their own decadent and extractive image. Their bored whims and futuristic fantasies shape how and where you live and work, even as their own worlds are increasingly siloed off from the rest of us. Welcome to the American Oligarchy.
https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2024/01/american-oligarchy/
PART 1: INTRODUCTION
• The Rise of the American Oligarchy (by Tim Murphy, Mother Jones, January 2024)
When the US targeted Russia’s oligarchs after the invasion of Ukraine, the trail of assets kept leading to our own backyard. Not only had our nation become a haven for shady foreign money, but we were also incubating a familiar class of yacht-owning, industry-dominating, resource-extracting billionaires. What targeting Russia’s wayward billionaires revealed about our own. American oligarchy is built on a different kind of resource, not nickel or potash, but you—your data, your attention, your money, your public square.
• It’s Time the Word “Oligarch” Lost Its Russian Veneer (Jeffrey A. Winters, Mother Jones, January 2024)
America does oligarchy better than anyone.
PART 2: HOARDING
• How the US Became the World’s Refuge for Dirty Money (by Casey Michele)
When the US targeted Russia’s oligarchs after the invasion of Ukraine, the trail of assets kept leading to our own backyard. Not only had our nation become a haven for shady foreign money, but we were also incubating a familiar class of yacht-owning, industry-dominating, resource-extracting billionaires.
• The Dark Side of the $100 Bill (by Oliver Bullough)
Benjamins are fueling international crime and corruption. So why are we printing more than ever?
• When Gilded Age Lawmakers Saved America From Plutocracy (Daniel Schulman, Nov. 2023)
And how Biden’s team is using their playbook to take on Big Tech.
• How the Rich Keep Their Riches Out of Reach by Tim Murphy
Eight ways to hide an asset
• Refuge for the Robber Barons by Michael Mechanic.
Deranged stalkers? Bitter exes? Angry mobs? Tom Gaffney’s clients are ready.
• This Is What It Costs to Be Rich by Tim Murphy and Jacob Rosenberg (1-25-24)
Our attempt to document the uncommon common costs for the uber-wealthy.
• Martha’s Vineyard Is Being Gutted by Skyrocketing Housing Costs. Yes, You Should Care. (January 30, 2024)
The fight for affordable year-round housing in this elite summer destination offers lessons for dealing with a national crisis.
PART 3: INFLUENCING
• Philanthropy in America Is Broken (Michael Mechanic)
We taxpayers heavily subsidize ultrawealthy giving. But who really benefits?
• Billionaires’ Giving Pledge: Part Tax Strategy, Part PR Stunt (Michael Mechanic and Tim Murphy)
Has it made the world a better place? You be the judge.
• A Brief History of Superyachts (by Tim Murphy)
And how they explain the world.
• How “Woke Capitalism” Became a Right-Wing Obsession by Hannah Levintova
Vivek Ramaswamy may no longer be running for president. But his anti-ESG legacy has already won.
• Receipts. Proof. Timelines. Screenshots: Why We Can’t Look Away From Rich People’s Drama by Scaachi Koul
The uber-wealthy are losing it over the dumbest things—and we’re hooked.
• How Hollywood Learned to Eat the Rich by Morgan Jerkins (2-5-24)
From “Clueless” to “Parasite,” film and TV have long been barometers for how Americans feel about wealth.
PART 4: DOMINATING
• Elon Musk’s Texas Takeover by Abby Vesoulis (photography by Christopher Lee)
How the world’s richest man transformed the Lone Star State into “the modern incarnation of the company town.”
• There Is a Very Good Reason Why Donald Trump Thinks Everything Is Rigged by David Corn
In business, he was a master of gaming the system.
• Meet the Silicon Valley CEOs Who Insist That Greed Is Good (Politics) by Ali Breland
Even if “effective accelerationism” kills us all.
• These Billionaires Want to Disrupt Death—and Keep Their Fortunes Forever by Kalena Thomhave
Sci-fi meets Silicon Valley meets the trust industry.
• Welcome to America’s Wealthiest Zip Code by Dave Gilson. Our guide to one of the nation’s priciest plutocrat playgrounds: Fisher Island
• It's OK to Be Angry About Capitalism by Bernie Sanders.
"Only by ending oligarchy can we begin to realize America's promise."
• Monet Changes Everything by Ezra Chowaiki
Tainted billionaires rejoice—redemption is an auction away.
• Australia vs. Rupert Murdoch by Sean Kelly
What's the future of the aging mogul's global empire? Look to the place where it all began.