The people who have everything also run everything.

That's because so many of them are pushy go-getters who beef up their accomplishments and don't much care who they trample on the way.

The rest of us just get on with life.

Sadly, he’s not wrong. Fortunately, they’re not all bad (though it sometimes seems that way).

one of the reasons they have everything is because they cream off everyone else share ...because they can .They have no scruples about massive"expenses" or taking a "job" that pays 300poundsA DAY in the lords yet they'll happily cut £30 a week off a disabled persons benefits .The "establishment" needs a rework ,chuck them all out and start again!
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Indeed paddyann. Who you know helps too and not what you know !! Always has been that way.

Here we go again!
Another thread for bashing the wealthy/ politicians/ entrepreneurs/business/ go getters etc.

It's a very interesting article. Nobody is bashing anybody.

Those who went to private school comprise 7% of the country’s population but 39% of the elite; those who went to Oxford or Cambridge university comprise less than 1% of the population but 24% of the elite

picture fronting the article speaks loads

I don't know how you classify the elite, but I am content that 24% of people 'running everything' have Oxford and Cambridge degrees, which really signifies a first class brain.

I agree eazybee that I would have more confidence in those with a high level of intelligence and a privileged education running things than others. Although John Major did manage it through other means.

First class brains what like the mess the Tory party in government has made of everything?

The haves and have-nots have always existed. What's new???

Are we saying we should somehow cull the bright, rich, privileged and get them all wearing hoodies and using food banks?

Life is unfair, always has been, but communism (rounding people down to the lowest common denominators whilst those running the show get the privileges, via corruption, usually) is not the answer.

Is there an answer? Could it be that the rich just might have worked hard (and had no money behind them) and those who are homeless were thrown out because of their love of dossing and shooting up heroin?

Yes, extreme examples, but when on earth will those full of envy and scorn stop making assumptions which vilify the rich yet sympathise whole-heartedly with those who may have made no effort to improve their lot?

Extreme poverty is NOT the fault of those with wealth. I'd rather a Cambridge-educated person with insight and intelligence be in charge than a blinkered soap-box communist full of hatred impose his sort of 'justice' on the country.

And another thing - why are the educated and rich seemingly without sympathy?

The few I know are decent, kind people with a social conscience. Having money in the bank is not a sign of callous indifference.

Jealousy plays a big part in how some people perceive others.

The biggest crime according to some on GN is to have money in the bank, own a biggish house, privately educate your children and vote Conservative.

Day 6 don't be silly ( Are we saying we should somehow cull the bright, rich, privileged and get them all wearing hoodies and using food banks?)
A more equal society would give all people a fairer chance.

The way the ruling elite are those in government now is grabbing the money giving it to the richest taking from the poor surely you have heard (that is why there lots more food banks) and not been angered by it? We are the 5th richest country. The thing is Austerity is a lie it need not have happened. But if that is how you like things.

Extreme poverty is the fault of the government and how they run the country manage finances, or not The money should be collected by fair taxation not letting rich hide their wealth crack down on tax evasion tax havens.

A catchy sound bite.
May be true, but does it altogether bear scrutiny?
Or is it perhaps a case of post hoc ergo propter hoc?

What they have in brains, they lack in common sense !

Why must all homeless people be tarred with the same brush ? I say there but for the grace of God------don't you ??
Silly me, of course you don't, as long as you're alright Jack---

Grany who decides fair taxation?

Fair taxation is making those who can afford it pay more but unfortunately it is not a vote catcher.

Are we saying we should somehow cull the bright, rich, privileged and get them all wearing hoodies and using food banks?

That really is an appalling thing to say. A person can be bright and wear a hoodie and use a food bank.

homeless love dossing? What on earth?

Some people seem incapable of recognising irony.

I think Gary Younge is speaking the truth, and it has always been thus!
Is there a solution? I believe so. Those of us who have a lot of money in the bank, a large house, sent a child to a fee paying school, should consider giving others a hand-up. Mr G and I have many people in our social circle who always vote Conservative and do not care about the plight of the less privileged. I only know of two other couples, in our income bracket, who are willing to “give back to society”. We brought our daughter up to understand that she was fortunate, in life, and to always help others who are not as lucky!

eazy, sorry I am dim. Where is the irony please.

I think most people get what they work for. Or for what their hubbies worked hard for

Those blessed with better brains to start with are usually able to get the better jobs. 'Twas ever thus and always will be. What else do you expect?