The dangers of inequality

As a matter of human nature, the ruling elites always arrange to take care of themselves first. Even in a democracy, "we are all equal, but some are more equal than others" (from George Orwell's Animal Farm). This certainly seems to fit the overpaid CEOs and Hedge Fund managers we have been hearing about.

But as a matter of self-interest, those at the top need to be sure the inequality doesn't get too bad, or the natives will revolt, as has happened repeatedly throughout history, including recently in the Middle East. And when the natives revolt, things usually aren't very pretty.

So the rising anger we are seeing in our own country, with the Wall Street protests as just one visible symptom, is a warning to those at the top of the heap that the pyramid of inequality has gotten close to the point where things become unstable. If they were wise they would pay attention to this.