For the first time in history, most of the members of U.S. Congress are millionaires, according to new data out from the Center for Responsive Politics (CRP), a research group that tries to monitor the influence of money on politics.
After reviewing personal financial disclosure data from congressional members, the CRP has announced that of the 534 members of congress, “at least 268 had an average net worth of $1 million or more in 2012…”
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The year before, only about 48 percent of lawmakers had a net worth of $1 million or more.
That lawmakers are millionaires is no new trend. However, the timing of the shift is notable. While Congress is debating whether to take care of the impoverished and poor in the country, the fact is that these “representatives” are far from understanding the plight of average americans.
When you’re worth $1 million, it’s hard to appreciate what a blessing unemployment benefits can be.
So while the Right’s War on the Poor rages on and Americans are making less today than they were in 1968, the top 1% is doing better than ever. Trickle-down economics has failed. Maybe it’s time to recognize that trickle-down democracy has too.
Joshua is a writer and researcher with Ring of Fire. You can follow him on Twitter @Joshual33.
