Re: “Here’s the deal with wealth and the wealthy...when people accumulate very large sums of money...they do it intentionally to exert power unto others...They actually believe they are doing the world a favor.”
Does this include Donald Trump?
Trump isn't in the same league as Gates, Bezos and Buffet. According to Forbes, Trump is worth $3.5 billion, of which $310 million is liquid. Much of his wealth is tied up in real estate, which could be used for collateral for loans, but is not very accessible. Bezos on the other had is worth $126 billion and is much more liquid. He can and did buy the Washington Compost, to control the news. Did he do it with cash? I don't know, but he certainly could sell stock faster than Trump can sell real estate and have the cash to do so.
So, Trump's wealth allows him to do some things, but not as much as much more wealthy people. Does Trump exert power unto others? Yes. Trump sincerely wants to Make America Great Again. He used his wealth, and fame, to get into office. His style is different than some. If you ask any progressive/socialist, they are going to tell you Trump uses his wealth to exert power. He bought his presidency, which is power. As leader of the free world, he has lots of power.
Power can be a good thing or a bad thing. It exists all around us, down into our everyday relationships. Whether it is good or bad depends on how it is used.
Trump understands power. He understands money. He also knows where he stands among the wealthy. He's not the least bit delusional about his limitations.