“I think it’s less about envy and more about public resentment of wealthy Americans buying influence in government.”
That’s valid, and I think both come into play. It seems that the response is different left vs. right. In my case, I see our politicians as the modern version of the mafia, totally corrupt, easily bought, and willing to do nearly anything. I loathe most of them. It seems to me, the left has decided they just need the right kind of politicians. Sadly, they’ve decided that socialists and communists are their salvation.
I’m right there with you on my views of politicians, but the reality is they are mostly controlled by the billionaire donor class, who can be even more ruthless and conniving. It’s my estimation that THEY are the ones actually behind this new movement for socialism, and we’ll start seeing it soon with the direct government investment (secret merger) with the big tech companies. Take a look at the new AI governance program proposed by Bernie Sanders for one clue of how they might make it happen, but it’s likely inevitable and already underway with the government ownership stakes recently taken in Intel and Lockheed.