[woodbutcher1963]

What I do not understand is when people on this site disparage people like Larry Ellison or some other billionaire that is buying up every bit of land he can on Hawaii.

IF I was a billionaire, I would be doing the same thing. I would buy 1000 acres on the north side of the Big Island and only let the local ranchers use it to graze their cattle on. In exchange for some free beef and privacy.

IF some Billionaire wants to build a mansion he is going to employ hundreds of people in the process. Roofers, plumbers, framers, flooring, drywall, concrete, landscapers, pool installers, etc. Not to mention all the people who work in the factories of Marvin Windows and doors, Cabinet companies, flooring manufacturers, etc. Making all the crap to go in the mansion.

Then the billionaire is going to need some toys to get around on their estate. He is going to buy a couple side by sides, a Kubota tractor or two, a Skag commercial mower, a Ferrari, and a pickup Truck.

Then he will need a new Sikorsky Helicopter, a hanger and a pilot to get to his estate.

Then he is going to employ a maid, a chef, one or two grounds keepers, a pool service and a security company.

The amount of money one Billionaire contributes to the economy is more than most of the Freepers combined.

[dfwgator]

That I don’t take issue with. But on the other hand do you want one person to own all the farmland in the country?

[Trailerpark Badass]

And yet, all those business owners and employees servicing the dreams and desires of billionaires are finding it increasingly difficult to achieve their own modest version of the American Dream.

Please note, that where I live, it's easier to achieve an upper middle-class lifestyle as an Assistant principal of a public elementary school, than it is through starting your own business. And utterly risk free.

I wonder if some of you have actually started a small business?