Summary
Progressives criticized the attendance of billionaires like Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos at Donald Trump’s inauguration, labeling them “billionaires’ row” and emblematic of an administration prioritizing the wealthy.
Critics argue the inauguration, funded by over $200 million in corporate and lobbyist donations, signals a pro-billionaire agenda.
Trump’s proposed Cabinet includes 13 billionaires, with a combined net worth of over $460 billion, and aims to push tax cuts for the rich.
Bernie Sanders and other progressives warn against “government by the billionaires, for the billionaires.”
Kill the tsar they send another
Military doctrine is that decapitating leadership is generally ineffective. Dictators choose their subordinates for fanatical devotion, not rationality, so the next asshole is likely to be even worse. And if it creates a chaotic leadership vacuum, who do you get to agree to a ceasefire or the surrender?
I recall discussion about taking out competent second- or third-echelon underlings (like the recent Ukrainian assassination of the Russian general in charge of CBW) but I don’t recall any clear conclusion as to its long-term efficacy. I hypothesize that it can lead to a near-term tactical advantage, and it might have value as propaganda of the deed, but that’s about it.