The systems of our world that make modern life possible are slowly coming under the control of the ultra-wealthy via corporations. Many of these systems are no longer visible to the general public, and all but free of oversight. The stock market is a good example of this reality. We are told that so-called “dark pool” trading makes up the majority of securities trading as of January 2025. This is invisible trading for a special few who get preferential pricing and price setting power, while retail investors are disadvantaged. I chose this example because it represents what we see across so many systems required to live in the modern world. The ultra-rich take control, the majority lose oversight, input, influence, and knowledge of the systems that bind them. America can no longer be said to be a democracy or republic, though this has been true for a long time. For those who have followed our KL episodes, you know why. People forget. (Read more…)