[global] the widening wealth gap

Interesting report in the NYT on wealth distribution:

The widening gap between the global haves and the have-nots in large measure reflects the failure of less- developed countries to develop, while rich countries — particularly the United States — have experienced fast economic growth and a spectacular buildup of assets.

“Developed countries have pulled ahead of the rest of the world,” said Edward N. Wolff, a professor of economics at New York University who is a co-author of a new study. “With the notable exception of China and India, the third world has drifted behind.”

It’s certainly a worry but understandable at the same time. In the countries high on the chart, there are so many more dedicated to mammon who’ve accumulated accordingly. If you’re obsessed with wealth, to the exclusion of humanity, you’re a very rich beast. The converse is equally understandable.

Another factor in this is that it’s hardly likely to alter through revolution or whatever, as socialists are wont to dream of. And at the risk of alienating humanistic readers yet again, some believe there is one, lurking in the shadows, all too happy too protect this pentagonal state of affairs and altruism is not his middle name.

Still, nice to have some stats on the issue.