Statement on the State of Neo-feudalism* (05/04/'24)

Statement on the State of Neo-feudalism In our current age of Neo-feudalism, governance has become a sophisticated system orchestrated by and for the wealthy, serving the interests of powerful corporations. The elite, constituting a mere 20 percent of the population yet controlling 93 percent of the wealth, dominate our legislative and executive branches. This privileged class not only runs major corporations and banks but also controls media outlets, drafts legislation, oversees universities, and manages significant cultural and philanthropic institutions. Corporations, with their considerable influence, have tailored the legal landscape to protect and increase their profits, often through favorable government contracts. Their ability to shape laws ensures minimal competition, maintaining their dominance in the market. When these entities err, they face nominal fines rather than substantial penalties, revealing a justice system with dual standards—one for the corporate and governmental elite, and another for ordinary citizens. We find ourselves living under a two-tiered system of governance and justice, characterized by stark disparities in legal accountability and access to power. The maxim "money makes money" aptly describes this reality, where prosperity is preserved for the few, and the notion of a fair, democratic society is overshadowed by these enduring inequities. Pastor Steven G. Lee (May 4, 2024)