Monday, September 1, 2025

THE GOLDEN CABINET AND THE IRON FIST: A LABOR DAY LOOK AT TRUMP'S OLIGARCHY

THE GOLDEN CABINET AND THE IRON FIST

A LABOR DAY LOOK AT TRUMP'S OLIGARCHY

Picture this: it’s Labor Day, a time to fire up the grill, crack open a cold one, and celebrate the backbone of America—the workers who keep the country humming. But in Chicago, the vibe’s less “hot dogs and apple pie” and more “pitchforks and protest signs.” The Windy City’s Labor Day rally, dubbed “Workers Over Billionaires,” isn’t just a catchy slogan; it’s a battle cry against what many see as a creeping, gilded menace: an oligarchy, headlined by Donald Trump’s billionaire-packed administration, that’s threatening to turn democracy into a VIP lounge for the ultra-rich. So, grab a seat (preferably not one at Trump’s cabinet table), and let’s unpack this oligarchic circus, its historical roots, its global cousins, and why it’s got workers from Chicago to Guam ready to march.

What’s an Oligarchy, Anyway?

An oligarchy, for those who skipped Civics 101, is when a small, elite group—usually dripping with wealth, power, or both—calls the shots in a government. Think of it as a country club where the entry fee is a billion dollars and the dress code is “influence peddling.” It’s not just rich people existing; it’s rich people running the show, bending policy to their will, and treating the rest of us like the help. The term comes from the Greek “oligos” (few) and “arkhein” (to rule), and it’s been a political boogeyman since Aristotle griped about it in ancient Athens. Today, it’s less about togas and more about tailored suits and Super PACs.

Oligarchies aren’t just a theoretical vibe. They thrive where wealth concentrates and democratic guardrails weaken. Russia’s a textbook case: post-Soviet privatization turned a handful of insiders into billionaires who now cozy up to the Kremlin, shaping policy to keep their yachts afloat. Think Vladimir Putin’s pals like Roman Abramovich, who parlayed state assets into oligarchic empires. In Saudi Arabia, the royal family and their billionaire buddies control oil wealth and political power, with dissenters politely invited to disappear. Even China’s hybrid system has its princelings and tycoons who blur the line between business and government. Historically, oligarchies have popped up everywhere from Renaissance Venice, where merchant families ran the city like a corporate boardroom, to the Gilded Age U.S., where robber barons like Rockefeller and Carnegie held sway over politics with wallets bigger than their egos.

Trump’s Billionaire Bonanza: The Awful Oligarchy

Fast-forward to 2025, and America’s staring down its own oligarchic moment. Donald Trump’s second term has ushered in what critics call the wealthiest administration in U.S. history, with at least 13 billionaires tapped for key roles, their combined net worth topping $460 billion. That’s not pocket change; it’s enough to buy a small country or, apparently, a cabinet seat. These aren’t just rich folks with opinions; they’re donors, allies, and insiders who’ve funneled millions into Trump’s 2024 campaign, raising eyebrows about whether democracy’s been swapped for a pay-to-play system. As The New Republic put it, “The far bigger menace is the monstrous growth in wealth concentration over five decades that made a Trump presidency possible—and maybe inevitable.Who are these gilded players? Let’s meet the starting lineup of Trump’s “Awful Oligarchy,” a baker’s dozen of billionaires who’ve traded campaign checks for cabinet clout:

1.Elon Musk ($400B+ net worth): The Tesla and SpaceX czar, now chairing the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), pumped over $130M into Trump’s campaign, including $119M through his America PAC. Musk’s slashing federal spending with the zeal of a kid with a new chainsaw, but his government contracts raise conflict-of-interest flags.

2. Vivek Ramaswamy ($1B+): The biotech bro-turned-MAGA star co-heads DOGE with Musk. He loaned his 2024 campaign $26M, so he’s no stranger to buying influence.

3. Linda McMahon ($3B+ via her husband): The ex-WWE exec, now Education Secretary, donated $16M to Trump’s cause. Her agency’s on the GOP’s chopping block, which is awkward.

4. Howard Lutnick ($1.5B): The Cantor Fitzgerald CEO, tapped for Commerce, gave $14M. He’s poised to lead Trump’s trade wars, which could fatten his financial empire.

5. Charles Kushner (est. $1B+): Trump’s pick for Ambassador to France, this real estate mogul’s got a rap sheet (pardoned by Trump) and deep ties to the Trump family.

6. Jared Isaacman (est. $1B+): The private spaceflight pioneer, now NASA administrator, brings his SpaceX connections to the table, aligning with Trump’s privatization push.

7. Doug Burgum ($1.1B): The North Dakota governor, now Interior Secretary, made his fortune in software and is tasked with “Drill, baby, drill.”[]

8. Mehmet Oz (est. $100M+): Dr. Oz, of TV fame, joins as a health policy advisor, though his wealth pales next to the heavy hitters.[]

9. Scott Bessent (est. $1B): Nominated for Treasury, this hedge fund titan’s ready to steer fiscal policy toward tax cuts for the rich.

10. David Sacks ($1B+): The PayPal Mafia member, now in a tech advisory role, hosted Trump on his podcast and brings Silicon Valley swagger.

11. Others include lesser-known billionaires like John Catsimatidis, Bernie Marcus, and Woody Johnson, each with their own slice of influence and Trump loyalty.

Then there’s the “Terrible Ten” among the 26 billionaire donors who shelled out over $1M each to get Trump elected, per Forbes. Timothy Mellon ($76.5M) leads the pack, followed by Miriam Adelson ($5.8M, with plans for up to $90M), Diane Hendricks ($6.3M), and Harold Hamm ($5M+). Others like the Uihleins, Charles Koch, and the Wilks brothers round out a roster that reads like a Forbes 400 reunion. Their industries—oil, casinos, finance, real estate—scream “old money meets new hustle,” and their donations scream “we expect a return.”

What Do They Want?

So, what’s the endgame for these billionaires? It’s not just about photo ops at Mar-a-Lago. These donors and appointees are eyeing policies that fatten their wallets and cement their power. Musk wants deregulation for his empire of Tesla, SpaceX, and X, plus juicy government contracts. Hamm and the Wilks brothers are all-in on fossil fuels, cheering Trump’s “drill everywhere” mantra. Adelson’s pushing for pro-Israel policies, like moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem (achieved in Trump’s first term). McMahon and Lutnick want tax cuts and a gutted federal government, freeing up markets for their businesses. The throughline? Less oversight, lower taxes, and a government that bends to their bottom line. As David Sirota told Democracy Now!, “These people are not giving money simply out of the goodness of their hearts. They want things. They have policy demands.”

This isn’t just about policy; it’s about power. The Citizens United decision (2010) unleashed a flood of dark money, letting billionaires like these buy influence without breaking a sweat. Super PACs and 501(c)(4)s became their playground, with 99.1% of 2024’s super PAC cash coming from the top 1% of donors. Trump’s campaign leaned hard on this, with 44% of his funds from just 10 donors. It’s not democracy; it’s an auction.

The Historical Echoes

This isn’t America’s first brush with oligarchy. The Gilded Age saw tycoons like Andrew Mellon—who, fun fact, used the IRS to kneecap rivals—wield outsized influence. His grandson Timothy Mellon’s $76.5M for Trump shows the family’s still at it. The 1920s tax cuts let fortunes like Mellon’s balloon, much like Trump’s 2017 tax cuts doubled billionaire wealth to $6 trillion while the bottom half of Americans scraped by. Back then, workers fought back with unions and strikes; today, it’s protests like Chicago’s.

Globally, history’s littered with oligarchic cautionary tales. Rome’s late Republic saw wealthy senators and generals like Crassus buy loyalty and power, paving the way for autocracy. Russia’s 1990s “loans-for-sh

These 26 Billionaires Have Each Given More Than $1 Million to Elect Trump https://www.forbes.com/sites/leokamin/2024/08/14/here-are-trumps-top-billionaire-donors/

Trump has tapped an unprecedented 13 billionaires for his administration. Here's who they are - ABC News https://abcnews.go.com/US/trump-tapped-unprecedented-13-billionaires-top-administration-roles/story?id=116872968

Organizers in Chicago shift Labor Day rally to protest looming federal takeover https://www.msnbc.com/top-stories/latest/chicago-labor-day-rally-protest-federal-takeover-rcna228118

Trump's planned assault on Chicago. Remembering the Ft. Hood 43 who refused to march on Chicago in '68. https://michaelklonsky.substack.com/p/trumps-planned-assault-on-chicago

Big Education Ape: Labor Day 2025 Quotes, History, Sayings and Solidarity Happy Labor Day! Monday, September 1 #LaborDay #WorkersDeserve https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/08/labor-day-2024-quotes-history-sayings.html

Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts! 9-1-25

labor-day-2024-quotes-history-sayings.html

AFT PRESIDENT RANDI WEINGARTEN NEA PRESIDENT BECKY PRINGLE

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker: "Leave Chicago Alone" https://dianeravitch.net/2025/08/31/illinois-governor-jb-pritzker-leave-chicago-alone/ via @dianeravitch

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker issued a bold message to former President Trump, urging him to stay away from Chicago and focus on areas with higher crime rates in red states. The blog discusses Pritzker's understanding of the correlation between poverty and crime, his efforts to support impoverished communities in Chicago, and his resistance to the deployment of military troops in poor neighborhoods. The article also highlights Pritzker's historical parallels to past Illinois leaders and his advocacy for funding programs that address poverty rather than unnecessary militarization.

### Key Points

- Governor JB Pritzker opposes Trump’s interference in Chicago, emphasizing higher crime rates in red states.

- Pritzker understands the link between poverty and crime and has supported programs for impoverished areas.

- Pritzker’s resistance to deploying troops in poor neighborhoods reflects his focus on addressing systemic poverty issues.

- Historical comparison to Illinois leader John Peter Altgelt, highlighting Pritzker as a voice of reason.

### Key Points

- The article uses biblical allegory to critique the erosion of democratic principles in the U.S., highlighting the influence of oligarchs and conservative forces on the Constitution.

- Mitch McConnell's actions in the Senate, including blocking Merrick Garland's Supreme Court nomination and invoking the "nuclear option," are portrayed as undermining justice and tipping the balance of the judiciary.

- The Supreme Court's adoption of the Unitary Executive Theory is criticized for concentrating executive power and weakening checks and balances.

- The rise of "King Trump" is described as a culmination of Senate and Court complicity, leading to authoritarian governance and agency manipulation.

- The article warns of societal chaos fueled by oligarchic greed, rising inequality, and weakened democratic institutions.

- A call to action emphasizes the importance of voting, organizing, and restoring democratic principles to counter authoritarianism and oligarchy.

Big Education Ape: THE NOVICHOK CANDIDATE: A SHORT STORY BY V. PUTIN https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/08/the-novichok-candidate-short-story-by-v.html

The article explores fictionalized accounts of Donald Trump’s presidency, allegations of Russian influence, and the unraveling of American institutions. It also touches on public education advocacy, systemic issues, and the influence of billionaires in politics.

### Key Points

- Satirical depiction of Trump’s presidency, alleging Russian influence and chaotic governance.

- Speculation about Trump’s Helsinki meeting with Putin and its potential implications.

- Criticism of Trump’s policies, including immigration crackdowns, diversity program eliminations, and executive orders.

- Alleged connections between Trump, Elon Musk, and Russian oligarchs, raising concerns about election integrity and policymaking.

- Whistleblower investigations into Trump’s administration, uncovering suspicious ties and actions.

- Advocacy for public education reform and resistance against privatization.

Big Education Ape: LET'S CHECK THIS WEEK'S TOP NEWS AND OTHER STORIES Saturday, August 30, 2025 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/08/saturday-august-23-2025-lets-check-this.html

### Key Points

- A roundup of blog posts and news stories from August 2025 is presented, covering topics like privatization resistance, school shootings, and public education advocacy.

- References to Diane Ravitch’s work and other educational advocacy efforts are included, promoting better public education and resistance to privatization.

Big Education Ape: A MODEST PROPOSAL FOR A TRIGGER-HAPPY NATION https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/08/a-modest-proposal-for-trigger-happy.html

Lessons Learned from a Career as Practitioner and Scholar https://larrycuban.wordpress.com/2025/08/31/lessons-learned-from-a-career-as-practitioner-and-scholar-2/ via @CubanLarry

Lessons Learned from a Career as Practitioner and Scholar

### Key Points

- The author distinguishes between "tame" problems, which have routine solutions, and "wicked" problems, which are complex, value-laden dilemmas that cannot be fully solved and require ongoing management.

- Wicked problems often involve conflicts between competing values, such as balancing innovation with immediate results or reconciling small school reforms with traditional norms and services.

- The author emphasizes the importance of accepting "good enough" compromises to manage dilemmas, as permanent solutions are rarely achievable.

- School reforms are often driven by value-laden beliefs disguised as solutions, which can lead to clashes during implementation due to unanticipated practical and emotional realities.

- Policymakers often fail to anticipate logistical challenges and value conflicts when implementing reforms, leading to reliance on unrealistic "fairy tale solutions."

AI Red Alert: Robots Will Control Everything That Moves – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/08/31/ai-red-alert-robots-will-build-everything-that-moves/

NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang envisions a transformative future where autonomous robots dominate industries, powered by interconnected physical and AI factories. Education and vocational systems must adapt to prepare students and workers for this dual-factory world, emphasizing interdisciplinary learning, energy literacy, and hands-on technical skills. Energy sustainability is critical to support the growing power demands of AI-driven industries, with regions offering cheap, clean energy poised for competitive advantage.

### Key Points

- NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang outlines a future where robots and AI systems dominate industries, powered by dual factories—physical for hardware and AI for intelligence.

- Schools must embrace interdisciplinary, project-based learning, integrating STEM, arts, and energy literacy to prepare students for careers in autonomous systems.

- High schools should offer practical experiences in robotics, AI, coding, and energy systems while expanding career and technical education programs.

- Higher education must create new majors like Autonomous Systems Engineering and AI Manufacturing Operations, blending technical mastery with liberal arts for well-rounded graduates.

- Vocational training and industry partnerships are essential for aligning workforce skills with real-world needs, offering agile certifications and hands-on experiences.

- Energy demands for AI factories will surge, requiring investments in renewable energy, grid resilience, and sustainable infrastructure to support autonomous industries.

- Regions with abundant clean energy will gain an economic edge, attracting high-value jobs and industries tied to the autonomous economy.

- Julian Vasquez Heilig advocates for equitable AI systems, ensuring advancements expand opportunities while safeguarding justice and human rights.

Seattle Public Schools sued over alleged bullying, retaliation in food services department https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2025/08/seattle-public-schools-sued-over.html?spref=tw

Seattle Public Schools faces a lawsuit from two former employees alleging retaliation, harassment, and discrimination by the director of culinary services. Despite filing formal complaints, the plaintiffs claim their concerns were ignored, leading to a hostile work environment and their eventual resignations. The lawsuit lists multiple legal violations and accuses the district of negligent supervision and retention. Broader concerns about systemic issues, including nepotism and ineffective HR practices, are highlighted as ongoing challenges within the district.

### Key Points

- Two former Seattle Public Schools employees filed a lawsuit alleging retaliation and harassment by the director of culinary services.

- Plaintiffs claim their formal complaints were ignored, leading to resignations due to a hostile work environment.

- The lawsuit lists nine causes of action, including violations of Title VII, ADA, and Washington state laws.

- Broader issues such as nepotism and ineffective HR practices are noted as systemic problems within the district.

The 3 States That Don’t Allow Charter Schools—and Why - Network For Public Education https://networkforpubliceducation.org/the-3-states-that-dont-allow-charter-schools-and-why/

### Key Points

- The article discusses the three U.S. states that do not allow charter schools, emphasizing their strong reliance on and support for rural public schools.

- Carol Burris, executive director of the Network for Public Education, explains that these states prioritize traditional public education and are unlikely to adopt charter schools.

- The Network for Public Education is an advocacy group focused on preserving and improving traditional public schools.

- The organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and accepts tax-deductible donations.

Charter school expansion slows amid closures, low enrollment, report says - Network For Public Education https://networkforpubliceducation.org/charter-school-expansion-slows-amid-closures-low-enrollment-report-says/

### Key Points

- Charter school growth is slowing due to low enrollment, underperformance, financial issues, and oversight challenges.

- Increasing numbers of charter schools are closing, and fewer new ones are opening, as highlighted in a report by the National Center for Charter School Accountability.

Schools Matter: Did Robert Reich Predict the Future in 1995? http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2025/08/did-robert-reich-predict-future-in-1995.html

🔮 Predictions on Labor In 1995, Robert Reich warned about the growing divide between workers and the economy, highlighting that jobs were disappearing even as markets thrived. This commentary reflects ongoing issues in the labor market today. source
📊 Economic Insights Reich noted that economic policies could lead to inequality and a diminishing middle class, a concern that remains relevant in current economic discussions. source
🗣️ Historical Context As a former Secretary of Labor, Reich's insights were shaped by his experiences in government during a time of significant economic change, which continues to echo in today's political discourse regarding labor and economics. source

glen brown: Scammers https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/08/scammers.html

### Key Points

- The article discusses the "Phantom Hacker" scam targeting seniors, which unfolds in three phases, involving impersonations of tech support, financial institutions, and government agencies to steal victims' funds.

- The FBI reports over $1 billion stolen since 2024, with most victims aged 60 and above, and emphasizes the importance of safeguarding against scams by avoiding remote computer access and verifying claims independently.

- Experts suggest breaking the secrecy and pressure tactics of scammers by consulting trusted individuals or law enforcement before acting. Victims are encouraged to report crimes to the FBI or Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

- The blog combines commentary on scams with broader societal issues, such as political dynamics, social justice, healthcare, and environmental concerns.

CURMUDGUCATION: I Took The PragerU Unwoke Teacher Test https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2025/08/i-took-prageru-unwoke-teacher-test.html

I Took The PragerU Unwoke Teacher Test

### Key Points

- The author critiques PragerU's "Teacher Qualification Test," which includes 34 questions focused on conservative ideologies rather than teaching skills.

- The test promotes viewpoints on parental rights in education, biological sex, gender, and sports, reflecting right-wing cultural perspectives.

- Questions on political neutrality in classrooms emphasize rejecting activism unless aligned with conservative values.

- The test includes basic civics questions but lacks depth and nuance, often oversimplifying historical and political issues.

- The author notes the test's focus on culture wars, LGBTQ+ issues, and parent rights, sidelining pedagogy and teaching expertise.

- PragerU's certification claims to validate "truth and integrity" but primarily serves as a propaganda tool.

- The author criticizes the misleading perception that PragerU contributes to educational discourse.

Choosing Democracy: Judge Temporarily Blocks Trump Deportation of Guatemalan Children, https://choosingdemocracy.blogspot.com/2025/08/judge-temporarily-blocks-trump.html

### Key Points

- A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration from deporting Guatemalan children, citing violations of their due process rights and ignoring special protections for unaccompanied minors.

- The court issued a 14-day prohibition on deportations, although dozens of children were removed from shelters overnight and prepared for deportation.

- The emergency order was prompted by the National Immigration Law Center's legal intervention.

- An emergency hearing was scheduled to determine the legality of deporting the children.

The Teacher-less School Who needs humans when AI can do it all in two hours? https://theeducationreport.substack.com/p/the-teacher-less-school

### Key Points

- A charter school model led by MacKenzie Price uses AI for two hours of instruction, followed by students pursuing personal interests and life skills workshops, eliminating the need for human teachers.

- The schools employ "guides" for motivation and support instead of teachers, with tuition set at $40,000 annually.

- Price seeks approval to expand this AI-based cyber charter school model, branded as the "Unbound Academic Institute," into Pennsylvania's cyber school market.

- The cyber charter schools would operate as "public" schools, funded by state resources despite their unconventional approach.

Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights
A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
8-31-25
https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/08/yesterdays-gems-todays-insights-roundup_01782883404.html

The article is a compilation of various blog posts and news updates, highlighting political controversies, education reforms, societal challenges, and public health issues in the U.S. in 2025. It uses satire, historical references, and critical analysis to discuss topics such as authoritarianism, oligarchy, public education advocacy, gun violence, healthcare reforms, and systemic inequities.

### Key Points

- A satirical critique of Mitch McConnell’s judicial strategies portrays his actions as undermining democracy and tipping the judiciary's balance.

- The Supreme Court’s adoption of the Unitary Executive Theory is criticized for concentrating executive power and weakening checks and balances.

- Allegations of Russian influence on Trump’s presidency suggest deep compromises in U.S. institutions.

- Satirical depiction of Trump’s presidency critiques immigration crackdowns, diversity program eliminations, and alleged ties to Russian oligarchs.

- The IRS decision to allow churches to endorse political candidates without losing tax-exempt status sparks debates on church-state separation.

- ADHD medications are being prescribed too quickly to preschoolers, bypassing behavioral therapy guidelines.

- Concerns about Trump’s Medicare changes and tiered healthcare plans highlight systemic challenges in accessing affordable healthcare.

- Trump’s planned deployment of federal agents and National Guard troops in Chicago mirrors historical military resistance during protests.

- Linda McMahon’s policies are criticized for undermining special education progress and federal oversight, risking harm to students with disabilities.

- Calls for action on investigating pedophile coverups and addressing poverty’s impact on education.

- Gun culture and school shootings are critiqued, with satirical proposals for reforms like taxing firearms and holding manufacturers accountable.

- NIH budget cuts under Trump threaten public health research and innovations.

- RFK Jr.'s anti-vaccine policies raise concerns about public health risks.

- California establishes an AI in Education Workgroup to address equity and privacy in schools.

- Decline in pleasure reading among Americans sparks discussions on literacy promotion.

- Satirical allegory critiques the erosion of democratic principles under Trump, highlighting oligarchic influence and authoritarian governance.

Monday, September 1, 2025

TOP POSTS THIS MONTH - AUGUST 2025

THE GOLDEN CABINET AND THE IRON FIST: A LABOR DAY LOOK AT TRUMP'S OLIGARCHY

Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts! 9-1-25

Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s InsightsA Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!8-31-25https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/08/yesterdays-gems-todays-insights-roundup_01782883404.html

Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights
A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
8-31-25
https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/08/yesterdays-gems-todays-insights-roundup_01782883404.html