Nov 8, 2010
2009 was a stunning year for the wealthiest, according to a new book: Winner-Take-All Politics: How Washington Made the Rich Richer, by Jacob Hacker and Paul Pierson.
Wealthy investors and CEOs at the 38 largest U.S. companies were paid 140 billion dollars in income last year – an all-time record. At Goldman Sachs, bonuses averaged nearly $600,000 per person. Goldman Sachs had their best year since the firm was founded in 1869.
While the economy collapsed and ordinary people lost jobs, homes, cars, pay and savings in 2009, those at the top had one of their best years ever – thanks to the sacrifices of the working class.