The reasons are undisputed: the rich and powerful (by definition) wield influence (economic, media, governmental and political). That influence improves their standing at the expense of labor.
For long term strength and growth, policies that ensure labor shares in the economic growth (powering markets by strengthening the buying power of the middle and lower classes) and decrease income inequality will increase the health of the society.
With the historic record of companies driving down salaries for the lowest workers, what can be done to:
- incentivize companies to increase compensation for lower-wage workers,
- keep employment high and employees striving to achieve,
- reduce those on public welfare,
- maintain a viable safety net, and
- sustain the innovative an entrepreneurial spirit where capitalism excels?
Obviously, any policies that continue to oppress any group of people, making them less able to participate in the fruits of American prosperity are toxic to universal pursuit of happiness, so anything that doesn't work to root out and destroy institutional racism, sexism, and other isms weakens our country. Any policy that increases income inequality weakens us.
