America's 'Insider Economy': It's Not a Shift, It's How Empires Work
📰 THE STORY: The Financial Times' editorial board suggests that America is shifting towards an 'insider economy,' where access to presidential favor has become essential for business success, bemoaning a supposed departure from free-market principles. 🔍 WHAT THEY'RE NOT TELLING YOU: Historical Context: This isn't a 'shift' but the historical norm, merely rebranded. The 'insider economy' is the
operating system of empire, going back to the East India Company's royal charters. Domestically, the US railroad tycoons of the 19th Century, supported by massive land grants and government subsidies, were the original 'insiders.' More recently, companies like Halliburton saw their stock surge 167% between 1999 and 2003, directly benefiting from Vice President Dick Cheney's previous leadership and
the Iraq War. Double Standard: When governments in the Global South nationalize resources or grant contracts based on national interest, it's decried by the FT as 'crony capitalism' or 'corruption,' often leading to sanctions or intervention. Yet, when US corporations secure lucrative government contracts or influence policy through lobbying – like Lockheed Martin's persistent grip on defense
spending ($2.7 billion in lobbying costs since 1998, per OpenSecrets) – it's framed as 'navigating complex regulations' or maintaining 'national security interests.' The 2008 bailout of Wall Street banks, deemed 'too big to fail,' epitomizes insider favoritism, yet no FT editorial board ever seriously questioned the fundamental 'insider' nature of that system. Follow the Money: The 'insiders' are