The Scriptures of the Judeo-Christian community view having great wealth as a responsibility not a privilege. This is not a criticism of other 'belief systems' but an observation of a something with which I am more familiar.

What the poll indicates to me is that 58 per cent of the responders expressed their opinions and that those opinions are based upon something other than reason and common sense. There are those who believe that some are born to rule and some are born to serve. While I do not personally know anyone at the top levels of personal wealth I do know some people in my community that have more wealth than others and of those I do know I would say they have earned what they have. Some have inherited their wealth and some married into it, and of most of the ones I know they have managed their wealth in a responsible manner. Some others fit well into the slum lord category. Those who can avoid them but choose otherwise deserve what they get. Unfortunately, some do not have any real choices.

As for exorbitant wealth, the top 5 per cent or whatever, I cannot imagine anyone deserving that much money. It seems that much of that money is earned at the expense of someone else through manipulation, exploitation, etc. Possibly an investment in a congress person or two. It is a bit interesting that the wealthy Democrats listed above have consistently used some of their wealth quite positively.