A penetrating look at the U.S. ruling class - a rich and powerful portion of the population who own tremendous amounts of wealth and who benefit from the way that decisions get made in this country. A look as well at an even smaller group, the power elite - 7,000 to 10,000 (predominately) white men - who make many of the decisions that affect our everyday lives. Most of the time they decide, they and the ruling class benefit, and we pay in our wages, our taxes, our health, the quality of our housing, and often with our lives. The book is carefully researched and referenced, and filled with numerous examples and illustrations. It is an indispensable resource for every person concerned about the undemocratic concentration of wealth and power in our society. Book jacket.