Other writers have tried to describe the powerful cliques that dictate much of American policy, often referring to them as a "Blob" because they are a shadowy and changing assortment. Such characterizations are often condemned as mere "conspiracy theories" in an effort to deny the selfish nature of such amorphous forces. However, in this book, Professor Domhoff does a very good job of actually identifying who makes up the inner power in our ruling elites, and does so in such scholarly detail that the idea of it being just a conspiracy theory becomes absurd.The subtitle does, however, confuse the true message of this book--"The Triumph of the Corporate Rich" probably makes many readers and reviewers conclude that corporations are the dangerous elites which is not the lesson we learn from this book. On page 106 the author provides a diagram (Figure 4-2) that shows the three-part network of special interest that collaborate in determining America's direction. One part is made up of the social elites, jet-setters, bonded by common backgrounds from prep schools and social club ties. Another segment is made up of corporate executives and directors who wield social and lobbying power over the other members of the ruling elite. The third group is the planning and advising community composed of hired experts, academics, economists, and the directors of the think tanks, and related philanthropic charitable foundations. Members of those three groups are all united by the fact that they belong to an upper class social society and wield influence from their lofty positions as directors, executives and trustees of powerful institutions. The actual politicians holding office can arise from anywhere but most of them soon adopt the canons of the elites who finance their campaigns and invite them to join their social activities.The evidence presented shows "The high level of class dominance in the United States." The fact that members of all three groups meet socially in their fashionable clubs, parties, and collegiate environments illustrates how their idea on government policy becomes cohesive, unified among themselves but both oblivious and unconcerned about the vast public beneath them. During the last 40 years their confidence and arrogance is demonstrated by how politicians running for office no longer kiss babies at campaign stops but consider the parents deplorable denizens of fly-over country still clinging to their guns and faith, and say so in public!.Because of the economic mobility still existing in America's primarily capitalist economy, new members of the financial and corporate elites, rising to higher offices from lower socio-economic classes, usually become co-opted by the social circles they can now gain entrance to that their ideas become shaped anew by their new glamorous associates.. It is easy to understand that a real estate mogul from New York would have to bend his beliefs and principles a great deal to gain acceptance into such a confident and self-centered group.All in all, this a good introduction to the class system in America and the influence of money in shaping our political constituencies. It is not light reading so be prepared to wade through a lot of statistical date and extensive commentary but the work will be worth it if you consider the many good points explained clearly by the author and the significance of it for our future as a free nation..There are many quotable lines to enjoy: "Although the corporate rich have always found ways in the past to circumvent attempts to limit campaign donations...the 2010 and 2012 elections took these practices to astronomical levels."This book presents a clear warning about too much power being wielded by un-elected and unaccountable officials Rules that were supposed to be followed when obtaining FISA warrants, designed to protect American citizens while still letting agencies pursue terrorists were ignored and.foreign agents were paid to gather information to serve partisan ends.We need to be able to trust these agencies and that the rule of law applies equally in this country. Their actions have shaken that confidence and this book helps expose them. Highly recommended.