Gents,
I like this thread. I have no interest in the politics, but you may find some useful and current information on wealth published by those who deal with the wealthy. I suggest researching such sources as Merrill Lynch/Capgemini annual wealth reports (ML is now under the umbrella of Bank of America), Goldman Sachs wealth management division, and possibly Credit Suisse private banking. For starters, a quick google search returned the following: http://www.ml.com/media/79882.pdf
It is difficult to respond to an assertion that most wealthy individuals have inherited their money without first defining wealth. I know a few self-made millionaires. None inherited a significant sum from his family. Not one considers himself "wealthy."
It seems, too, that we tend to restrict our thinking to the sphere in which we travel; specifically, we think in terms of wealth in North America. A great deal of wealth and riches have been created around the globe due to the commodity boom/bust and very inexpensive credit. Just my 0.02.
Bookmarks