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Opinion
Mark Buchanan

Do the Math: The Rich Really Are Different

Research suggests they're uniquely positioned to steer more money their way.
The path to greater wealth.

The path to greater wealth.

Photographer: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg
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Is extreme wealth inequality in the U.S. something that government can or should address? The answer depends on how it arises. If everybody has a shot at the top, maybe it's not so bad. If the wealthiest are exploiting some kind of advantage, the system may need fixing.

New research suggests that only the latter explanation makes mathematical sense.