The networks rule
[Editors Note: Ian wrote this on Thursday. Because I'm slow, and probably because I'm gay, I just got to posting it today, two days after the day he refers to. So let's think of it more as ... a reflection on International Workers Day, yes? ALSO Ian is fantastic and will be posting more offering green financial advice and thoughts on technology. Welcome!]
Today being International Workers’ Day and all, I got to thinking about the systems that keep the those at the top in power. You gotta wonder about the networks of corporate and government leaders, their historical and ongoing connections, and how their interests somehow always manage to be met, while workers’ real wages in the US have been basically stagnant for 30 plus years.
The magic of teh Internets and computers allows for many a neat way to see those networks. One of the first sites I saw was this one, with its kinda neat way of visualizing the connections between corporate boards of directors. I’d love to see the data updated past 2004.
But wait, here’s something! A network map of shared board directors published today. Not dynamic, but interesting enough.
And lastly, a friend put together a dynamic map of contributions from oil companies in presidential campaigns and members of Congress.
It all just makes me think despite the most vicious red baiting, even from the Left, the US does indeed have a sort of centrally planned economy.
Happy Mayday folks, and here’s to workers having their own networks to rival those of their bosses.
About The Author - Despite not having a degree in anything related to technology or finance, Ian is into the numbers and politics of computers and economics as if people mattered. He works for the boutique liberal wing of capital, bringing a bit of harm reduction into people's retirement accounts. Hopefully. - Visit Ian's site.
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