BAND OF THE FILTHY RICH

Remember what Kevin Phillips said about the Bush family? "Over four generations they have honed a pattern of loyalty to [America's] wealthiest 0.01 percent ... How you do that over four generations and not take that loyalty to the White House is not credible."

If anyone doubts his words, they should have a look at Paul Harris's investigation, reported the other day in The (London) Observer. Harris revealed that roughly $150 million -- or half of the $296 million raised in campaign contributions since 1998 by George W. -- "has come from just 630 people." And, he added:

Certainly the benefits of donating seem clear. A report by the group revealed that, out of 630 elite donors from 2000 and 2004, almost one quarter were given an appointment from the administration -- including 24 ambassadorships and two cabinet positions. In 2002 more than $3.5 billion of federal contracts were given to 101 companies that between them boasted 123 Pioneers and Rangers [contributors who gave, respectively, $100,000 and $200,000].

The contributors are part of an "extremely 'clubby' and close-knit" network representing elite wealth with "four main families ... at its centre": Seven members of the Bush clan itself, who have given at least $100,000 each; "Massachusetts millionaire" Richard Egan and two of his sons; and three members each of the Fox family, owners of the Harbour Group finance firm with major investments in China, and the Reynolds family of land developers.

But while the contributors represent elite wealth, the current occupant of the White House is not picky about ethical or moral pedigree. Harris reports that "146 of the donors have been involved in corporate scandals or helped to run companies that have."