Welcome to the United States of Ameritocracy

A Blueprint for Decentralization and Balanced Power As American's Rediscover the Vision of Our Founding Fathers.

Politicians love inflammatory rhetoric, but enough is enough with the gaslighting on this topic of “we are headed toward an oligarchy.” NEWSFLASH: We have been living in one for the last 112 years for those who have ever studied the Presidential victory of Woodrow Wilson (a Democrat) in 1912 whose influential backers included J.P. Morgan, Paul Warburg, and a handful of other powerful financiers (known then in the populous as “The Money Trust”) and controlled more than 40% of the country’s wealth.

Wilson’s victory and subsequent signing one year later of the Federal Reserve Act of 1913 gave us the initial catalyst and foundation for the world of inequality we live in today (an oligarchic wolf dressed in a faux-free-market sheep’s clothing).

A great industrial nation is controlled by its system of credit. Our system of credit is concentrated. The growth of the nation, therefore, and all our activities are in the hands of a few men..."

Woodrow Wilson from his book The New Freedom

“The large money resources of the country are not at the command of those who do not submit to the direction and domination of small groups of capitalists, who wish to keep the economic development of the country under their own eye and guidance. The great monopoly in this country is the money monopoly. So long as that exists our old variety and freedom and individual energy of development are out of the question. A great industrial nation is controlled by its system of credit. Our system of credit is concentrated. The growth of the nation, therefore, and all our activities are in the hands of a few men who, even if their action be honest and intended for the public interest, are necessarily concentrated upon the great undertakings in which their own money is involved and who necessarily, by very reason of their own limitations, chill and check and destroy genuine economic freedom.

And later in the book:

"We have come to be one of the worst ruled, one of the most completely controlled and dominated, governments in the civilized world – no longer a government by free opinion, no longer a government by conviction and the vote of the majority, but a government by the opinion and the duress of small groups of dominant men." ~Woodrow Wilson, 28th President of the United States of America

But I digress…

Today’s post is to elevate you beyond the toxic inflammatory fear-mongering rhetoric that this is a new threat and to re-educate and remind you of the nuanced similarities and differences of an oligarchy and a meritocracy and the true catalysts and enablers of each. Only then can we as leaders and investors and independent thinkers know what we can do to fulfill and hold the 47th Presidential administration to their inaugural promise and vision of returning America to a meritocracy.

It takes each of us in concert to balance the scales, and although you can get wealthy in either system by understanding the game being played, the chance to play on a level playing field for you and your descendants and a broader set of society is available now for the first time in a century and deserves your consideration and support. Enjoy!

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The United States has long championed the ideals of meritocracy—a system where individuals rise based on talent, effort, and achievement, where all men (and women) are created equal and granted the inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. However, as wealth inequality grows and political power consolidates, the country risks slipping deeper into oligarchy—a governance model where a privileged elite dominates. The causes of this trend are multifaceted, but one critical factor exacerbates the problem: the centralized fiat monetary system.

Fiat money, controlled by central banks, has enabled excessive government spending, wealth concentration, and the perpetuation of systems that favor the elite over the masses. To build a true meritocracy, the solution lies in a two-pronged approach: reducing the influence of centralized monetary systems and governance structures while embracing decentralized, deflationary alternatives like Bitcoin. Together, these steps can weaken oligarchic power, restore balance, and enable a new era of innovation and fairness.

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Oligarchy vs. Meritocracy: The Stakes

An oligarchy thrives when a small, privileged group wields disproportionate power. This system often emerges when wealth and influence are concentrated among elites, perpetuating cycles of privilege that exclude broader participation. Oligarchies prioritize the status quo, stifling innovation and maintaining policies that protect their interests.

In contrast, a meritocracy emphasizes opportunity and rewards based on ability, effort, and performance. A true meritocracy seeks to level the playing field, ensuring that anyone with talent and drive can succeed, regardless of socioeconomic background.

The United States has flirted with both systems throughout its history, but the current trajectory indicates increasing oligarchic tendencies. Centralized systems of monetary control, combined with policies that disproportionately favor established elites, have made it difficult for merit to prevail. At the heart of this challenge is the role of fiat money.

The Role of Centralized Fiat Money in Oligarchic Formation

Fiat currency, unbacked by tangible assets, allows governments and central banks to print money at will. While this system has benefits—such as flexibility during economic crises—it also creates vulnerabilities that oligarchies exploit. Here’s how:

1. Wealth Concentration Through Inflation

Inflation, driven by excessive money printing, disproportionately impacts lower and middle-income individuals. While elites can protect and grow their wealth through assets like real estate, stocks, and fine art (which often appreciate during inflationary periods), the majority of people lose purchasing power. This growing wealth gap cements the oligarchs’ dominance.

2. Debt-Driven Governance

Fiat systems enable governments to operate on perpetual debt, funding bloated programs that often serve special interests rather than the public good. This creates a feedback loop where politicians rely on elite donors for campaign funding, reinforcing the oligarchic grip on power.

3. Barriers to Entry

Centralized monetary systems often favor established institutions, creating barriers to entry for new players. Regulatory frameworks, influenced by oligarchic interests, further entrench incumbents while stifling innovation and competition.

4. Crony Capitalism

Fiat money facilitates crony capitalism, where businesses and industries with political connections receive bailouts, subsidies, and favorable regulations. This erodes meritocracy by rewarding influence over competence.

A Path to Meritocracy

It all starts with decentralization and fiscal discipline. This is the real value of D.O.G.E if executed as intended.

To counter the entrenchment of oligarchy, a meritocracy must rest on a foundation of decentralization and fiscal responsibility. This requires a two-pronged approach: reforming existing centralized structures and embracing decentralized systems like Bitcoin.

1. Reforming Centralized Structures

• Cutting Excess Spending and Centralization

A meritocracy cannot thrive under a governance system bloated by inefficiency and special interests. Massive cuts to excessive government spending are essential. This includes reducing subsidies, limiting bailouts, and decentralizing decision-making processes to empower local governance. By curbing the flow of money to entrenched elites, the influence of oligarchs diminishes.

• Reforming Campaign Finance and Lobbying

Centralized fiat systems exacerbate the influence of money in politics. Reforms to campaign finance laws and lobbying practices can ensure that policymaking prioritizes the public interest rather than elite donors.

• Promoting Open Access to Opportunity

Investment in education, infrastructure, and digital access can help level the playing field. By providing equitable access to resources, individuals from diverse backgrounds can compete based on merit.

2. Embracing Decentralized, Deflationary Systems

• Bitcoin as a Foundation for Meritocracy

Bitcoin represents a permissionless, decentralized, and deflationary monetary system. Unlike fiat, it is not controlled by any central authority, making it resistant to manipulation by elites. Its fixed supply of 21 million coins ensures scarcity, protecting against inflation and preserving purchasing power.

• Transparency and Accountability

Bitcoin operates on a public ledger, making transactions transparent and immutable. This prevents corruption and fosters trust—essential components of a meritocracy.

• Economic Sovereignty

Bitcoin empowers individuals to take control of their wealth without relying on banks or intermediaries. This democratization of finance reduces the power of centralized institutions and promotes financial inclusion.

• Incentivizing Innovation

A decentralized monetary system encourages innovation by removing barriers to entry. Entrepreneurs and innovators can thrive without being subject to the whims of oligarchic gatekeepers.

• Weakening Oligarchic Control

As Bitcoin adoption grows, the centralized fiat system faces increased competition. This undermines the oligarchic control of money, redistributing power to a broader, merit-based network of participants.

The Balance Between Meritocracy and Exceptionalism

Critics may argue that decentralization could lead to chaos or that meritocracy risks neglecting those who cannot compete. However, a meritocracy does not preclude exceptionalism—it celebrates it. By rewarding talent and effort, a meritocracy fosters innovation and progress. The challenge lies in ensuring that opportunity remains accessible to all.

Decentralized systems like Bitcoin are crucial because they provide a neutral foundation. Unlike fiat systems, which are prone to manipulation, Bitcoin’s rules are fixed and transparent. This creates a level playing field where exceptional individuals and ideas can flourish without being stifled by entrenched interests.

A Meritocratic Future: Balancing Scales

The transition to a true meritocracy will not happen overnight. It requires a deliberate shift in both mindset and systems. Here are actionable steps to achieve this balance:

1. Adopt Decentralized Finance

Encourage the use of decentralized financial systems like Bitcoin to reduce reliance on fiat money. This weakens oligarchic control and empowers individuals. Establish and pass the Lummis Bill for a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and encourage other States to do the same.

2. Limit Centralized Influence

Implement fiscal discipline and reduce excessive government spending. Decentralize governance to empower local decision-making.

3. Promote Transparency

Leverage blockchain technology to enhance transparency in governance, finance, and resource allocation.

4. Educate and Empower

Provide access to education and resources that enable individuals to compete based on merit.

5. Foster Innovation

Create policies that encourage entrepreneurship and innovation while removing barriers to entry.

Building the United States of Ameritocracy

The United States has the opportunity to lead the world in transitioning to a meritocratic society. By reducing reliance on centralized fiat systems and embracing decentralized alternatives like Bitcoin, we can weaken oligarchic power and create a system that rewards talent, effort, and innovation. This path is not without challenges, but it offers a vision of fairness, inclusion, and progress—a United States of Ameritocracy.

Yours in Wealth and Health,

Chris J Snook

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Additional Sources:

1. Oligarchy | Definition & Facts | Britannica

2. Meritocracy? Ask yourself - PMC - PubMed Central

3. Compare Meritocracy vs Oligarchy - Governmentvs

4. Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System

5. Understanding Meritocracy from a Sociological Perspective

6. The Cantillon Effect and Fiat Currency

7. Bitcoin and Decentralization: MIT Technology Review

8. Pujo Committee “Money Trust Investigation 1912-1913”