Theories of Power in a Democracy

After reading some of  C. Wright Mill's work, i must agree with his theory of our governance.  Its evident in many cases that not all citizens of our country have the same influence on our government.  It is reasonable to say that we all have the same opportunities to make our voice heard and be an influence, but Mills clearly defines who is actually heard.  Corporate leaders are the first type of person he discusses and refers to as the "elites" of our nation.  These millionaires have a great influence on our government because of their money and power to effect large amounts of people.  An example is Bill Gates and the "Common Core" that we all are learning through right now.  People such as this not only have the power to influence policy making but also have the power of influence through their companies. In our democracy, these private corporation owner have the ability to effect the general public through their corporations.  As Mills puts it, "...[the elites] are in command of the major hierarchies and organizations of modern society."  He continues to discuss the influence of political leaders which is one f the more obvious forms of the elites in our country.  With the direct power to make policy, they have a huge influence on the public and can enact anything they want if they can pass the legislature.

However, there is one point in his theory that I do not think fits our democracy completely.  He claims that, "They act in concert, and the policies they make serve the interests of the elite."  In some cases it can be argued that the elite's influence on our government is negative, in regard to the general public.  An example is congress's horrible approval rating.  But, for the most part I think it's most realistic to say that they aren't necessarily trying to dis-serve the non-elite, but are actually trying to help in most cases.  Some may argue that a corporation drawing back salaries or doing anything that appears to be improving their net worth rather than helping the public and heir workers is evidence that the elite only try to better themselves.  But, in man cases these actions actually do benefit all people in the long-run, but many don't stop to realize this.  I find it hard to believe that all elites work only for themselves because of all the great laws and reforms we've made that benefit our country as a whole.  As Alyse had mentioned earlier in class, if they were truly working only for themselves then we would not have any systems set up such as welfare because this greatly helps the general public, and does little for the elite.  Overall, I believe Mills theory holds true in regard to the existence of the "elite" ,but I think he has misinterpreted their efforts.