In this essay you will learn or re-inforce who, what, when, where, how, and why reality and fair-play are dirty words among extremists. It is not about psychology, psychiatry, or the etiology of any other deep-rooted human trait. It is understandable by everyone aware enough to be able to read, write, and comprehend simple ideas. So pay attention. You probably will not like all of my explanations for each of my broadly stated objectives. But you should like the second objective. And that is this: The contents will reveal what you can do to turn the tide of events to “level the playing field,” and bring you and every other person of goodwill into an elevated discussion of this subject so you can direct your own future and that of your offspring.

On the world stage, Vladimir Putin is on the throne of “rule by oppression.” He appears to be incapable of saying or adhering to anything that even flirts with honesty. He hates anyone who opposes him. He is a ruthless dictator. And so is every other self-centered, greedy, autocratic ruler who is too steeped in a narrow ideology they live, breathe, and dream in it. But I will let others deal with those outside of our borders.

In the US the ultra-conservative playbook is actually very simple and easy to understand. And why not? It was authored by simpletons, also known as “poor little rich boys.” That is neither insulting nor a contradiction in terms. It accurately describes their motivation and their opportunity. This essay will concentrate more on their means to complete the golden triangle used so effectively by any detective worthy of his or her craft, i.e., by pursuing motive, means, and opportunity to find the guilty. They also have little concern for the rest of humanity except in ways that help them. Self-centeredness also makes them too dangerous to pursue their urges.

So I am referring only to the very greedy from among the wealthy, or those who are consumed by their pursuit of more. Their wants are insatiable. They cannot stop until they hold virtually all the wealth (stocks, bonds, and real estate). It’s hard to put an exact value of their wealth, but let’s limit our discussion to those holding $100 million or more today, or less than 1 percent of the US population. That total is far more than anyone can spend, but not far enough to satisfy their wants. Greed is their motivation; wealth is their badge of honor; the majority of humanity is their enemy.

In this group, Donald Trump is just a wannabe, a useful idiot. The King Pin of this group is Charles Koch, CEO of the Koch Group of industries, mainly with oil holdings. He and his brother David (now deceased) inherited about $20 billion, today worth at least $80 billion. He has many followers from among the ultra-wealthy. He is also well-known among state and national legislators, governors, and heads of state worldwide. He is the engineer-in-chief of the right-wing conservative ideology. When he speaks they all jump. Why? He probably bought their livelihood with big bucks that falsely elevated them via TV and other media ads that portrayed them as lovable idiots. He can make or break almost any politician. Why? He also tells his flock which laws to pass, and which to reject. And so it is.

Right-wing extremism welcomes misfits from afar. These groups were well-represented among those who attacked the Capital on Jan. 6, 2021. They also love such antics as gerrymandering voting districts, assault weapons in the hands of morons, the Big Lie, and smear campaigning. Among them are the Proud Boys, the Oath Keepers, and Three Percenters.

How can you know who these cowards are? They are followers, not leaders. They change their minds a lot—quickly. Every time they mistakenly say or support something or someone who is honest, or fair, or progressive, they quickly deny it. Or something that would help the poor, the downtrodden, the disadvantaged. Or almost anything that hints of fairness to all, or would benefit the poor. They are two-faced liars and cheats. They hate paying their fair-share of taxes, they put blame for anything that goes wrong on others. They take credit for things that go right. They support Donald Trump and all those like him—come hell or high water. They are utterly untrustworthy except to their leaders. They would follow them to the gates of hell.

What can you do? Know that money can’t buy you love, or trust, or honor. Stop being a follower. Be a leader. Stand up for liberty, justice, and the American way. Be an example to others. Show a little courage. Vote—for the best candidates who will uphold values worthy of us and our forebears. Serve a hitch in the military. Or in some other worthy organization or cause that helps others and pays little.

Remember: Greed is the bull dozer that paves the road to hell with good intentions.