Special privileges and the use of the taxing power for private gain, these are the twin pillars upon which plutocracy rests.  Accumulating by conscious frauds more money than they can use upon themselves, wisely distribute or safely leave to their children, these denounce as public enemies all who question their methods or throw a light upon their crimes.

Plutocracy is abhorrent to a republic; it is more despotic than monarchy, more heartless than aristocracy, more selfish than bureaucracy.  It preys upon the nation in time of peace and conspires against it in the hour of its calamity.  Conscienceless, compassionless and devoid of wisdom, it enervates its votaries while it impoverishes its victims.

- William Jennings Bryan, Speech at Madison Square Garden, 30 August 1906