The Heat discusses the relationship between money, politics

The Heat

Some say the best way to break into politics is to be rich. One leading think tank in the United States says the country’s Supreme Court has a lot of loopholes that make it easier for the wealthy to influence the political system.

The relationship between money and power has been the subject of numerous films, books and art. However, what’s the real influence of big money on politics and policies that shape societies in the United States and around the world?

A report by the Global Post says income inequality is surging in the U.S. and other countries.

One European wealth writer says there should be a global progressive tax on individual net worth to narrow the inequality. There’s also been an increase in political activism from rich donors in the United States and other parts of the world.

The Heat spoke to American broadcaster and activist, Tavis Smiley. He has written a book about the wealthy and the poor in America. Smiley discussed the global economic, social and political impact on income inequality.

Our panel of experts discussed the wealthiest people and their influence on politics and policy around the world.

* Darrell West, vice president of the Washington D.C. think tank, The Brookings Institute.

* Yukon Huang,a former World Bank employee for the China division.