Wealth gap vs. democracy

Re “Bernie Sanders’ Labor Day index,” Opinion, Sept. 6

Thank you for the Labor Day chart put together by Sen. Bernie Sanders.

The index on the distribution of wealth in the U.S. — 41% owned by the top 1% versus 2% owned by the bottom 60% — provides the basis for understanding how great inequality of wealth can undermine our democracy by using that wealth to influence legislative campaigns and legislation that is passed or rejected.

The Supreme Court decision in the Citizens United case has allowed corporations unlimited use of money to further their interests.

How can our democracy survive in a world of massive inequalities of wealth and political power?

Doris Isolini Nelson

Los Angeles