In a Ted Talk, Richard Wilkinson talks about why economic inequality is so detrimental not only to people who are at the bottom of the inequality but, also, to those at the top.  I’ve always put it this way: if you are at the top and your policies cause economic inequality, then you are causing poverty. Poverty often leads, through desperation, to increased crime. Sooner or later, regardless of how many gated communities you build or how large your SUV is, you’re going to be a victim of that crime.