From KCRW in Santa Monica and PRI, Public Radio International, this is To the Point.

America, democracy or oligarchy?

I'm Barbara Bogave sitting in for Warren, only, and this is To the Point from Public Radio International,

a daily look at the issues

Americans care about most. A new study has found that the top 10% of Americans has the

most political influence. Of that group, the top 1% pocketed nearly the entire gains from the

recovery from the financial crisis, yet many pay a lower tax rate than a lot of people

in the middle class.

Is that just capitalism at work?

Has income inequality eroded democracy to a vanishing point?

If our country is indeed controlled by the very few and the very rich,

how do we level the playing field?

Also on today's talking point, the FDA says no more free ride for e-cigarettes and vapors.

First, the news.

Listen to KCRW's 24-hour all-news channel.

Stream BBC World Service, NPRW programs.

Continuous coverage and accessible via our smartphone app or online at KCRW.

.

Support for To the Point comes from the members of KCRW and from the Public Radio International Program Fund.

And we're back with To the Point. I'm Barbara Bow gave in for Warren only. and from the Public Radio International Program Fund.

And we're back with To The Point. I'm Barbara Bow gave in for Warren only.

Just ahead, the infamous 1% of all Americans own 35% of the nation's wealth.

...