The country is run like a corporation. We invest in the corporation, elect officers and the officers make decisions. If we don't like the decisions we can vote them out.

Just like a corporation, the influence upon the board is wielded by those with the most stock owned. In the US, this is the wealthy who pay more tax dollars which the government spends as it conducts its activity (or in this case conducts its wars)

Tom has as much say as his tax dollars can buy him. Naturally, big corporations that pay millions in taxes have more say then do individuals. Oil companies get to dictate the price we pay from day to day and the government plays along. Why? Tax money on each gallon sold. The government wasn't opposed to IPO scamming the stock market investors because they reaped the taxes on this stock.

The dollar is king. (feel free to insert your currency of choice)

What's this nonsense about first hand experience or wisdom being a prequisite to having influence? When, in all recorded history, have those holding the purse strings been effectively kept from the policymaking of governments?

Rich religions influence governments in Europe. Rich corporations walk hand in hand with governments in Japan, France, Germany, Sweden and yes, the USA as well.

Rich taxpayers who also head corporations have a lot of influence. They dine with the relatively poor politicians and the politicians hope a bit of the gold rubs off on them. And more often than not - it does.

;-)