Are the Billionaires Helping During the Pandemic, Actually the Problem? | Amanpour and Company

Many Americans have a childish view of freedom, says, Anand Giridharadas, and that private companies can severely limit freedom too.

Many European countries have great capitalist companies, but Europe’s social democracic tradition creates a better society for everyone, which even the corporations like. They never have to worry about providing health care, for one thing.

I went for a scan last year at a small local hospital, but when I got there I had forgotten my letter. No worry, they said, and then asked me to give them my details and to take a seat. Within ten minutes I had my scan and I was out within 45 minutes. No paperwork, no insurance to worry about, no bills. The doctor said he could find nothing wrong. Phew!

But it hadn't occurred to me how the hassle free experience of the NHS was liked by many private companies too.


The pandemic has prompted many to reflect on how the world works and, importantly, for whom it works. This is at the heart of a new program on Vice TV called “Seat at the Table,” hosted by best-selling author Anand Giridharadas. He has made a career of questioning the seat of power and money in America, and explains to Hari Sreenivasan why society must adapt or fail.