There's too much money at play for there to not be a conspiracy - of some sort. I think it's pretty hard to argue that our economy is not highly skewed towards protecting the wealth of the very rich.

I understand that perspective and I don't disagree. That certainly is the case; Many are there because they understand the financial system better than anyone else. I don't mean to suggest that there is a grand organized conspiracy. That said, I do believe there is a strong network of bankers that promote their self interest.