Epstein harmed more than a thousand victims, according to the FBI, many from poor and working-class families. Perhaps these girls hoped to enter the worlds of powerful elites; maybe they imagined they were important or cared for and would have access to better lives. Instead, rich, powerful men used them for sex when they were children. At least three deaths have been reported publicly, but many more live with debilitating psychological damage.

Writer James Bovard published a recent op-ed on Epstein’s financial frauds, citing his violations of federal banking laws with help from JP Morgan executives and others. Bankers gave Epstein a pass on massive cash withdrawals that were then used to traffic minors as young as 14 for sexual abuse. Large cash withdrawals typically require reports to the government. Epstein’s case shows that the rules apparently do not apply to powerful elites.

A whole level of society all over the world thrives, untouched by consequences of their amoral decisions and behaviors. They are untouchable, living above the people they harm.

Regardless of who or what political party is in power, the untouchable layer does not seem to change much, from marble-walled compounds in Dubai or Bahrain to gilded palaces in Palm Springs — and a billionaire’s private island where other billionaires visit and do whatever they want, no matter whom they hurt.

Untouchables enrich one another, protect one another’s power and keep each others’ secrets. At this societal layer, Democratic and Republican parties become irrelevant, and debate is merely theater. There is only one party, and we are not in it.