Whether it's corrupt cops, bogus journalists, or even Ponzi-scheming church elders, it's not difficult to understand why trusting authorities has seemed like a risky proposition. Now, another institution deserves extra scrutiny. A closer look at the Securities and Exchange Commission reveals a single moment in time when the future of the country was transferred from the middle class to the uber-rich.

The story of the SEC begins with power and corruption. Joseph Kennedy became the first chairman of the SEC in 1934. Before joining the SEC, he was a manager at Hayden, Stone and Company. Kennedy left the company to trade his own account and made his fortune by manipulating the stock market. After becoming SEC chairman, he outlawed the manipulative tactics that made him rich.