Is there a serious disconnect between a government and its people when the government need not depend?

Question

on taxation for its revenues?
Consider the problems in the middle east. Oil rich countries get their revenues by selling oil. In those countries, the government doesn't need a thriving economy to tax the incomes of its people.
Since they pump their money out of the ground, they need not educate their people. They need not to build an infrastructure to encourage business growth. They don't need more jobs for an expanding population. They don't need a strong manufacturing base to compete on the international market.
All they need is oil pumps and pipelines.
In such countries, where would the common person direct his or her frustration over such a disconnect?
When there are two children in a family and one gets all the attention from the parent while the other is ignored, does the ignored child blame the parent or the other sibling for the lack of attention?

Answer 1

Interesting thought and one I suspect you are largely correct on. Venezuela would be a good example. Hugo Chavez makes loud claims about instituting what he called 21st century socialism, then declares himself dictator for life. There is no real reform in this country, nor will there be because the leader's personal fortunes are secured by oil revenues. The fact that his people suffer in poverty seems to be of little concern. This theme is repeated throughout the countries of the oil rich third world.

Answer 2

I think you went way over most people's heads with this question.
You're right tho. The oil in the middle east has been more of a curse to the people their than a windfall. The exact situation you describe is the root of our tensions with Iran today.
It was clear when we took over Iraq that Saddam was hording the oil profits and not making life any better for the people. There was antiquated water systems, etc.

Answer 3

You forgot that they also need foreign engineers to work the pipelines and pumps, because they don't teach that stuff to their subjects. Of course, that may have a lot to do with the fact that, as late as 1963, 76% of all marriages in Saudi Arabia were between first cousins.

The President of the College I attended said it best. "We don't need students. We don't need faculty. All we need is one secretary clipping coupons on the endowment."

I wonder how large the disconnect is in a country where the Government cuts taxes and services while spending money like there's no tomorrow.