Private philanthropy in lieu of accountable government

This is a sad and scary article describing how super-wealthy individuals are using their philanthropy to drastically change our lives.  The philanthropists of course seem to think the changes are for the better, but for things like tinkering with and privatizing of public education, or creating or modifying other public goods to fit the priorities of private individuals, it is very likely that the major systemic changes they're pushing will be bad for us, the general public.  Only the hubris of the wealthy, who feel validated and more worthy to shape society given their economic success, permits them to brush off the widespread dissent of the people.  And of course in all of this there is no public accountability, because the money and the projects are private and often secret.