The Illuminati own all the International banks, the oil-businesses, the most powerful businesses of industry and trade, they infiltrate politics and they own most governments - or at least control them. An example of this is the American election for presidency. It is no secret that the candidate who gets the most sponsorship in form of money wins the election, as this gives the power to "un-create" the opposed candidate.
The bloodline of the "illuminated ones" is alive and well in 2008
The symbols they use are all around us right in plain sight for us to see!
Research:
-The Legend Of Atlantis
-Mystery Schools Of Egypt
-Knights Templar
-The Occult
-Thule Society
-Vril Society
-Illuminati
-Bilderburg Group
-Skull & Bones
-Bohemian Grove
-Brotherhood of The Snake
-Freemasonry
After some quick research you will start to see the common thread..