I loved the comment to the original post, asking if it was too idealistic to think that we could actually ween our political system off the big money. Is it idealistic? Yes. Guilty, as charged. But so have been a lot of other reforms in our country's history, until they became necessary or the people demanded them. Women's suffrage. Direct election of senators. The Civil Rights Act of 1964. Brown v. Board. Trust-busting. Social Security. Medicare. The repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell. Heck, even the US intervention in Bosnia (sorry, couldn't resist...).
If we don't fix campaign financing, we're screwed.
But I think it's the kind of issue that real Americans from both sides of the aisle could eventually support. Everyone's hurt by the status quo, except those funding the campaigns and buying the influence.
I guess my theme lately has been to reject my own jaded, dark view of things and to, once again, believe that anything is possible. There are lots of people out there who want real change, who thought they were voting for it in 2008.
I also think the addiction to oil is another issue that should appeal to the left and right. What middle class, conservative American wants his or her gas money funding bin Laden & Co.?
The more I hear something is impossible, the more it makes me want to try!
1 comment:
A couple of weeks ago you mentioned that you had reached your tipping point. I found that interesting because I also used that term in a couple of tweets. I was referring to the majority who are getting ripped off by the richest 1% who continue to gather more of the wealth of the nation – and probably of the world since we’re all connected. At what point do those who have nothing to spare and are falling further behind, (yet are still being asked to share in the sacrifice) going to reach their own tipping point. What happens when they do?
What about the rest of the middle who are doing OK, but have watched their share decline as wealth is redistributed to top? How long are they going to be OK watching the richest amass obscene wealth far in excess of their ability to spend it or contribute to the health of the economy?
I believe in capitalism. Hard work and innovation should be rewarded. But when the rich and powerful rig the system so that they are guaranteed an ever bigger piece of the money pie, even if they contribute nothing, then the system is in need of adjustment. The playing field needs to be leveled.
As the threshold of having nothing to spare mover further up the income scale, will a tipping point be reached? What will happen when enough people reach their limit of patience and tolerance?
What will be the thing that tips it over? Will it be the price of oil? Do people skip a movie or meal to give the rich their commission on every thankful? The rich will never be satisfied, because money is how they keep score. You know the saying – “Whoever is has the most money when he dies, wins.”
It’s not going to stop until the majority reaches a tipping point. When that happens, let’s hope that those in power will listen to reason.
@Timeismc2
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