The wealthy oligarchy continues to ignore the needs of the working class as they pay politicians to take an undeserved piece of our pie.
Assert our worth to beat the oligarchy!
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This morning’s musings on the oligarchs brought to light a critical issue: the influence of billionaires over our political and economic systems. As we dissected the mechanisms by which the wealthy exert their control, it became clear that we must find ways to resist and reclaim our democracy from these powerful forces. The problem is magnified by the sheer amount of money that billionaires are willing to throw at candidates like Trump, who promise to cut their taxes and deregulate their markets further. This only means that the middle and lower classes will end up financing a future defined by war and conquest for the oligarchs.
Money’s political influence, especially following the Supreme Court’s decision in Citizens United, has exacerbated this issue. This ruling declared that money equals speech and that corporations have many of the same rights as individuals, if not more. The implications of this are profound and troubling, as it allows for an unprecedented level of corporate influence over our political system. Corporations already wield immense power now have rights that can supersede those of individual Americans. This situation has been perpetuated by those in power who benefit from maintaining the status quo.
Despite this bleak scenario, there is hope. The belief that we can overcome the oligarchs is not just wishful thinking but is rooted in a deep-seated belief in the power of the American people. Reflecting on the progressive movements of the past, there was a time when America was on an ascent toward greater equality and justice. Leaders like Kennedy, Johnson, Eisenhower, and Carter worked to improve the country, striving to fulfill the promises enshrined in America’s foundational documents. They aimed to turn the ideals of freedom and equality into a reality for all.
However, the Reagan Revolution marked a significant shift. The policies of Reagan, underpinned by the infamous Powell Memo, initiated a period of deregulation and tax cuts that favored the wealthy. This memo explicitly called for a concerted effort to curtail the growing power of the American public. The era of supply-side economics began, characterized by the myth that wealth trickles down from the rich to the rest of society. This ideology has led to the vast economic inequalities we see today, where the rich get richer at the expense of the poor and middle class.
The media and corporate propaganda have played a significant role in perpetuating this system. They have convinced many that supporting policies that harm their own interests is somehow the right thing to do. They have also stoked the flames of division, turning us against each other and distracting us from the real issues. During the ’60s and ’70s progressive movements, there was a sense of unity and collective action. People began to see each other as brothers and sisters, working together towards a common goal of a just and equitable society. This threatened the economic system that benefits only a few, leading to a concerted effort to dismantle these progressive gains.
The notion that greed is good, as popularized by Gordon Gekko in the movie Wall Street, has become a mantra for the wealthy elite. However, this greed only serves a particular economic system that benefits the few at the expense of the many. The reality is that the rich are not inherently more deserving of their wealth. Much of their success is built on society’s collective efforts and resources. The idea that someone can be worth billions is a myth perpetuated by an economic system that allows a few to exploit the many.
The true value lies in the everyday workers who keep the economy running. Those who toil in factories, offices, and fields are the real creators of wealth. Yet, their contributions are undervalued and underpaid while the wealthy elite reap the benefits. It is time to recognize and assert our worth. We must understand that we are the true engines of the economy, not the few at the top.
When people criticize the government, they often forget that it is us—the people—who have the power to shape and change it. We must work collectively to ensure that our government serves the interests of all, not just a privileged few. We are our brothers,’ and sisters’ keepers and it is our responsibility to fight for a society that values and uplifts everyone.
The fight against the oligarchy is not just about resisting billionaire influence. It is about recognizing our collective power and worth. It is about reclaiming our democracy and ensuring that our government works for all of us. This is not an impossible dream but a realistic goal we can achieve through collective action and determination. Together, we can build a society that truly reflects the values of justice, equality, and solidarity.
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