Standard of living

The decline of standards of living in America within the poor, lower, and middle class is one reason that should convince every American to get involved in antiwar organizing, "anti-poverty" organizing, and media reform organizing.

This is a good piece. Gets under your skin. Makes you wanna take on the Man. I like it.

by Kevin Gosztola (182 articles, 94 quicklinks, 63 diaries, 768 comments) on Friday, April 4, 2008 at 1:02:44 PM
 

You say you want a revolution

Great article, Rob ... your best one yet.

At the core of any agenda for the left has to be the empowerment of the American people and the stripping of power from profit-driven corporations. Robust commerce and a strong business climate are tremendously beneficial until they are allowed to co-opt democratic institutions. Put simply, we cannot allow corrupted markets to set policy.

The problem with Democrats as the "opposition party" is that most Democrats seem enamoured with capitalism. Encouraging competition in the marketplace to restrain prices and to encourage creativity is to be commended. Capitalism, however, yields far too much freedom to setting policy. Capitalism and democracy cannot co-exist. As the "Goliaths" grow larger and larger and more and more powerful, they are often able to smother fledgling industries like wind and solar. As they grow larger and more powerful, they are often able to control our elected officials and the direction of the nation.

As I pointed out in my article "Arrogance on Parade", the so called "free market" has been badly corrupted in the oil industry. Too many focus only on the Bush presidency or on the neo-cons; the corruption of our national energy policies and on our entire democracy runs much deeper and much longer than that. Therein lies the rub. Democrats are not genuinely focused on making the necessary changes needed to bring about a new empowerment of American citizens; they are only about winning and casting out the Republicans. That is just not good enough.

Our political institutions have become so badly compromised that politicians believe, I think incorrectly, that calling for radical change will not be politically viable. The truth is that global warming presents us with such tragic urgency that anything but radical change is utter folly. Who would dare call for a major national commitment to mass transit? Who would dare call for restrictions on auto use? Who would dare demand that employers support a national goal to reduce commuting time and the associated waste of energy? Who would dare call to refocus the military budget to do all we can to fight global warming? All of these ideas demand austere government control. All of these ideas demand that business responds to government rather than the other way around. All of these ideas set doing the right thing for the country, i.e. people before profits, above the corporate-controlled tyranny we have today.

The bad news? The Democrats have received more campaign money from the military industry than the Republicans. Democrats see this as a good thing. Does anyone truly believe that this is consistent with the idea that Democrats will bring the changes we so urgently need? It's madness.

We need to make major changes as rapidly as possible. The first is that we cannot continue to spend more than $1.1 trillion on "defense." Democrats wrongly focus on Iraq instead of the overall level of military spending. The second is that we cannot continue to allow Big Oil to dictate our national energy policy. Democrats wrongly believe that eliminating a few Big Oil subsidies and maybe mandating a small investment in alternative energy research will solve the problem. It won't.

The left is not blameless either. The left does not lack a vision; it lacks the ability to find a process to prioritize its agenda. All the calls for social justice and the many other causes of the left must take a back seat to the narrower policy focus of 1. severely reducing military spending, 2. fighting global warming and 3. reclaiming our democratic institutions. If we distract ourselves with the many other critically important causes, we will fail to make the changes we must make before global warming destroys us and the US goes bankrupt.

It is not at all clear that the left or any movement can be built in time to save us from our fate. Truthfully, and this is not a justification for inaction, I think we've waited too long to act. The only good news is that, as things worsen, more people will be energized. That's where websites like OpEdNews can play a critical role. If nothing else, although we will not prevent the coming disasters, we can at least begin mapping out a blueprint for the "rebuilding."

by welshTerrier2 (7 articles, 3 quicklinks, 4 diaries, 105 comments) on Friday, April 4, 2008 at 1:08:38 PM
 

The challenge is the absence of Leadership on the left

There are a handful of progressive politicians-- Bernie Sanders, Feingold, Kucinich-- but they're busy politicking.

There are some blog owners and website publishers, but they have little influence outside their blogs, and then there are radio talk show hosts, like Ed Schultz, Randi Rhodes, Thom Hartmann-- but they're not taking a leadership role either, though some of the people could, and some wouldn't. 

Perhaps, somehow, from the ground up, leaders can be found and supported. I wonder what a progressive movement with leaders outside of congress would look like.  

by Rob Kall (739 articles, 3816 quicklinks, 318 diaries, 1591 comments) on Friday, April 4, 2008 at 2:38:19 PM
 

Progressives work for reforms. We need a 2nd Revolution.

From the Course: Capitalist Society  101..., Audit... No Credit...

This political and economic system has been periodically reformed  to assuage its critics and victims to ameliorate the destructive results of capitalism's commodity production and the wages system, which , to our peril, keeps the majority  electorate from becoming radicalized and organized for a systemic change which will bring a genuine social and economic democracy to our necessatry public institutions.  Our  STANDARD societal measure  for evaluating  how much WE can do to bring about positive change is the easily understood concept of DEMOCRACY,

Do We have it? NO, we don't.  Think about it. Our so-called Reps in Congress,  many of them being "Progressives,"  have ignored the minimum wage rates for TEN  LONG  YEARS!!  Were We, the People, empowered to make the laws..., would WE have permitted such an abominable condition to exist?

Point is, We do NOT have  a needed genuine DEMOCRACY  ..., a direct voice and vote in all  matters that affect out lives..., therefore We have NO CONTROL...

WE are spectators in watching  OUR Reps legislate appropriate to the interests of their corporate, financial  benefactors.   Whatever campaign mionies the major party candidates receive from the "everyday" folk is mere window dressing to disguise theis corporate controllwers from our view. So all the GOOD politicians which Progressives are waiting to send to Congress, and to the Executive branch..., will NEVER be able to do all the "GOOD" things We, need and want.... We need new systems in which DEMOCRACY reigns in all our necessary public institutions where We, the People faily operate to make this society run.

We don't need LEADERS.  We need YOU and ME and others like ourselves to make it happen. We need to send OUR reps who are in tune with replacing this system, legally, peacefully, unsing our CONSTITUTION as our guide,  If WE don't start... Nothing happens! Well?

How's that for a VISIONARY RESPONSE ??? Where to go for further info? peopleforanew society.com

by Wally (5 articles, 0 quicklinks, 4 diaries, 13 comments) on Saturday, April 5, 2008 at 6:05:34 PM
 

Rob

Nice job, you nailed it on why none of the above are working properly. The unfortunate thing is that those of us who cannot be bought, cannot be swayed, cannot be bamboozled, cannot often be elected, because we will not take the money from the spoilers-big oil, big drugs, big or little anyone. I heard today that congress-people have made $194,000.000 in profits on Arms and oil stock investments since the beginning of the war. Democrats are abundantly included. That is what is now wrong with America. No elected or appointed official should own any stocks. Their pay, healthcare and pensions are no worse than mine and maybe better. Satisfaction with doing what is right should be enough of a bonus to compensate anyone who makes the salaries they make.

We meed incorruptible men and women and sexual dalliances should have no part in politics. Sex is a natural matter and if it is excusable by God, which it certainly is, men who use it to sink others are in contempt of God.

by Professor Emeritus Peter Bagnolo (144 articles, 1 quicklinks, 95 diaries, 1270 comments) on Friday, April 4, 2008 at 3:40:42 PM
 

Good piece

Well, slowly, people ARE waking up and beginning to ask the important questions, connecting the dots. But its going to take a huge groundswell of people to compel essential change, for issues of social justice and political/economic accountability, environmental stewardship and sustainable development, etc.

Mebbe a popular-campaign rallying around- Justice for the Gangster "leaders'! No More Mob-Boss Morality!"

But it'll be hard to organize a peaceful revolution without running afoul of Fascist laws aka Patriot Act and heavy Police intimidation. Unfortunately, that's probably what it'll take. People will have to lay it on the line to reclaim their stake in a just society and democracy re: the Government Of, By and FOR the People.

We could learn a lot from the Bolivarian Revolution.

SOLUTIONS:

1) Too much "unity"; too little confrontation...

2) Too old; where are the NAFTA kids?

3) Too organized; the "Mobe" should mobilize (i.e. logistics) - not set goals

4) Too much "bearing witness"; too little "we're going to shut this fucker down"

5) Too little pre-planning; D.C. is the place to swell numbers, after that Baltimore, Philly, NYC... Concentric Circles; go for the kids - they drag everyone else.

6) Too set piece; pro forma - it should be, "Bring your guitar and your motorcycle helmet"

7) Too little culture, or perhaps, just one kind of culture; let a hundred flowers bloom - make it a chance to meet America; turn it into a "festival".

Cool Wrong allies - Natural ally is Minister Farrakhan and the nation of Islam (which has turned out the largest street demonstrations in American history); it is a natural alliance; "What would it take, Mr. Minister?"

9) The role of socialists in American street demos is to drag out the numbers and to set an example by getting their heads busted FIRST... not to TALK (this is a socialist talking). Shut the fuck up. Let passion speak.

10) Too much talking in general... The crowd should MARCH... A LOT... They form the mass around which the various tribes can organize sallies and retreat back to... Time to march our ass off.

11) The cops and soldiers are not friendly... they may be an hour before and an hour after but not during... They are the face of the enemy.

12) Not nearly enough, "do your own thing"... need snake dancers, and people who want to sit down while chanting, and those who want to write slogans on the Justice Department and those who want to carry big signs saying "SHAME", and lots of pink people (a reference to a previous thread)....

__________________________

[Before getting to the meat of this, let me pause for a moment, to offer a word in defense of righteous anger. There is a certain legitimacy to raw anger. Anger is a correct & reasonable first response to injustice. By itself, it is an inadequate response to injustice. But it is an excellent foundation on which more constructive responses can be built.

And, on the other hand, the most paralyzing & crippling response towards great injustice, is docile acceptance. THAT is what the filthy Evilcrats & their apologists are all about — getting you to somehow resign yourself to corporatists & warmongering imperialists, who however (like Obama) are skilled in the use of ‘uplifting’ language.]

OK, now the meat. We are at a time in our nation’s history where the political system is breaking down. It is no ordinary time. Mechanisms that have sufficed since the 1930’s are now failing.

There is zero chance that our system can be fixed through the officially-approved mechanisms. Whether overtly recognized or not, there’s a war going on — the US ruling class against all the rest of us. It’s essentially a class war. The rulers want you to remain a Democrat, because the D’s are a ruling-class institution, whose job is guiding the Dem half of the populace in paths that are safe for the rulers. To remain a Dem voter, and to swallow whatever slop the party dishes up, is to passively assent to this arrangement.

Therefore, your primary focus should be on resisting & criticizing the system, not on adapting yourself to it. You should be talking with your friends & family about the very real things that are wrong. You should be trying to make whatever contribution you can to elevating political consciousness. Accepting the slop of the Dem Party is the opposite of all that: it deadens political consciousness, & only makes your enemies stronger.

Voting for candidates only works when there are decent candidates — but that’s not our situation. We betray ourselves if we fail to recognize that.

Well, looking at it historically, the “solution” has to be a break from the officially-approved mechanisms. It must have the form of a broad movement based on the interests of the bottom 80-90% of the population, rather than on the interests of the top 1%. It has to be what they call “radical” politics — something that big business and the media are definitely not going to like, any more than they like Kucinich or antiwar protestors.

The 2 parties are really just a mechanism of social control. They’re not a way for “the people” to express their will; they’re a way for rulers to control the people — partly by making them believe that they (the peeps) have some say (which they don’t). Building a movement to oppose this takes time. But its sine qua non is political consciousness — the type that socialists understand & try to cultivate; and that the big-business parties & media try to suppress & eradicate.

We need Latin American-style "socialist" revolution in the streets, complemented by effective traditional political organizing, social-class based. Genuine socialism is good. An honest look at history shows that it's what the global fascists truly fear. (For instance, read "Killing Hope" by William Blum.) Why do privileged first worlders always think they/we know better, with their quasi-capitalist new-big-thing?

Here in the states we need more of the Seattle '99 and follow-up protests.

by coyote (1 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 73 comments) on Friday, April 4, 2008 at 5:36:09 PM
 

something big something big

we should do something big JULY 4TH---what better day--protest to get freedom back----boycott exon and mobile for a couple of months and see gas prices come down like a bomb on them--no matter what --do something---demand a law that elective officials take lie detector tests-quit paying social security payments to top 10% of wealthy----ban off road gas usage till prices come down-something----national union of progressives so we have power to elect our own canidates--power to boycott unjust companies- hamper investing outside our own country--i have wrote emails and called politicians--and i am sure all have to no avail-JULY 4 TH-DO SOMETHING---GET OFF THE BUTT------------------

by skiidogs (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 82 comments) on Friday, April 4, 2008 at 6:46:53 PM
 

July 4th will be too late ...

All indications bush is planning to attack Iran way before then - one "false flag" attack and everything is now in place to strike immediately ... we can't wait another day, let alone 3 months ...

If not now? When?

by Mr M (4 articles, 0 quicklinks, 8 diaries, 1171 comments) on Friday, April 4, 2008 at 8:21:17 PM
 

Indy March on 7-4

There is a march to declare a new Declaration of Independence planned for 7-4-08.   I hope I can make it.

by Michael Dewey (3 articles, 1 quicklinks, 3 diaries, 164 comments) on Saturday, April 5, 2008 at 9:17:38 AM
 

I agree we need Revolutionary energy

I'm very progressive in my thinking.  I believe we should all collective create a bottom to our society that no person ever should fear falling through.  A fair, National Single Payer not for profit health care plan, better work week (32 hours), more vacation (6 weeks guaranteed), fully funded retirement plans, strengthened social security, a living wage for anyone that is working that includes health care.  College educations.  The end of dynastic wealth and the creation of sustainable socially conscious business.

End the capitalist business model that singularly focuses on profits and create a model that has a check on balance on corrupt practices.  Make business transparent and accountable particularly if they are a business that receives government funding.  

Bring back the Sherman Anti-trust act and start enforcing.

Bring back the Fairness Doctrine in our Media and create an FCC that is checked by people and not political influence.

Why aren't any of the candidates doing anything?  

Because they are all part of the corporate party and they all have their pockets full.  We vote, then they are accountable to the $Corporate$ $Interests$.  We get form letters and buzz words.  They get direct dial lines, lunches and corporate jets.

We need to end Dynastic Wealth (Royalism) now and forever more.

We need to create a socially responsible form of capitalism that pays societal dividends and where the wealth doesn't trickle to the bottom, but instead becomes a focus, judging how well a country is performing by the standards of living of their citizens.

We need a revolution - from my perspective their are only "shades of gray" between them.  All of the candidates are heavily financed the the US's #1 industry - WAR. 

Thanks for revving up the conversation Rob. 

by August Adams (10 articles, 0 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 427 comments) on Friday, April 4, 2008 at 6:57:32 PM
 

Survival Skills

I remember reading somewhere that the closer a person is to the bottom, the easier the fall is. I would have to agree with this. I have a neighbor who has lived on $500 per month for years. She is the most resourceful person I know. She has her own garden, cans her own food, hunts deer and prepares it, and made a deal to purchase her own house, which is now paid off. I don't know how she does it, but she does, and is happy. She is in a much better position to weather the coming economic storm than the person who is used to having money to buy everything and no basic survival skills whatsoever. Survival skills are not grabbing a gun and running into the woods for a week with a tent, then coming back home and relaxing in a hot tub. Survival skills are living on less per month than what some people spend on dinner for 4.

by Barbara Peterson (46 articles, 80 quicklinks, 3 diaries, 416 comments) on Friday, April 4, 2008 at 7:21:34 PM
 

If not you? Who? If not now? When?

From prophesies of the Bible to the Koran, from the written word of a prophets hand - we have been warned a day would come - when we'd have to make a stand

Indeed ... I marvel at protesters in Russia and thought - where the hell are we? Where are the American people? Why are we not on streets protesting? Are we that conned into thinking that if we wait it out like politicians want us to that everything will be fine if we just make it past election day?

That's all fine and well for them - they have their jobs. Their pensions are secure even if we make it to an election and vote these stupid cowards out - they have theirs. Most - at least I know I don't - don't have that kind of golden-parachute. We can't wait another day - and that $600, let-them-eat-cake snippet ... this is too polite a forum to express what I wish to tell them what they can do with that ...

I don't know what's going to happen but a lot depends on what we do now! There's a People's Constitutional Congress in Philly the 19th of this month, I don't know if it's too soon to get at least one-million people there but that's the kind of effect we need, otherwise sheeple, might as well line-up, bend-over and practice saying, "but my papers are in order, sir".

There is a very good chance we won't have an election, or even if we do it will be in the aftermath of bush's attack on Iran - if we do nothing else - this must be stopped first!

All this BS about impeachment, first it's Dems promised not to impeach if bush promised not to attack Iran, and then it's bush promises to attack Iran if impeached - stop already! Stop using the rule-of-law as a shield rather than a sword - all of that will be "off the table" if we allow bush&co their wet-dream of using a "false flag" attack to justify nuking Iran.

Take this to the bank - we nuke Iran - all bets are off - way off! And bush & cheney are going to do whatever they damn-well please until we stop them - and I mean WE - as in "us" not "them" - stop waiting around and hoping one of these posturing coward politicians are going to save the day - get this through your heads - loud and clear - they're part of the problem ...

For crying out loud - people in Russia are acting more like Americans than we are! It's way, way past time we physically put ourselves out there. Damn the discomfort! Because if you think a few days marching, or a week of striking, or sitting in offices and halls are uncomfortable now - just sit back and do nothing - you'll find out soon enough what true misery is.

If not you? Who?

If not now? When?

by Mr M (4 articles, 0 quicklinks, 8 diaries, 1171 comments) on Friday, April 4, 2008 at 8:11:57 PM
 

Yes

"Take this to the bank - we nuke Iran - all bets are off - way off! And bush & cheney are going to do whatever they damn-well please until we stop them - and I mean WE - as in "us" not "them" - stop waiting around and hoping one of these posturing coward politicians are going to save the day - get this through your heads - loud and clear - they're part of the problem ... "

I don't see Americans doing anything until life is REALLY uncomfortable for them.  I see nothing happening and then there is going to be a revolt.  It will take something big to move us off this place of complacency.  I'm getting really tired of watching our country slide down a hole and most Americans aren't even watching.  Some thing's going to happen, but what?

The waiting for this shoe to drop is killing me.

by Pixie (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 42 comments) on Friday, April 4, 2008 at 9:18:43 PM
 

Why wait for the shoe to drop? Pick it up and THROW IT!

We can't wait! There is no "this 4th of July", or anniversary of "fall of Baghdad" , or anything else to wait for.

We have to clog our representatives offices now. This week and every chance we get. We need to bring articles and documentation of the impending attack on Iran and force them to act. If you can't make it to DC than we go to their local office. You demand - not ask, time for "asking" is over - that they pay attention and if they don't move neither do we! If we're arrested and forcibly removed - so be it - someone should be there to take our place until we are free and go back again. And if necessary we need to become our own government and completely ignore and disregard those that are pretenders.

We can't afford to be passive anymore. Firm but polite. And by no means advocating violence - that by all measures must be avoided - but massive civil disobedience is definitely in season

by Mr M (4 articles, 0 quicklinks, 8 diaries, 1171 comments) on Friday, April 4, 2008 at 9:52:17 PM
 

national strike July 4th

Might as well strike and shut down the economy, since it isn't working for us anyway.  Protest marches are too passive.

by Jim Eldon (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 13 comments) on Friday, April 4, 2008 at 8:17:21 PM
 

Join a Credit Union; drop your bank

Co-opNetwork this cooperative of credit unions has 25,000 free ATMs (blows away BofA) and thousands of full service branches, you'll get better rates on your money, and your money will be invested in your community, plus you'll be starving the corporate "tapeworm" that's sucking the life from your neighborhood and turning it into profits for parasites like the Waltons

Read about "tapeworm economics" at Solari

Corporate America sees the People as a source of money and labor, it doesn't see us as People. Perhaps it's way past time to nationalize industries upon which our future and posterity depends.

Private parties should not have unaccountable power to control our money creation and supply; certainly not parties that have proven to be incompetent, immoral and horrifyingly evil, like the Morgans and Rockefellers.

World oil supplies are peaking as demand is growing; the oil industry has already gotten us into numerous conflicts around the world, and US corporate exploitation is the reason for a LOT of the hatred towards the US- which is fine for the oil-military-industrial complex, which needs threats and wars to justify the blood it sucks from us.

Health insurance companies seek to deny payment instead of provide care; cut them out of the business.

Everywhere water has been privatized, it's resulted in higher prices and worse quality/service; there are some resources better managed by the public, and kept in trust for the People.

Give us honest answers for what really happened on 9/11

Complete 9/11 Timeline

I'll vote for a pol that makes convincing promises on these things, which none of the "top tier" have done.

I'm ready to vote indy/3rd party, the distinctions between evil and lesser evil are so faint anymore

Things may get a lot worse between now and November, and a lot more dirt will come out on the Republocrats running. I'm very suspicious of any "leader" any more, and I'm actively looking for real alternatives, as are more and more people every day. 

Do we need an international human union to get us the labor and environmental standards corporate scum like the Clintons and Bushes won't give us?

by Better World Order (4 articles, 404 quicklinks, 23 diaries, 854 comments) on Friday, April 4, 2008 at 8:17:48 PM
 

Rev 12 and Dan 12?

Hey, would the child of Revelation 12 being the prince of Daniel 12:1 be a big enough reason to unite?

http://my.care2.com/leoburg 

by Michael Dewey (3 articles, 1 quicklinks, 3 diaries, 164 comments) on Saturday, April 5, 2008 at 9:30:47 AM
 

A Revolutionary Visionary Response to Rob's invitation...

Looking for a revolutionary, Visionary Response?

It won't be found in electing BETTER politicians. They are stuck with all the present, UNDEMOCRATIC institutions we now endure.

Invite yourself to http://www.peopleforanewsociety.org/

A Rrevolutionay, vuisionary response for us to support.

Show me a better one. Wally

by Wally (5 articles, 0 quicklinks, 4 diaries, 13 comments) on Friday, April 4, 2008 at 8:20:14 PM
 

Re:"Desperate Times Demand Revolutionary, Visionary Response