America is unlikely to win, and the 99% around the world is likely to lose.

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The White Rabbit arrived breathless at the Mad Hatter's cottage within minutes of the call. "What is it, Hatter? You sounded desperate."

The Hatter pointed to a giant top hat next to the chaise lounge in his sitting room. "I'm packed and ready to go."

"Go where?" asked the Rabbit.

"Why your rabbit hole, of course. It should do."

A raised ear. "For what?"

"A fallout shelter. For the upcoming nuclear war."

"Oh, dear," said the Rabbit. "And I thought things were getting better. I mean Trump was even going to meet with Kim Jong Un."

"Nope, they got him."

"Kim Jong Un?"

"No, dear Rabbit, Donald Trump." A long sigh. "That is the biggest problem with our oligarchy today."

"Yes, I agree that Donald Trump is the biggest problem. But what's your point?"

"Let me ask you. What does it take to run for office and win today?"

The Rabbit shrugged. "I dunno. Gumption, energy, passion, dedication, a sense of mission. Community support. And, probably, a bit of ego."

"You forgot the most important thing. Money. You can't win an election, or even run, unless you have lots and lots of money. Now what does that say to you?"

"That a lot of rich people will run?"

"Yes, we can see that that happens. Or, you will do whatever is necessary, legal or illegal, to get the money you need to pay for your campaign and its advertising." A snort. "How many politicians have been arrested for illegal campaign tactics?"

"Yeah. You're right."

"And, even if you are rich, how many rich people made all of their money legitimately, without bending any rules?"

"You have to be 2^nd or 3^rd generation rich at least."

"Right. And that's how they have you."

"They?"

"The oligarchs. The deep state. The American Empire. The Military/Security/Pharmaceutical/Industrial complex." The Hatter shook his head. "You can't run without a lot of money, and you can't get a lot of money without crossing lines--lines that make you vulnerable to manipulation and political blackmail."

"So you're saying that once you cross those lines, they have you by the--"

"Well, not so crudely, Bunny Boy, but yes. You either do what they want, like bring imperial warmongering neo-cons into your cabinet instead of draining the swamp, or they bring charges against you and bring you down. Compliance vs. loss of position, money, and even freedom. Most people, especially if they've sold their souls to win, will opt for compliance."

"So, it sounds like WE can't win."

"You got it, Rabbit. Shall we make haste for your fallout--rabbit hole?" suggested the Hatter. "The nuclear game is afoot."

Authors Bio:

Jill Jackson is a practitioner of kindness and common sense. Unlike her cat, she prefers to think out of the box.