Have another bite of this tasty shit sandwich: Government by the Wealthy

[Q]

- Welcome to the Banana Republic of the United States and 'government by the wealthy'. A small group of wealthy and powerful individuals have planned for decades to take control of our country and make it a haven for profit and greed. But something stood in their way for the longest time: Free and fair elections, the Free Press and the US Constitution. How did they accomplish the monumental task of transforming a Democracy into an Plutocracy and get the people to accept it as the only way?

- First...let's study the relevant words:

-----

plu·toc·ra·cy
n. pl. plu·toc·ra·cies

1. Government by the wealthy.
2. A wealthy class that controls a government.
3. A government or state in which the wealthy rule.
  
de·moc·ra·cy
n. pl. de·moc·ra·cies

1. Government by the people, exercised either directly or through elected representatives.
2. A political or social unit that has such a government.
3. The common people, considered as the primary source of political power.
4. Majority rule.
5. The principles of social equality and respect for the individual within a community.

-----

- The United States is now a plutocracy governed by a one-party system controlled by the 'wealthy class'. You know who they are: The Bush Family and their helpers:

Neocon zealots in the New Republican Congress.

Neocon owned corporate media and loyal, well-paid talking head operatives in the New America media.

Factions within the CIA and FBI.

The Right-leaning 'New' Democrats who scarcely put up a fight when the Neocons cancelled free elections and severely weakened the Bill of Rights.

Lazy Americans grown listless and stupid by a system designed to alternatively frighten, silence, indulge and exploit them into the role of consumer cattle.

- What does a plutocracy hate the most? Democracy. Democracy and representative government has to fail before a plutocracy can exist and make a profit. Social and environmental programs and policies are cut back or eliminated to free up billions in tax dollars for the wealthy class in the form of government giveaways, deregulation, tax cuts and contracts. A plutocracy will never touch payroll taxes because that's their golden goose.

- Here's the shit sandwich served up by the Bushies: The US is no longer a Democracy...it's a plutocracy. The Free Press is no longer Free...they're part of the plutocracy. Our country is ruled by the wealthy class that demand government serve them before the people. The Bushies declared a perpetual war on 'terrorism' in order to keep the wealthy class in control and insulated from prosecution using 'national security' to keep their plans secret.

- Depending on Democracy or the Free Press to save our nation in 2004 is to take another bite of that sandwich. Don't count on elections to rid us of government by the wealthy class. They have the resources and every intention of making sure there is no transfer of power in the next election. The only thing that can save America is truth and justice. Sound corny? Not if you truly understand what's at stake. The Bushies are NOT above the law. Isn't it time we told them so in no uncertain terms?

- End. Sat morn rant. Q

[cherryperry]

1. Your rant is much appreciated ...

When in the course of human events...That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed...That whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness...but when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government...

excerpted from our Declaration of Independence!!!


(edited for inapropriate capital letters - apologies ...)

cherryperry

[Q]

2. Thanks for your interest...

- It's a strange thing living in a country in denial. Worse...it seems most Americans either don't care or understand that once a democracy is lost it's very difficult to get it back.

- It seems we've joined those 'third world' countries we read about in history books...without democracy or free elections and press to guarantee fairness, truth and government accountability.

- We've become the slaves of the wealthy class and their puppet 'leadership'.

[bearded_cat]

9. I looked at this thinking it would be shit, but

you have it all correct in a nutshell.

My thoughts about the majority not caring or understanding is, in addition to being given crappy educations for many years and being taught to be good consumers, they just don't understand that this country's leaders are not above the dirty tricks of other countries. We, as Americans, have been told from birth (now that fetuses are becoming people, maybe that should be since conception) that this is the greatest, most free loving nation in the history of the planet. People don't want to believe that they live in a country where their elected "leaders," and appointed interpreters of the law (judicial system), have an agenda to basically destroy their way of life. They no longer get the information to consider alternative viewpoints, because the "fourth estate" is part of the great deception. Most just want to live their lives and not be bothered with the details. I, on the other hand, can't live for more than an hour it seems without becoming outraged about the most recent tragedy to befall this once great nation.

I love this country. I love the traditions and principles it stands for. I see shit sandwiches all around me, but I'll starve before I take one nibble.

Thanks for this post. It allowed me to express some things that usually stay wrapped up inside my thoughts.

[maggrwaggr]

20. ironically such talk can get you banned here!

When I first joined DU I talked of this, and my messages were always deleted.

But it looks to me like revolution is called for in the constitution.

How else could you possibly interpret that?

I think we should all storm Washington and throw these bums out. Literally!

"Have we no shame?"

[ComerPerro]

23. What?

Storm Washington, throw these bums out?

Are you nuts, or just sarcastic?

You think Bush would flinch at the idea of killing Americans? You think they wouldn't love to make examples of a bunch of "pinko, commie hippies".

[JasonBerry]

3. Q - Excellent!

I accidentally posted this as a new post instead of a reply - sorry. Here it is again though....

Very good Saturday morning rant, Q!

Why can't more people see this? Especially on this board of all places? Of course, we are told that to talk (or write) like this is too "radical." Actually, to not discuss this very fundamental issue is what is radical!

Some say we cannot engage in "class warfare".....it's a "losing" issue they say. My answer to that is yours - EDUCATE! There IS a class war going on in this country! Those who say not to talk about it are playing right into the hands of those who "accuse" us of class warfare. Well, clearly, the war on the working class (white collar, blue collar, purple collar it doesn't matter...) was launched by those who OWN everything. It is our DUTY to step up and fight the war THEY started!

We must never forget that in our history - labor history, heard of that lately? - we have gains like the weekend, sick-pay, the end of child labor on and on...that history was not BOUGHT with cash, it was PAID FOR by struggle in the workplace, on picket lines and sometimes paid for with blood and lives. To say now that to continue this fight is "not a winning issue" is actually quite true. We can't win it if we aren't willing to fight it!

I love your Resistance to the status quo, Q. We must all stand up and be counted as lovers of democracy and not wimps who accept the current plutocracy. It takes fighting. It's worth fighting.

How many on DU are willing to say - come Hell or High Water - we will FIGHT to make those who fought the fight before us proud? Let's not give up now.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

4. Well said and all too true.

That we are governed by the plutocrats can be checked daily, even hourly, by simply watching the American media's laughable version of the "news". Unless one is interested in the tragedy of "troubled teens", "troubled celebrities", "troubled CEOs", "troubled politicians", "troubled athletes", and can endure the endless parade of "experts" to be questioned by blow dried guys trying to look somber, or perky and chipper women who ask "serious" questions while looking constipated and sounding like a cross between Shirley Temple and a duck, you will look in vain for news. That is, news about something other than America's obsessions with sex, celebrity, and possesions.

Even if the average American wanted to be informed about what's going on in the world, it's quite a challenge just to get past all the advertising.

Bread and circuses. It keeps them distracted while their pockets are being picked by the benevolent capitalists.

[JasonBerry]

5. Excellent point, bandera....I just read something interesting

I just read the other day that if you take the sales of People, US, Entertainment Weekly (is that it?), and the Star that those 4 "magaines" (Star is going to a magazine format)....those 4 together are the most read magazines in America - by a landslide. Scary thought.

[DrFunkenstein]

6. The Two Dem Frontrunners Come From The Elite Class

Kerry's mother was a Forbes, Dean's father was a Wall Street tycoon.

[JasonBerry]

7. Yes, good old Dean-Witter and then the Forbes fortune N/T

~

[Cocoa]

8. Gephardt's not in that class

whether he's a frontrunner is another matter, but I think he's still in it.

[tlcandie]

11. Was talking to some the other day about ALL that is wrong ...

to try and find WHERE we should start is dizzying!! It baffles the mind :(

At any rate, it seems that going back to the basics of providing roofs, food, clothing, healthcare, dignity, etc. to EVERYONE in our country would then set the foundation from which to build upon.

Are we missing the boat by NOT getting out and talking to the MASSES of peeps who are bypassed every day via the basic needs and getting them to vote?

Maybe each of us should go to the grocery stores and stand with register in hand to register people, signs in hand to TAKE BACK AMERICA our children, the common man?!

[JasonBerry]

15. An idea on where to start

It seems too many become engaged in the political life of the country only when it is election time. There is so much more than elections. Progressives (those that would agree with Q's post) must engage society at ALL times. I am all for preserving the right to choose, gay rights, etc. - all the culture wars. However, I think so much energy has been poured into those issues that Progressives have lost the way when it comes to fighting the fundamental bread and butter, kitchen table issues that touches us all. I talked about labor history above. Not long ago I was in the Pittsburgh airport and was on my way to the Budget rent-a-car counter when I saw their picket line. I took time out to talk to them, hear them out, offer them support -- and went straight to another rental car counter. There are things we can do at the community level to make our presence felt. That's a long post. But the "where to start" question is a good one and I think it should start by all of us being engaged in off election years and fighting the battles in our own communities day after day.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

18. Good idea.

There are many ways of combatting the rule of the plutocrats. Many fine organizations that can be supported. The ACLU, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Environmental groups, Women's rights organizations, etc. Writing, emailing, reps & senators, and state and local reps about the issues. A lot can be done all the time. Real democracy by the people.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

14. The question isn't so much about wealth

as about being beholden to the wealthy. I'm not committed to any candidate but I wouldn't vote for Kerry (Gephardt, Lieberman, or Edwards) because of their invasion vote. Dean is still a "maybe" at best.

Just want to point out that being wealthy is not necessarily a fault. Theodore Roosevelt fought the plutocrats of his day tooth and nail. Franklin Roosevelt used the plutocrats for the common good.

Neither is coming from a "modest" background a guarantee of sympathy for the poor. Reagan and Nixon both came from working class roots but were deeply beholden to, and in the thrall of, the wealthy.

Kennedy was rich. Lincoln was poor.

BTW I'm a socialist and hardly an advocate for the wealthy.

[JasonBerry]

16. Many socialists believe Franklin Roosevelt actually

came to the rescue of capitalism and solidified a capitalist liberal democracy - as opposed to socialism and public ownership. I've always felt that way. As for Kennedy - he didn't exactly make a big difference when it comes to workers. But, then again, they were capitalist political figures. For what they were, there were certainly worse options. But still...

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

19. I agree about FDR and JFK

My father was a dedicated socialist and hated FDR for stealing, and watering down, the the left's agenda just enough to save capitalism. I think that's a bit too narrow of a view. What FDR did was probably prevent an insurrection and possible civil war. I don't think that he introduced his reforms with that in mind, and all indications are that he was truly concerned about the people. Eleanor certainly was.

I'm not a Kennedy worshipper. JFK, in a practical sense, accomplished very little. LBJ did a lot more but most of it was lost when he marched into the swamp of Vietnam.

The truth is, that this country is nowhere near the point that a revolution is possible. A coup by the right is much more likely, if not already a reality considering 2000.

[Iverson]

10. Hey, Q.

My main comment is a student-inspired "well, duh!"
Thanks for posting it!

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

12. You know, we way outnumber them.

I think we can take them.

Bum Rush anybody?

[Cocoa]

13. so when was the golden age?

Your rant seems to be about two different things, which I don't see as the same thing.

One part is a fundamental critique of our system, which I don't think is anything new. In fact, it could easily be argued that progress has been made. I mean, in the origninal system, didn't you need property to even vote? Of course, forget about women and blacks.

The other part is about the Bushies, which I agree with wholeheartedly. They have simply got to go!

[susu369]

17. Remember Mopaul's cartoon

[opihimoimoi]

21. Marie Antoinettes words, "Let Them eat Shit"

Cost her big time, lost her noggin.

The change has been ongoing for years and all that hard work of tearing down the safeguards to protect us is finally coming to the Pubs fruitation

Newt had a course for future lawmakers, taught them how to win, how to speak, etc etc

Pat Robinson and gang had the Christian Coalition.

The Mil Ind Complx are in this too as them profit from the fear by making all those weapons.

The Generals wish to try out their toys so they too fall into this mess of making war. Its a fucking way of making a living for gods sake.

We are close to becoming a species doomed by ineptitude and greed. We have not paid attention to the basic:

Together we share and enjoy this one and only planet

Apart: we fall.

[Q]

22. Thanks for the replies...most don't like to talk about about their masters

...in such a negative tone.

- Reality? A very small group of current/former CEOs are running this country like their own private business. A fair number of right-leaning Dems have joined them...hoping for a piece of the pie baked at the expense of social programs and this country's infrastructure and environment.

- Want the Bushies out of office and a return to democracy? Then PROSECUTE THEM instead of competing in rigged elections supervised by a neocon-owned media.

[Q]

24. Newt's plan was much bigger than that...

...I believe it was David Stockman who once quoted Newt as saying the Federal government must be torn down and discredited before it could be rebuilt into a 'smaller' government that served the few instead of the many. Clinton gave them eight easy years to destroy the government while a Dem was in office.

- The Neocons have wanted to get rid of the federal government's 'social contract' for decades. But as mentioned...they had to get rid of those few remaining barriers: free and fair elections...free press...and representative government.

- The Bushies must be prosecuted for their crimes...else we can expect the deterioration of democracy and American society.

[Deja Q]

25. Well said, but it's too late to turn back

The system has been set and people don't like change. Especially if they benefit from it.

I think it's too late to change back to a democracy. The people are either too brainwashed or too indolent (or just plain too stupid).

America is dead. Long live Corporate America.

With patriot act 1 and 2 the coffin is nailed air-tight. Even just thinking will become a crime in the eyes of shrubco*.

[Q]

26. I can't agree that it's 'too late'...

..although given the sheep-like nature of the American public...we may have to go it alone.

- DEMOCRATS should be concerned about this because it will literally mean the end of the Democratic party as we know it. Jefferson and Jackson created this party to represent the interests of the 'common' citizen. America can't survive two corporate parties.

- Corporate America and CEO Bush* are in full control of our social, military, energy and environmental policies. Democracy is a bust.