Here we are, early into the 21st century, and America the Beautiful is now America of, for and by the corporate elite. The corporate elite controls the government and the military. Ever hear of Lockheed Martin and Boing? Halliburton and Bechtel? They make more money during wartime than in peace. The corporate elite owns and controls the media. It is no longer CBS, NBC and ABC. Just fifty years ago middle-class American citizens were enjoying unprecedented wealth and opportunity. When the Vietnam War interfered with that progress, masses took to the streets in protest. The war ended. Todays working class majority is no longer the comfortable American middle-class. Today working class America goes voluntarily to fight and die for a country that has turned its back on it, in favor of the favors bestowed on the power people by the power elite. Senator John McCains son notwithstanding, how many politicians do you know whose kids are fighting in Iraq or Afghanistan? The high price of gas at the pump does not affect the owners of mega-yachts. The owners of mega-yachts are insulated from the hard times that will certainly get worse for working class Americans. But there is still time to change the direction of the country. I wish I could say that the power exists at the polls. But it is becoming alarmingly questionable whether or not the polls can be manipulated. Historically, power has existed in the hands of the people on the streets of our nation. Today, Americans that have come up short in this power play, hold the trump card to a better future for their children by taking a walk on the street. Large numbers of Hispanics recently did this very effectively. Their demonstrations were a drop in the proverbial bucket, compared to the hundreds of thousands of citizens that can make their voices heard and their choices known in streets across the country. Its called Democracy and the freedom to speak out. A fresh example of people taking control of their future happened most recently on the streets of France. Chiracs government finally gave in to the demands of masses of demonstrating young people. Its happening today in Nepal where people in the streets are challenging a corrupt ineffectual monarchy. I hear people say, I feel helpless. What can little old me do? One thing is for certain. Apathy does not work. We have to get off the couch and into the streets, and well lose weight in the process. I entreat you to read The Corporate Control of Society and Human Life, by Stephen Lendman. Please dont just scan it. Print it out and read it carefully. You will find in it what some people do not want you to know. Lendman quotes Mahatma Ghandi, and I will too. "Even the most powerful cannot rule without the cooperation of the ruled." That small, brown skeleton of a man proved it. Simplicity-Courage-Humor-Soul |
