See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil

We’re in a lot of trouble America.

The Republican Goonie Squad has called a truce among themselves to try to salvage the party’s chances for a victory.  Case in point, the recent CNBC debate where Rick Perry had brain lapse on his own election agenda, Herman Cain refused to acknowledge that his personal character troubles existed, and Mitt Romney apparently cannot even see that he has opponents other than Obama.

I, for one, am grossly uncomfortable with the idea that the leader of this country has unanswered questions on whether he attempted to coerce sexual favors from subordinates or a leader that has no idea what his own vision for the country is, or have such large blind spots that he cannot acknowledge his own competition.  Flaws of this magnitude lead to personal hubris and a patronizing view of “I know what’s best, don’t worry your pretty little heads”.

Further, no Republican candidate so far has espoused any view other than “give tax breaks to the rich and greedy and everything will be all right”.  That very economic policy is what brought this country to its economic knees.  America now has almost no middle class.  Most have moved into the realm of poverty or homelessness or both.  The only factor keeping many off the streets is family or friends taking them in.

We need a plan that factors in immediate relief for people who are in need now, not wait on the rich to get their tax breaks and decide to hire some workers at depressed hourly rates that keep them on the brink of exhaustion and poverty.  Fair jobs, fair wages and an interim safety net for the homeless are what is needed.

This country has a surplus of vacant housing.  Many are being stripped and vandalized.  There must be some method of working with the banks, social service agencies and government to get families into these homes and off the streets.  Such a boost would give back dignity to those who never thought they would need to be on the receiving end of handouts.

Write your elected officials and tell them today that you want action, not rhetoric.

Occupy America.

The Poor and the Restless

A few years ago I stated to friends and family that if the economic wasteland did not improve there would be protests then riots.

That prediction is starting to shape up despite the vigorous attempts of mainstream power mongers to keep us placid and distracted with scandals and TV.  There is only so much distraction from a rumbling stomach that can be ignored.  Further, with many being homeless and unemployed, there is nothing to stop them from hitchhiking to the power and money capitals to camp out in front of our decision makers so that they have to look the poor in the eye as they make their ruinous policies.

No one begrudges a hard worker their just rewards.  But when the privileged use unfair and immoral practices and pressure on lawmakers to fatten their wallets at the expense of others, there is justified indignation. Level the playing ground, allow families to buy homes, cars and food.  These are not extravagant requests.

But those in power in Corporate America have hit us with a two edged sword; first take away the high paying jobs for just-over-minimum wage jobs, then raise prices for all basic necessities like food, gas, clothing and housing.  This has created an unprecedented amount of working poor and homeless.  Many have jobs but must sleep at relatives, friends or in their cars.  How can this possibly go on?  You made the decisions to ship our jobs overseas.  You made the decisions to “downsize” your workforce.  Now you cry “low profits” as an excuse for not re-hiring people at full-time jobs that pay decently.  I’m sorry that you now only make 100% profits instead of 300%.  You can’t afford your super-yacht anymore, boo-hoo.  Please tell your tale to the families in line at the food bank because you cut off their unemployment check and food stamps while telling them to go find a non-existent job.

I for one, am glad to see the people of America remembering that they are in charge of the politicians.  I am glad to see us standing up once more in peaceful dignity and saying in one voice, “Fix this mess!!”

Keep Occupying.

Occupy Detroit 60 Days
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Let’s get this party started