Just About Sums It Up

From Thomas Friedman's piece in the New York Times:

As Senator Richard Durbin, an Illinois Democrat, bluntly said in a 2009 radio interview, despite having caused this crisis, these same financial firms “are still the most powerful lobby on Capitol Hill. And they, frankly, own the place.”

A Third Political Party

It is time for a credible, centrist political party in this country; a third party that makes a difference and challenges the pathetic status quo. The two party system, which has dominated since the late 1800's, is dysfunctional. The two party system often presents voters with a false choice, i.e., any middle option is excluded. It may be viewed as a Hobson's choice, i.e., there is no real choice if you accept the proposition of a present plutarchy in America. No matter which candidate you vote for, the same money controls.

Neither party is free from the influences of corporate and wealthy America; neither is in tune with the vast majority of Americans and their struggles in the current economic malaise; and neither is worthy of being one of only two.

If you agree, let me know. And let me know what you think can be done about it. Happy Weekend.

Class Compromise

There is an inherent tension between democracy and capitalism. The trick is to come up with a class compromise that results in fairness and equity. Class power is a game changer in the development of a sustainable class compromise. The current demonstrations, if they are sustained and remain peaceful, will create the class power that will permit the necessary, rational discussions to effect class compromise.

Why don't we see any national political figures engaging the demonstrators? Because they are part of the problem. The money owns the politics and the politicians. Until that changes, we are at stalemate.

Obliviousness

Whether Marie Antoinette ever said "Qu'il mangent de la brioche" or "Let them eat cake," is debated. There does not appear to be any evidence that she ever did. No matter; it stands for the obliviousness of the aristocracy to the plight of the working class. It is the same sentiment many Americans have now for the occupy Wall St demonstators. Take a look at history and see how that worked out for the French.

Can "The People" End the Plutarchy?

Is the following correct?

Political power no longer resides in the ballot box (if it ever did); it resides with the owning class who, if the people get uppity (Wall St. demonstrators), will simply turn the economic screws until we knuckle under.

It is in part a rhetorical question. It is in part not a rhetorical question. Please leave a comment with your thoughts on the matter.

Occupying Wall Street

Many people, as an excuse not to listen, say that the occupy Wall St. protestors lack a central demand or purpose. I disagree. The central demand or purpose is to disband, through social mobilization, the oligarchy in the US which is defined by extreme wealth.

It is a difficult, but not impossible, task. Under the iron law of oligarchy, first articulated by the German sociologist Michels in 1911, there is an inherent tendency of all complex organizations to develop a ruling clique of self-serving people. Once established, it is conservative and self-protective for obvious reasons.

How else but in an oligarchy could the people who caused the problem be the only ones saved from it?

There now may be the perfect storm of elements that will permit a pivot from the unacceptable status quo: clear elements of crisis; new leadership with innovative ideas; and centralized external pressure.

It is time for the country to return to democracy where every voice is valid.

Review by Author Dwight Morgan

Author Dwight Morgan said this about The Brit: Drawing Dead -

"In this terrific debut novel, Matt Cairone describes a tragic collision of fates, as a professional gambler from Great Britain crosses paths with a hapless salesman from Northern Kentucky amid the glitter and grime of Las Vegas. Their encounter leaves a trail of victims, as the plot leads through a series of unexpected twists and turns. Cairone's characters are complex, evoking reader repulsion and sympathy at once. Great read."