Pushing the Arc of the Moral Universe Towards Justice

How much legislation has been allowed to pass as many of us slept through its passing?  The state of our nation did not happen overnight.  Poverty levels are nearly at an all time high, our unions have shrunk to levels lower than before 1929, and the middle class is rapidly becoming the struggling class and the struggling class (those of our brothers and sisters who we classify as poor…I no doubt fit into this class as a struggling student) is drowning in debt simply to survive. This has happened, friends, because we have allowed our democracy to become an oligarchy headed by corporate robber barons.  We mistakenly thought that we had done our democratic duty when we went to the voting booth and voted for change.  Oh how we were mistaken.

Yet, there is hope.  All great change in this society happened not because congress suddenly grew an altruistic heart, or because the president said – “You know what? This is unjust. Let’s pass a bill to rectify this.”  No.  All great change came about because WE the PEOPLE stood up and said “this is unjust.”  Now is the time for us to be like Wisconsin and walk, march, demonstrate, and peacefully protest like an Egyptian. A former Wisconsin governor said that “Democracy is a life." Democracy doesn't end on election day. The real work happens afterwards. 

We are facing a kadesh barnea point.  Will we stay put or will we move towards the promised land?  Will we sit quietly and allow this oligarchy ruling through elected officials pass yet another bill that will affect the lives of the masses?  No.  It must not be so.  Right now our government has proposed a budget that will cut essential services that helps the struggling, and working classes. It's perilously close to passing.  This is not something we can sleep through. This is not simply a quest about corporations, and the government against the people.  This a moral quest.  This is a quest based on what is right and what is wrong - what is just and what is unjust.  When we suffer our brothers and sisters to be homeless, unemployed, and ill - while a few sacrifice nothing and seek to balance their budgets on the backs of these same people - we are on the wrong side.  Martin Luther King said that “the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.”  Yet, if we seek moral justice we must act.

Currently, there are many people demonstrating.  They are on the streets, exercising their democratic rights of protest against unjust acts.  One of these movements is the U.S. Uncut movement, which this past Saturday had its first, national demonstration.  Their mission is simple.  If tax dodgers like Bank of America (which didn’t pay any taxes in 2009 – after being bailed out by YOU the tax payer) actually paid taxes, we wouldn’t have a budget deficit.  Hence, we wouldn’t need to cut social services (like social security which is now on the table folks).  I propose that we take this demonstration a bit further. 

My proposal utilizes the good ole, one, two, THREE punch.  We demonstrate, we boycott, we strike.  We go for the corporate pocket book.  We have sacrificed enough.  Let the top two percent shed a little bit.  They can afford it. The unions were seen as such a powerful 
force because they literally had the power to shut down the economy. 
The PEOPLE had the power.  Not the market.  Somehow we must martial 
and regain this power...compassionately, peacefully, yet forcefully. 
 If we back this up with policy…a friend and classmate of mine is researching a current piece of legislation addressing this and is on the table in Maryland…then we will send a 
powerful message to congress and the white house.  For me, this is not 
just about having corporate robbers pay up.  It's about a regime change.  Corporations are allowed to dodge taxes because they have 
been running our country.  It's time to say that the jig is up and we want our Democracy back!

In Solidarity with all that is Just, True and Good,

Bobbie

From Cairo to any Corner U.S.A. Seeing Similarities

Like many people across the globe I was inspired by the solidarity, determination and passion shown by the Egyptian people during the last two weeks.  As a friend of mine posted on my face book wall, “6000 years of history changed in 6 days.”  From the Pharaohs who used the poor to build the massive monuments we view in awe today to Mubarak who garnered billions while he suffered his people to starve, Egypt has suffered at the hands of autocratic leaders.  Yet, on last Friday Egypt, the cradle of civilization, finally changed their history.   They said no to an autocratic leader….and amazingly he heard. 

Tunisia as well, after years of leadership by an oppressive authoritarian leader rose up as a people and said enough is enough.  Like Mubarak, Ben Ali also heard the people.  Sudan, after decades of war, has brokered a fragile peace agreement – separating the two warring factions, the north and the south into two countries.  There are other examples of countries that have recently begun to revolt against the powerful elite who has for years waged war against the average citizen.  They wage war by depriving them of their basic human rights such as their right to a job that pays a livable wage, a decent home, health care, and food to name just a few.  These countries have not entered a period of utopia, and their journeys have only just begun and will be fraught with difficulties.  Yet, the people spoke…and the oppressors heard.  There is power and hope in that. 

Yet, as we in the western world view the rise of the people in North Africa against their autocratic leaders, I wonder how many of us see that we, just like they have been oppressed?  Perhaps many don’t feel it.  Yet, as a person who strives to live simply, to reduce my carbon footprint, and not get into further debt with predatory lenders, I gave up my leased vehicle and have recently begun to take public transportation.  In the morning, I see the picture of oppression…of people who are struggling to survive.  I listen to the conversations and hear people discuss how to make a comfortable pallet on the floor because bed bugs infested their mattress and they can’t afford a new one.  These are not the deserving poor.  For I don’t believe there are any deserving poor in this country – most people I have met would love to have a job that would pay enough to keep a roof over their head.  I don’t know of a person who likes not knowing where their next meal is going to come from, or if they will be able to pay the next month’s rent.  Having been in both situations before, I can tell you the feeling ain’t so pleasant.  So yes, there are oppressed people in this country – and they don’t deserve to be so.  Not when the CEO’s of companies that send jobs overseas get tax breaks, or when the finance companies that helped create the 2008 financial crisis get bonuses while the people they have gotten rich from are booted from their homes.  

Did you know that that 1% of our population holds 42% of the wealth in our nation?  Did you also know that while some of us voted for a president who we thought would bring change, he actually appointed many people who were major players in the 2008 catastrophic debacle?  Goldman Sachs has several former employees, from Robert Ruben to Timothy Geitner in the Obama Whitehouse.  If 1% of our population holds 42% of our wealth then you can also bet you bottom dollar that this same 1% has significant say in the direction of our country.  Our country is run by market financiers, and corporations though we elect what we suppose are change agents.  Do I hear autocracy anyone?  Perhaps it’s not an autocracy as in one single person, but it does appear to be a single group of players pulling the strings…corporations. 

I believe that today, in the American mindset, the revolution is not being televised, as Gil Scott Heron wrote in his legendary piece.  Yet, as our current budget continues to be cut (cuts that will affect social services that assist the poor) – in the face of continued tax cuts for the extremely wealthy, and as the cost of living continues to rise, and the wages continue to stay the same, the revolution will burst forth from the hearts and minds of America’s people and like Egypt we will demand justice.  We will demand that our human rights be recognized, that our democracy be one that is truly by the people, and for the people…not by the few or for the few.  This is not simply a political awakening that will happen friends, but a spiritual one.  When we as a people unite against the corporate tyranny and speak out not just for ourselves, but every low income person standing on a bus stop, or waiting in line for food stamps, then we are joining in a cause that is Divine.   

RSA Animate - Crises of Capitalism

Crises of Capitalism Video

I would not describe myself as a Marxist. However, this short video by David Harvey does explore important points regarding the world's current and predominant economic system. Capitalism is what many of us were born into here in America. It's the only economic system must of us know. However, that does not mean it is the only way, or the best way. The point the video makes is a simple one. Let's begin a discussion. A discussion must be had on the future of our economic system. The question must be asked amongst ourselves and our legislators...How can we have a more just and equitable economic system? I don't know what system will make it better.  My Christian brothers and sisters will understand when I ask, What sort of system would Christ wish to exist in?  Certainly not one that represents oppression of the poor.  When I dream of my own ideal society, I would see one based on bartering. I believe our society would be more peaceful and equal with the elimination of money. However, with that idea I know I'm just "whistling Dixie" as its adoption in our current society is as highly probable as the government usurping the financiers bonuses and giving it to the America's poor and working class. Let's discuss this. Please leave a comment, tell me what you think of the clip.