OK. Let's begin with a brief review of the basics of an age old conflict, the Haves vs the Have Nots.
The Haves of course have money and thus power. Drive through the neighborhoods of any community and look for a house(really a mansion) that is deeply off set and is 2,3,4.5 times the size of an average house. A house with a gardener, probably a cook and housekeeping staff. These are all visuals indications of great wealth. And hidden from view are the millions and billions of dollars either rightfully earned or ill gotten by ethical or unethical means.
The Have Nots live on an annual average wage of maybe $30,000. Two incomes or two or three jobs are mandatory. It is living paycheck to paycheck and life is an on going struggle. The Have Nots are also the truly poor, welfare dominated, hardcore unemployed. The Have Nots are also a major portion of the so-called Middle Class. Their wages, salaries may get to six figures, but economic issues remain at the core of their existence.
Now another basic is Republicans versus Democrats Or the Haves vs the Have Nots. In truth not all Republicans are Haves(Many Tea Baggers have very little) and not all Democrats are Have Nots(witness the great Kennedy Family).
From a previous blog, Tea Baggers. They believe they have a precedent in the Boston Tea Party. You know, "no taxation without representation", no voting rights etc. Doesn't seem to fit, but the American "right to protest" does fit. I believe the basic problem for the "baggers" is the changing hue of America. If you have a racial bias and many people do no matter what their hue then somewhere deep inside and for some on the very surface is a fear of loss of place. White people are rapidly becoming a minority in this country. But make no mistake, an organized minority can rule in a democracy. The far right , ultra conservative wing of the Republican Party has done rather well in recent years, until the rise of Barak Obama. He of course represents a variety of hues and thus represents the future and the racial fears have been stirred as never before.
Check the the Tea Bagger rallies, they appear to be 100% white. And this is proof of their intent and believe it is intended. Racial fear can it be overcome? Yes, the great mixed hue hope is Barak Obama, but I must tell you I go on line every day with slight apprehension. Can he survive?
The Tea Baggers had great in influence in the last election, running on the issue of government spending and jobs. BUT underneath, not really hidden, but ignored by many in the electorate, was the issue of abortion. Now I will say up front as a liberal Republican(I am a retired teacher so really a Have Not), that government should not tell women that they cannot have a choice when it comes to abortion. I do believe that big government is a danger to us all. Freedom of choice is essential to a true democracy.
What the Haves have done is to really tap into the racial fears and antiabortion mentality to create political power. But Why? Who has the greatest gain by reducing government spending and government regulations? THE HAVES and who has the most to lose by reducing government spending and government regulations? THE HAVE NOTS.
Now, in truth, government power, spending and regulation should always be questioned and challenged. It is central to our democracy. With out such challenge, totalitarianism can lead to total control by the Haves.
"Once, I had a momentary vision of the future and it was totalitarian."
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