I try to remain optimistic. I am politically active voicing my concerns, and I make efforts to soothe my neighbors and friends who receive $800/month in social security. I receive more but not much. We live in subsidized housing, which helps. Yet we are the ones pointed at and criticized for 'living off the State.' When I read this clearly stated essay, it is a harsh light exposing the belly of the Beast. To know there are those, like Dimon, who have no understanding of the sinking of one's heart when medicine is not taken so that food can be put on the table, is gut wrenching. Or, hear the sound of the EMT arrive early morning or late in the night to take yet another human life away because she wasn't able to remain compliant in taking her needed medication for a heart condition. I find this maddening, intolerable, and tragic. I no longer know what to do, who to turn to, what to say. This is not my country.
I find it maddening, intolerable, and tragic as well. But we must remember that we can and must turn this around, by forcing the Democratic Party to become the vehicle of fundamental change (which it is close to becoming, minus Manchin and Synema). Or if that fails, creating a third party.
Robert, thank you for responding. The Democratic Party has always been the vehicle for fundamental change. My father was a Roosevelt Democrat--in Ohio! I was raised on the stories of the Depression, Roosevelt's programs, etc. He would be devastated today to see what has emerged between both parties, especially the infighting amongst the Democrats. The Democrats must focus their messaging and not walk away from educating people in the differences between a Democracy and autocracy. Fascism. What I hear is hedging, so-called diplomatic work-arounds, which translate into pure pablum for those who want and need to know what the differences are and why The Democrats can BBB, amongst all the other important issues. So many who are confused, need to hear the truth. You exposed the "belly in the Beast" and Dan Rather sent a scathing yet elegant essay yesterday on Presidents' Day and what it really means today. How do we get the powers in the Democratic Party to speak to what's really at stake? I suggest they hire Aaron Sorkin (a little tongue-in-cheek here) to help them focus on messaging that 1) educates, and 2) inspires. Their messaging is the pablum I mentioned above, and it is received as nothing more than political rhetoric. They really do need professionals, not slick advertising types, but, yes, an Aaron Sorkin type who can turn the rhetoric into a rousing anthem that unites.
Love the third party idea ! ! Long shot as it may seem, every journey starts with one step . The systemic takeover and blatant corruption of our government, I feel is to such a degree that a drastic move as such becomes more and more of a viable necessity. Yourself Dr. Reich, Senator Sanders,OKC, Rokanna and the rest of the progressive wing are our people for such a move should the 'Party of the People' fail to get a firm grip on the cheeks of their collective posterior and pluck their head out ! !
To all who agree, remember the word "nevertheless." Despite the bad odds, vote for the most progressive candidates, lobby till it hurts, and collaborate with others of good will. Our hope and determination will spur advances for the dignity of all and the care of our habitat.
Lee Anne Morgan. I like what you said exposing the "Belly of the Beast". I am like you and not sure what to do. However, I remind steadfast in taking care of my family and friends that best way that I can. Sending you hugs from Arizona
Lee Anne, This is not my country either. You are yet another who has written my letter for me as I live on SSA alone (but for a retirement account from Macy*s that is nearly depleted. I was saving it for what I thought might be a rainy-day and, well, I guess I've lived a 2+ year rainy day. As have many others.) When I was in college, I was vaguely Democratic but I also got actively involved in Civil Rights. Now, I join in rallies for income equity and for higher taxes on the wealthy who manage to taxes of any size by tax write-offs, loopholes, shady deals and dealings, and downright grifts. I had hoped that BIden might pursue a progressive agenda, something similar to Bernie's plans but, alas, he seems willing to compromise with the Republicans, going along with their agenda and stiffing those with little power and no real wealth. My neighbor across the hall from my apartment lives on $800 a month in a subsidized building...none of us would make it in California on our own. I think that the government--in league with the wealthies (people like Dimon) have decided to keep rewarding the haves but depriving the have-nots. I also think this socialism for the wealthy speaks volumes about who we are as a people and what this is for a country: in a decent and humane country, there are three groups of people who are respected and cared for above and beyond others: children; the disabled; the elderly. You can determine what the country is by how it cares for these groups who are likely to be on limited (or no) economic resources, who do not make money but who depend on the country and the taxes it collects from the affluent to be provided for and cared for. A good country takes care of those who will not add to the financial wealth of the nation, those who will be the recipients of that wealth automatically. In the USA today, members of those three groups are the most at risk, the most vulnerable, even the most taxed, and fewer and fewer provisions for their care are made. The wealthy and powerful in the conjoined government+corporate society that is the USA have created a nightmare that will threaten our most vulnerable far into the future--I fear.
And of course, the money that doesn't go to their exorbitant compensation goes to shareholders and to pay lobbyists to ensure that working-class people, schools, and cities do NOT get subsidies, tax breaks or any government support. Because government support is bad and for the lazy, weak and inefficient....except when it goes to those of us who move money around for a living and literally create nothing but risk. We're amazing!
Dimon is a big hypocrite! Supporting the Democratic party and espousing socialist values while actually doing the opposite. This makes me more angry than trump! Two faced bankers are much of the problem! Simon has no conscience. Outrageous! Thanks for calling out this guy again!
Dimon himself is a practicing socialist! He practices Right Wing Socialism, the most destructive form of socialism that exists. He uses the control of Government to redistribute and concentrate the wealth and power of the Nation into his own hands. By being a member of the Democratic Party he can control the Democratic candidates he donates to, thus maintain control of the government.
Because of Dimon's hypocracy and " I'm only in it for my own bottom line and that of my wealthiest shareholders" I am in the process of closing down my account and switching it elsewhere. I may only be one person but we all have to start somewhere.
Good. Consumer boycotts won't have much effect on the biggest bank in the world, but they'll send a signal, and that signal can be amplified by the media until it's heard in the C-Suite.
Today is 2/22/22. We are once again witnessing Russian aggression. Stock market going up and down like a yo-yo. Gas prices going up again. Inflation the worst in over 40 years. America's southern border in chaos. The poor still poor. The rich still getting rich. No one knows when the next virus will hit. Recession will be here end of the year. All we do in America is non stop talk. Nothing changes unless we have something hit us like 9/11 or COVID. Even then, we can't agree on anything. The secret is to take care of your family and friends the best way you can. Help others if you have the time and resources. Stay healthy. Health is the TRUE wealth. Make a difference 1 person at a time. Your choice. Thank you to Robert for his time and in-depth knowledge of the system and sharing with us all. Or as someone else said: Understanding the "The Belly of the Beast".
If only there was an alternative for people in the banking industry. I have read articles suggesting that the Postal service would be a good place to have a bank. like a cooperative type bank.
Jeez , this Demon is the personification of ALL the inequities, shortcomings and blatant allowances bordering on criminalities facing our dysfunctional corptocracy today ! ! And referring to himself as a Democrat is significantly embarrassing to the "Party of the People" ! Yet it should be an eye opener to the people as to the depth of the corporate control over our elected officials. Be they Reps or Dems . He represents dooms day possibilities for our nation and people . If Thomas Jefferson were still with us, he'd be puking and never stop ! ! 🤮
I'm with you Joe . It is the likes of this guy and his free reign over our system which keep the progressive message from being "THE MESSAGE" at the forefront, glaringly clear, honest and more in keeping with the forefather's intentions for our nation and people that it is !
Everyday, more and more, I say “F**k this country.”
Here I am trying to save peoples lives at my job everyday, and $100k in student debt, struggling with health issues and trying to keep up working full time hours so I can keep my electricity on.
Then banks get bailouts and the government operates with trillions of debt but that’s all fine and dandy.
I am with you Nate . And I know that the corporately corrupted, controlled, bought and sold media hangs the weight of labels such as wackos, socialists, communists around the necks of the progressive wing of congress. But at this late date in the gutting of our democracy, all but morphed into a corptocracy. I feel that Senator Sanders message IS STILL in keeping with the true needs of essential workers such as yourself. Hope springs eternal . I'm behind them 100% ! !
I wonder if credit unions are better for working people with modest incomes than local banks. I would not choose Bank of America for my bank. Thank you for calling out the worst of the worst.
Jamie Dimon is a victim. He is a victim of Milton Friedman and Free Markets. They were sold on the psychology of Free Markets. I don't think either man bought into this ideal with the goal of wrecking the American economy or getting rich by stealing from the government or middle class. But once the tiger was let out of its cage, the game changed. All of a sudden Dimon and his company were making millions upon millions, and he found himself in a box. He has seen and observed what has happened to the American and world economy, yet he can't change it without killing the goose that laid the golden egg. And so, the Wall Street Banks hold a gun to the head of the American economy. They are right, if the government lets the banks fail, the economy fails. That doesn't mean the government can't let some of that capital bleed back into other sectors of the economy. The failure here isn't with DJT or Jamie Dimon. They are doing what our founders expected them to do. The failure is with the systems, Capitalism and the Republic. Capitalism is a great system, if regulated. Democracy is a great system, if not failed by the Congress. Reason is destroyed when you blame an individual for problems, emotion dominates. Politicians and the media love that response. Reason will return to our discourse when we leave individuals out of the argument and replace them with criticism of the systems. "It's the System Stupid"
My sincere wish during the last election cycle was that Elizabeth Warren would become the Democratic nominee, because more than any other nominee-including Bernie Sanders-Warren is greatly feared and disliked by Wall Street (and neoliberal Obama was no fan of Warren's, either).
If this country had done what Iceland did years ago and jailed criminal bankers, we wouldn't now be battling the scurge of Trumpism.
True, and why it is a bad idea for the Dems to use Obama as a spokesman for the party. Obama's decision to not hold banks accountable is why many Dem and swing voters switched to vote Repub in 2016.
Jamie Dimon and the other big bank honchos are all hypocrites, railing against socialism while taking in all the government handouts they can get. We have to also remember that it was Bill Clinton who signed away the Glass-Stegal Act that allowed the big banks to get richer at the expense of American working and middle class folks struggling to be homeowners. It was Barack Obama who bailed out the big banks and not those homeowners when they inevitably tanked the economy in 2008. It was also Obama who, when starting his candidacy for President, pledged to run on matching campaign donations only, and then broke that promise and took the dirty money from the likes of Jamie Dimon. We need to back pols like Bernie, Elizabeth Warren and AOC, who don’t take the dirty money, and therefore are free to do what is right for the other 98%of us.
Example after example of corruption and self-serving greed are everywhere, so what's the answer? If the answer for labor is unions, then do we need some top-notch organizer to start a "concerned-citizens's" union? The only power we have over corrupt, powerful uber-wealthy is our numbers, but they're not organized, so we can't use them. So far, Trump has apparently done a better job of motivating and organizing his followers to break into our Capitol. Do we need a charismatic, attention-getting citizens' union leader to organize the much-needed revolt? If so, who? And when do they start? Immobile optimism and individual, isolated good deeds and good "thoughts and prayers" don't seem to be working. The cold, hard truth is, it could be too late. Or not. But it will if we continue to be "all talk" and too little, too unorganized action.
So rite Mo ! We need a viable third party is right . The 'progressives' being the only ones whose message is true and real for the average citizen, gets harshly labeled and trounced upon. Relegated to an afterthought by the very corruption this Demon represents . We are in bad shape. And to organize behind the true needs and restructuring of this mess we call a government is a daunting task for anyone. If not totally impossible at this point . I dunno, the corruption and take over of our syste may be complete. Although, I know I'll get a response that Bernie and his ilk are making progress and that we should be firmly behind them. Which I am. Hope springs eternal.
I cannot see why the banks are given so much power, there should be forced restrictions on them, like other businesses, they have become self restricted and protected by to large to fail. Time to change it.
So, if we have anti-trust laws like the Sherman Act 1890, the Clayton Act and the Federal Trade Commission Act how can we be sinking in a mire of monopolies? It may surprise you to discover that shortly after these Acts were approved by the US Congress, the majority of the businesses that were affected by these laws expanded into the Russian market where, with the help of Lenin's War Communism 1917-1921--which ousted all indigenous entrepreneurship and reorganized industry into TRUSTS and SYNDICATES--and New Economic Policy 1921-1929, they were awarded industry-wide concessions to monopolize the vast Russian economy, winning not only their own "nationalized" plants back, but the expropriated plants of Russian entrepreneurs and their competitors as well. General Electric, RCA, Westinghouse and the German giant Siemens founded the Soviet Electrical Trusts in 1918 and sat on their boards. Western lumber firms sat on the board of the Soviet Lumber Trust, same with the Petroleum Trust, the Agriculture Trust and all of the other Soviet trusts. All the big western firms which had made a killing off of WW1 profits flooded into Russia once the monarchy was dismantled (because it never would have allowed this), obliterated indigenous entrepreneurs and ousted other foreign competitors as well, (i.e, Nobel Oil was ousted from Baku leaving it open for Royal Dutch Shell and Standard Oil to buy up the Russian oil industry--cheaply). This is how they have not only maintained their monopoly in the U.S., but now reach across the globe. Are you shocked? Do you think I can't possibly be correct?--I understand...I felt that way too, because this is just so beyond what we've been inculcated with. Nonetheless, I have volumes of proof which I've included in my historical series (Fire on the Steppe). You see, Russia's evolving economy at the turn of the previous century would have proliferated just like ours did after the completion of the Union Pacific railroad, once their Trans-Siberian Railroad was completed in 1911. Russia would have developed wealthy barons just like we did, if they had of been given the chance, and they would have developed them faster and even wealthier because the Trans-Siberian, just like Russia, was 5-times the length of the United States and had even greater resource wealth than us. Germany knew this and had a plan. Insert, Lenin and his Bolsheviks, nationalize the entire economy and dole it out to their firms in the form of concessions. But Germany was too war-damaged after WW1, so the U.S. and Britian took over the plan... For the full story, look me up on Amazon...not for sales, but so that we as a nation see what has been done to us and others for corporate dominance of the global economy. Once we all see how it was accomplished, we'll know how to dismantle it. Thanks.
I try to remain optimistic. I am politically active voicing my concerns, and I make efforts to soothe my neighbors and friends who receive $800/month in social security. I receive more but not much. We live in subsidized housing, which helps. Yet we are the ones pointed at and criticized for 'living off the State.' When I read this clearly stated essay, it is a harsh light exposing the belly of the Beast. To know there are those, like Dimon, who have no understanding of the sinking of one's heart when medicine is not taken so that food can be put on the table, is gut wrenching. Or, hear the sound of the EMT arrive early morning or late in the night to take yet another human life away because she wasn't able to remain compliant in taking her needed medication for a heart condition. I find this maddening, intolerable, and tragic. I no longer know what to do, who to turn to, what to say. This is not my country.
I find it maddening, intolerable, and tragic as well. But we must remember that we can and must turn this around, by forcing the Democratic Party to become the vehicle of fundamental change (which it is close to becoming, minus Manchin and Synema). Or if that fails, creating a third party.
Robert, thank you for responding. The Democratic Party has always been the vehicle for fundamental change. My father was a Roosevelt Democrat--in Ohio! I was raised on the stories of the Depression, Roosevelt's programs, etc. He would be devastated today to see what has emerged between both parties, especially the infighting amongst the Democrats. The Democrats must focus their messaging and not walk away from educating people in the differences between a Democracy and autocracy. Fascism. What I hear is hedging, so-called diplomatic work-arounds, which translate into pure pablum for those who want and need to know what the differences are and why The Democrats can BBB, amongst all the other important issues. So many who are confused, need to hear the truth. You exposed the "belly in the Beast" and Dan Rather sent a scathing yet elegant essay yesterday on Presidents' Day and what it really means today. How do we get the powers in the Democratic Party to speak to what's really at stake? I suggest they hire Aaron Sorkin (a little tongue-in-cheek here) to help them focus on messaging that 1) educates, and 2) inspires. Their messaging is the pablum I mentioned above, and it is received as nothing more than political rhetoric. They really do need professionals, not slick advertising types, but, yes, an Aaron Sorkin type who can turn the rhetoric into a rousing anthem that unites.
Yes, Aaron Sorkin! The man who put such elegant dialogue in Martin Sheen’s mouth.
Sinema
How 'bout Sin-emia??? :)
Or perhaps Sin-enema?
Love the third party idea ! ! Long shot as it may seem, every journey starts with one step . The systemic takeover and blatant corruption of our government, I feel is to such a degree that a drastic move as such becomes more and more of a viable necessity. Yourself Dr. Reich, Senator Sanders,OKC, Rokanna and the rest of the progressive wing are our people for such a move should the 'Party of the People' fail to get a firm grip on the cheeks of their collective posterior and pluck their head out ! !
To all who agree, remember the word "nevertheless." Despite the bad odds, vote for the most progressive candidates, lobby till it hurts, and collaborate with others of good will. Our hope and determination will spur advances for the dignity of all and the care of our habitat.
Third party!
Lee Anne Morgan. I like what you said exposing the "Belly of the Beast". I am like you and not sure what to do. However, I remind steadfast in taking care of my family and friends that best way that I can. Sending you hugs from Arizona
Thank you ... 🤗
Lee Anne, This is not my country either. You are yet another who has written my letter for me as I live on SSA alone (but for a retirement account from Macy*s that is nearly depleted. I was saving it for what I thought might be a rainy-day and, well, I guess I've lived a 2+ year rainy day. As have many others.) When I was in college, I was vaguely Democratic but I also got actively involved in Civil Rights. Now, I join in rallies for income equity and for higher taxes on the wealthy who manage to taxes of any size by tax write-offs, loopholes, shady deals and dealings, and downright grifts. I had hoped that BIden might pursue a progressive agenda, something similar to Bernie's plans but, alas, he seems willing to compromise with the Republicans, going along with their agenda and stiffing those with little power and no real wealth. My neighbor across the hall from my apartment lives on $800 a month in a subsidized building...none of us would make it in California on our own. I think that the government--in league with the wealthies (people like Dimon) have decided to keep rewarding the haves but depriving the have-nots. I also think this socialism for the wealthy speaks volumes about who we are as a people and what this is for a country: in a decent and humane country, there are three groups of people who are respected and cared for above and beyond others: children; the disabled; the elderly. You can determine what the country is by how it cares for these groups who are likely to be on limited (or no) economic resources, who do not make money but who depend on the country and the taxes it collects from the affluent to be provided for and cared for. A good country takes care of those who will not add to the financial wealth of the nation, those who will be the recipients of that wealth automatically. In the USA today, members of those three groups are the most at risk, the most vulnerable, even the most taxed, and fewer and fewer provisions for their care are made. The wealthy and powerful in the conjoined government+corporate society that is the USA have created a nightmare that will threaten our most vulnerable far into the future--I fear.
And of course, the money that doesn't go to their exorbitant compensation goes to shareholders and to pay lobbyists to ensure that working-class people, schools, and cities do NOT get subsidies, tax breaks or any government support. Because government support is bad and for the lazy, weak and inefficient....except when it goes to those of us who move money around for a living and literally create nothing but risk. We're amazing!
Dimon is a big hypocrite! Supporting the Democratic party and espousing socialist values while actually doing the opposite. This makes me more angry than trump! Two faced bankers are much of the problem! Simon has no conscience. Outrageous! Thanks for calling out this guy again!
Dimon himself is a practicing socialist! He practices Right Wing Socialism, the most destructive form of socialism that exists. He uses the control of Government to redistribute and concentrate the wealth and power of the Nation into his own hands. By being a member of the Democratic Party he can control the Democratic candidates he donates to, thus maintain control of the government.
Because of Dimon's hypocracy and " I'm only in it for my own bottom line and that of my wealthiest shareholders" I am in the process of closing down my account and switching it elsewhere. I may only be one person but we all have to start somewhere.
Good. Consumer boycotts won't have much effect on the biggest bank in the world, but they'll send a signal, and that signal can be amplified by the media until it's heard in the C-Suite.
I am doing the same. 😊
Today is 2/22/22. We are once again witnessing Russian aggression. Stock market going up and down like a yo-yo. Gas prices going up again. Inflation the worst in over 40 years. America's southern border in chaos. The poor still poor. The rich still getting rich. No one knows when the next virus will hit. Recession will be here end of the year. All we do in America is non stop talk. Nothing changes unless we have something hit us like 9/11 or COVID. Even then, we can't agree on anything. The secret is to take care of your family and friends the best way you can. Help others if you have the time and resources. Stay healthy. Health is the TRUE wealth. Make a difference 1 person at a time. Your choice. Thank you to Robert for his time and in-depth knowledge of the system and sharing with us all. Or as someone else said: Understanding the "The Belly of the Beast".
The corruption will continue as long as average Americans don’t wake up and hold them accountable. Thank you for sharing
If only there was an alternative for people in the banking industry. I have read articles suggesting that the Postal service would be a good place to have a bank. like a cooperative type bank.
Credit unions can be a better choice
Many countries offer banking services at their post offices.
Maybe that is what inspired the comment I read recently.
Bernie Sanders has been campaigning for post-office banks, too. As you might expect, no positive response from the US congress.
Alternative for people to go to for banking, I meant.
Jeez , this Demon is the personification of ALL the inequities, shortcomings and blatant allowances bordering on criminalities facing our dysfunctional corptocracy today ! ! And referring to himself as a Democrat is significantly embarrassing to the "Party of the People" ! Yet it should be an eye opener to the people as to the depth of the corporate control over our elected officials. Be they Reps or Dems . He represents dooms day possibilities for our nation and people . If Thomas Jefferson were still with us, he'd be puking and never stop ! ! 🤮
Look to Bernie, Elizabeth Warren, AOC and the other progressives who don’t take the dirty money.
I'm with you Joe . It is the likes of this guy and his free reign over our system which keep the progressive message from being "THE MESSAGE" at the forefront, glaringly clear, honest and more in keeping with the forefather's intentions for our nation and people that it is !
Everyday, more and more, I say “F**k this country.”
Here I am trying to save peoples lives at my job everyday, and $100k in student debt, struggling with health issues and trying to keep up working full time hours so I can keep my electricity on.
Then banks get bailouts and the government operates with trillions of debt but that’s all fine and dandy.
I am with you Nate . And I know that the corporately corrupted, controlled, bought and sold media hangs the weight of labels such as wackos, socialists, communists around the necks of the progressive wing of congress. But at this late date in the gutting of our democracy, all but morphed into a corptocracy. I feel that Senator Sanders message IS STILL in keeping with the true needs of essential workers such as yourself. Hope springs eternal . I'm behind them 100% ! !
I wonder if credit unions are better for working people with modest incomes than local banks. I would not choose Bank of America for my bank. Thank you for calling out the worst of the worst.
Dimin, heads up JP Morgan Chase not Bank of America.
Jamie Dimon is a victim. He is a victim of Milton Friedman and Free Markets. They were sold on the psychology of Free Markets. I don't think either man bought into this ideal with the goal of wrecking the American economy or getting rich by stealing from the government or middle class. But once the tiger was let out of its cage, the game changed. All of a sudden Dimon and his company were making millions upon millions, and he found himself in a box. He has seen and observed what has happened to the American and world economy, yet he can't change it without killing the goose that laid the golden egg. And so, the Wall Street Banks hold a gun to the head of the American economy. They are right, if the government lets the banks fail, the economy fails. That doesn't mean the government can't let some of that capital bleed back into other sectors of the economy. The failure here isn't with DJT or Jamie Dimon. They are doing what our founders expected them to do. The failure is with the systems, Capitalism and the Republic. Capitalism is a great system, if regulated. Democracy is a great system, if not failed by the Congress. Reason is destroyed when you blame an individual for problems, emotion dominates. Politicians and the media love that response. Reason will return to our discourse when we leave individuals out of the argument and replace them with criticism of the systems. "It's the System Stupid"
My sincere wish during the last election cycle was that Elizabeth Warren would become the Democratic nominee, because more than any other nominee-including Bernie Sanders-Warren is greatly feared and disliked by Wall Street (and neoliberal Obama was no fan of Warren's, either).
If this country had done what Iceland did years ago and jailed criminal bankers, we wouldn't now be battling the scurge of Trumpism.
True, and why it is a bad idea for the Dems to use Obama as a spokesman for the party. Obama's decision to not hold banks accountable is why many Dem and swing voters switched to vote Repub in 2016.
Jamie Dimon and the other big bank honchos are all hypocrites, railing against socialism while taking in all the government handouts they can get. We have to also remember that it was Bill Clinton who signed away the Glass-Stegal Act that allowed the big banks to get richer at the expense of American working and middle class folks struggling to be homeowners. It was Barack Obama who bailed out the big banks and not those homeowners when they inevitably tanked the economy in 2008. It was also Obama who, when starting his candidacy for President, pledged to run on matching campaign donations only, and then broke that promise and took the dirty money from the likes of Jamie Dimon. We need to back pols like Bernie, Elizabeth Warren and AOC, who don’t take the dirty money, and therefore are free to do what is right for the other 98%of us.
Whatever happened to the proposal to tax stock trades?
Example after example of corruption and self-serving greed are everywhere, so what's the answer? If the answer for labor is unions, then do we need some top-notch organizer to start a "concerned-citizens's" union? The only power we have over corrupt, powerful uber-wealthy is our numbers, but they're not organized, so we can't use them. So far, Trump has apparently done a better job of motivating and organizing his followers to break into our Capitol. Do we need a charismatic, attention-getting citizens' union leader to organize the much-needed revolt? If so, who? And when do they start? Immobile optimism and individual, isolated good deeds and good "thoughts and prayers" don't seem to be working. The cold, hard truth is, it could be too late. Or not. But it will if we continue to be "all talk" and too little, too unorganized action.
So rite Mo ! We need a viable third party is right . The 'progressives' being the only ones whose message is true and real for the average citizen, gets harshly labeled and trounced upon. Relegated to an afterthought by the very corruption this Demon represents . We are in bad shape. And to organize behind the true needs and restructuring of this mess we call a government is a daunting task for anyone. If not totally impossible at this point . I dunno, the corruption and take over of our syste may be complete. Although, I know I'll get a response that Bernie and his ilk are making progress and that we should be firmly behind them. Which I am. Hope springs eternal.
I cannot see why the banks are given so much power, there should be forced restrictions on them, like other businesses, they have become self restricted and protected by to large to fail. Time to change it.
So, if we have anti-trust laws like the Sherman Act 1890, the Clayton Act and the Federal Trade Commission Act how can we be sinking in a mire of monopolies? It may surprise you to discover that shortly after these Acts were approved by the US Congress, the majority of the businesses that were affected by these laws expanded into the Russian market where, with the help of Lenin's War Communism 1917-1921--which ousted all indigenous entrepreneurship and reorganized industry into TRUSTS and SYNDICATES--and New Economic Policy 1921-1929, they were awarded industry-wide concessions to monopolize the vast Russian economy, winning not only their own "nationalized" plants back, but the expropriated plants of Russian entrepreneurs and their competitors as well. General Electric, RCA, Westinghouse and the German giant Siemens founded the Soviet Electrical Trusts in 1918 and sat on their boards. Western lumber firms sat on the board of the Soviet Lumber Trust, same with the Petroleum Trust, the Agriculture Trust and all of the other Soviet trusts. All the big western firms which had made a killing off of WW1 profits flooded into Russia once the monarchy was dismantled (because it never would have allowed this), obliterated indigenous entrepreneurs and ousted other foreign competitors as well, (i.e, Nobel Oil was ousted from Baku leaving it open for Royal Dutch Shell and Standard Oil to buy up the Russian oil industry--cheaply). This is how they have not only maintained their monopoly in the U.S., but now reach across the globe. Are you shocked? Do you think I can't possibly be correct?--I understand...I felt that way too, because this is just so beyond what we've been inculcated with. Nonetheless, I have volumes of proof which I've included in my historical series (Fire on the Steppe). You see, Russia's evolving economy at the turn of the previous century would have proliferated just like ours did after the completion of the Union Pacific railroad, once their Trans-Siberian Railroad was completed in 1911. Russia would have developed wealthy barons just like we did, if they had of been given the chance, and they would have developed them faster and even wealthier because the Trans-Siberian, just like Russia, was 5-times the length of the United States and had even greater resource wealth than us. Germany knew this and had a plan. Insert, Lenin and his Bolsheviks, nationalize the entire economy and dole it out to their firms in the form of concessions. But Germany was too war-damaged after WW1, so the U.S. and Britian took over the plan... For the full story, look me up on Amazon...not for sales, but so that we as a nation see what has been done to us and others for corporate dominance of the global economy. Once we all see how it was accomplished, we'll know how to dismantle it. Thanks.