Brad Pitt spoke the definitive line in a movie describing the United States of America in the 21st Century. “America is not a country; it’s a business.”
Sadly, even a cursory examination of our nation’s government reveals the truth. We hear it daily, the words ‘the nation’s economy.’ I ask you, have you experienced a positive change in your or your family’s economic status?
If you are big business, the CEO of a major corporation, or a member of the one-percent, you love America. At last count, America had 536 billionaires; in second place is China with 213. The number grows each year. In the 1960’s, businesses whose profits were 30 percent or higher were considered successful. Today, these same corporations reveal profits of 300, 400, 500 percent or more, while wages for the working class have become stagnant, or even declined. CEOs, or COOs are gifted with salaries in the tens of millions, and ‘golden parachutes’ when they fail at the jobs. Those who actually do the work struggle to adequately support their families, and losing their jobs could force them to become homeless.
Each election year millions of dollars are spent on campaigns by our politicians to obtain a job which pays $174,000 each year and the best benefits taxpayer’s money can buy. This year the presidential candidates are expected to spend nearly one-billion dollars each.
Meanwhile, Congress refuses to raise the federal minimum wage, insuring that the one-percent experiences increased profits.
What separates you and me from the wealthy? What doesn’t? They don’t make house payments, car payments, furniture payments, insurance payments, or pay phone bills. They own everything, while most Americans ‘rent’ what they have. They don’t worry about losing their home or if they will be able to feed their families. Their biggest concern is which wine to have with dinner, or where to go next on vacation. Those of us who worked all of our lives for less money than we deserved cannot comprehend what their lives are like.
I’m not jealous, but it’s time they paid their fair share for the privilege of living in a nation where they had the opportunity to become wealthy.
Remember when you go to the polls on November 8th that Donald Trump is a member of the one-percent. He has no concept regarding the struggles of the average American; he will not serve me or you.
Capitalism has failed, as predicted. The Democratic Party must adopt many of the principles of Bernie Sanders. Our nation, our people, need great change, not handouts.
Op-Ed
By James Turnage
The Truth With No Restrictions 