Republicans love the one-percent and hate the working class. They are quick to support legislation demanded by lobbyists but refuse to raise the federal minimum wage or any bill which supports the rights of the working class. It’s time for a second American Revolution.
The most misleading statistic in America is the unemployment rate. Millions of Americans are highly over-qualified for the jobs they hold. Tens-of-thousands of men and women have chosen retirement rather than accept a position which fails to challenge their particular set of skills.
When I was working for the United States Census Bureau, I learned a disturbing fact; American wages have remained flat for decades while corporations have experienced an increase in profits previously considered impossible.
The destruction of unions is a fact and part of the reason why American businesses have taken advantage of their employees. One woman’s story is not an exception, it has become the norm.
She has received only two pay raises since 2005; one for 25 cents and another for 15 cents. The right-wing would tell her to change jobs and be re-trained for a better position. Factories have moved away from America; for many of our nation’s people jobs for which they are qualified no longer exist. During that same time period the economy has grown by 50 percent.
America ranks 14th in education among developed nations. The only areas of economic growth in our nation are in the medical field and technology. Few Americans qualify for these positions.
Thousands of American workers have been forced to labor in the fast food industry, or similar employment. To care for their families, they work two or three jobs. They do not have healthcare or other benefits. More than 46 million Americans live in poverty, and over 100 million are considered low-income. Many of these men and women are one paycheck from slipping below the poverty line.
Think about these facts when you scoff at the idea of “democratic socialism.” Capitalism has failed most Americans. The greed of corporate America resulted in a lessening of the quality of life for the majority. Economists believe that younger Americans will never be able to afford the American Dream; a single-family home.
There are two Americas. In one a small number of our nation’s people live lives of luxury and privilege. They do not struggle to support their families or worry about healthcare or paying their mortgage. The other 99 percent serve the one-percent without equitable compensation.
It is time for real change. This is our country, not theirs. On November 3, 2020 we can rid our nation of the enemy of the working class; Republicans. It is time for younger Americans and many more women to take control of Washington. The old, white men who have ignored us for decades must be retired.
The Truth Lives Here
Op-ed by this “Wise Old Fart,” James Turnage
My six novels are available on the free Amazon Kindle app; click here
The Truth With No Restrictions 