America by william e. kelly
he slopes between advantaged and disadvantaged rise from slippery social, cultural and financial ground. The height of the barriers separating those classes dictate the ladders needed to climb those slopes. Yet too many are
out-of-touch with the struggles of a diverse American citizenry that has historically directed their human and financial resources to a war/defense-based economy. When the price is ignoring the deepening desperation of our own citizens—isn’t it time to re-evaluate the sanity of our attempts to “save” or influence other nations in the name of democracy, freedom and defense? As our own nation turns a deaf ear and blind eye to legislated discrimina- tion that tramples justice, equality and opportunity afforded our own citizens—isn’t it time to re-examine our condemnation of the civil and human rights violations of other governments? What will finally cause us to universally shout ENOUGH? Can
our democratic ideals withstand the chaos and rebellion bub- bling to the surface? The same captains of industry, finance and government instrumental in bankrupting our economy and destroying the livelihoods of millions, seek to shield and reward themselves with absurdly excessive golden parachutes, pension, medical, bonus, compensation and benefit plans. They do this as studies document a rapidly shrinking middle class and a growing population living at or below the poverty level. They do this with astonishing insen- sitivity and greed. They do this as they propose slashing funds for education, health and community spending for our youth, seniors and the working poor who they expect to live with fewer and weaker safety nets even as these “captains” strengthen the already strong nets available only to them. I favor free enterprise and not wealth redistribution and am not
an isolationist. But, the possibilities and opportunities that reach out to all can only evolve in a more sustainable economic environ- ment. Increasing the number of have-nots isn’t the answer—education and training is. Economics that trickle up or trickle down fail to educate and train those needed to operate the machinery and processes of rapidly evolving markets. Thus, have-not’s will not see jobs created or living standards sustained if goods and services they produce are priced outside their reach. Simply put, fewer buyers generate less demand and that creates higher unemployment. Free enterprise embraces balance, without which it will falter and democratic ideals then crumble with it—leaving no winners! The Indus- trial Revolution nurtured free enterprise giants and drew lines between the
“If we don’t devise a sustainable system, the deepening abyss between the haves and the have-nots will destroy America from within.”
24 RAGE monthly | APRIL 2012
advantaged and disadvantaged. When the American dream was out of the reach for too many, collective bargaining and unions rose to restore fair bal- ance to employee compensation, benefits and working conditions. Sharing wealth through fair wages, profit sharing and affordable prices,
is not the same as redistributing wealth and is necessary if we are to sustain a healthy economy. Freedom, democracy, free enterprise and the building of individual wealth is at risk. If we don’t devise a sustainable system, the deepening abyss between the haves and the have-nots will destroy America from within. Our collective strength and common needs have historically helped us to overcome challenges. We have the tools to build an improved democracy and economy without throwing the proverbial baby out with the bath water. Our founding fathers envisioned and bestowed upon us the ability to amend laws, to grow with and match our evolving needs. As a nation, we can and must rediscover our collective ability to lead and adapt in order to survive our changing world. JUST THINK ABOUT IT! Share your thoughts via The Rage Monthly’s social
networking tools and I will share them in a follow-up hard copy Rage article. For more information go to
ragemonthly.com Onward and upward!
EMBRACE YOUR COLLECTIVE ABILITY TO LEAD AND ADAPT!
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