It has been quite a week in the United States. One year ago, Americans proudly watched their first black president being inaugurated on the steps of the US Capitol building. Twelve months later, the shine of Obama's electoral triumph and reform agenda has been tarnished at the very least..
Massachusetts (One Step Back)
.
'A typical vice of American politics is the avoidance of saying anything real on the issues' - Theodore Roosevelt
.
Massachusetts US Senate candidate, Scott Brown (R), cannot be accused of producing only vacuous statements during his successful campaign to replace the late champion of health care reform (including a public option) - Edward Kennedy. Mr. Brown basically told voters that he wanted to the be 41st Republican member of the Senate for the express reason of killing the current Democratic-sponsored health care bill. In a bitter twist of political irony, Mr Brown, who emerged victorious, will not be able to quash the legacy of his predecessor.
.
Instead, it was the Democratic candidate, Martha Coakley, who had little 'real' to say on the issues. Her statements were bland and lacked any sense of urgency with respect to the crisis that befalls Americans today. Perhaps she should have said - or shouted - something to the effect of, 'You can elect Mr. Brown to send the message that you are tired of big government and paying taxes, but if you do that - you will be sending other messages as well.' You will send a message that you prefer to destroy legislation for the public good rather to create it. You will send a message that candidates can win on a purely negative platform without having any solutions to the problems at hand.'
.
Mr. Brown is entitled to vote against the Obama health plan, but what is his solution to give the 45 million Americans without health insurance and the additional 30 million Americans with inadequate coverage access to an affordable health care plan? No need to look too hard. He does not have one. Mr. Brown is content to allow the current system to continue. And what is that current system? It is the one, run by giant corporations, that continues to put profits over people. Mr. Brown's opinions - by the way - were undoubtedly sponsored by the insurance and drug companies.
.
The Supreme Court (Another Step Back)
.
'I see in the near future a crisis approaching that unnerves me and causes me to tremble for the safety of my country...corporations have been enthroned and an era of corruption in high places will follow, and the money power of the country will endeavor to prolong its reign by working upon the prejudices of the people until all the wealth is aggregated in a few hands and the Republic destroyed.' - Abraham Lincoln to Col. William F. Elkins (21 November 1864)
.
Mr. Brown should have no problem getting re-elected for another term. Why? In a stunning ruling by the Supreme Court this week led by Chief Justice John Roberts, the justices ruled in a 5-4 decision that corporations deserved 'equal' protection from the First Amendment and thus could not have their campaign contributions restricted by law. Aside from once again proving that the 'Railsplitter' from Illinois, a man with less than one year of formal education, was one of the most intelligent, astute and prophetic leaders in world history, the ruling also confirmed his fear of an America sundered by 'the money power' (see quote above).
.
In theory, it almost sounds logical. Why restrict the rights of anyone willing to participate in the political process? Corporations, however, do not participate in the same way as an individual voter. A voter will not only 'vote his pocketbook' but also for the greater good on a variety of issues - even if it goes against his or her economic interests. One of many examples can be found in the 1960s and 1970s. Many young, white baby-boomers voted for candidates that supported affirmative action programs. Even though they might have stood to lose out on a job to a black candidate with equal qualifications, these brave, noble and courageous European-Americans were willing to make a sacrifice to redress a grievous historical injustice against the black population.
.
Unlike individuals with human feelings of compassion and conscience, corporations are cold, financial entities with one ambition and one ambition only - increasing the bottom line. Hence, people vote for interests and ideals. Corporations only vote their interests, and their interests are always to minimize costs (find cheap labor (outsourcing), reduce or hold the minimum wage, negotiate with local, state and the national government for special tax breaks and limit the number of effective labor and environmental laws in order to retain maximum profitability etc.). Indeed, there are some responsible corporations, but many of them have routinely abused their power. In the recent Supreme Court ruling, these unscrupulous companies will be able to bankroll candidates across the country that are willing to do their bidding - of which there will likely be no shortage.
.
America may indeed be headed toward Pottersville - the town Bedford Falls would have become if George Bailey (James Stewart), the protagonist in the film It's A Wonderful Life, had decided to commit suicide. In Pottersville, people work for virtually nothing - an entire citizenry forced into wage-slavery with no health insurance, no retirement plan, no access to affordable higher education and a mere one or two weeks of vacation (a 'staycation') a year. As corporations can now support pro-business puppet candidates with an unlimited supply of money, what chance does the average individual with finite resources but a true devotion to the welfare of the Republic have of being elected? Unfortunately, Lincoln seems to have been right yet again.
.
Haiti (One Step Up)
'Americans learn only from catastrophe and not from experience' - Theodore Roosevelt
.
The United States, preoccupied with winning wars in Europe and protecting sea lanes for the passage of oil in the Middle East over the last century, has financially neglected its poorest hemispheric neighbor until the devastating earthquake a week and a half ago. In the past week, Americans have proven far better than their government with respect to understanding the phrase 'life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness'. Americans saw tens of thousands of lives in Haiti tragically ruined or taken away altogether. In response, they donated a considerable amount toward the more than $350 million raised to meet the emergency. It is a proud moment for America and for the world. Kleostoday would like to thank all those who donated or plan to donate. It was America's one step up this week.
.
Demand 'Change We Can Believe In'!
.
In the United States, there is a quieter, more subtle catastrophe. Between 2000 and 2008, another 5 million people fell into poverty - a 15% increase. Homelessness is now widespread. Working part-time is now considered full employment. College graduates (of all ages) either live at home unemployed or underemployed. A giant segment of the population has lost its hope and dignity. Yet, no one seems to be talking of a nation on the edge of the abyss.
.
If Americans choose to ignore the peril of inequality for another generation, then the Red Cross, which is currently spearheading the efforts in Haiti, may be asked to deploy its personnel and resources to save the richest country in the world from itself. Should that come to pass, it will be anything but a wonderful life.
.
(Picture: A WWI era campaign poster for the Red Cross - click to enlarge)
.
J Roquen