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usrevolution5

~ USA Headed for a 5th Revolution! Why?

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Monthly Archives: November 2014

#101 The First 100 Entries. Reflections and Assessment.

26 Wednesday Nov 2014

Posted by Jordan Abel in Societal Issues

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(Readers: The assumed chronological date for most of the entries in this blog is after the expected 5th revolution in the US.  For more background about  the expected revolution – labeled the Revenge Revolution – and the author, please view entry #01.) 

Last week was the 100th entry for this blog.  Thought it might be worthwhile to step back and assess the appropriateness of the content.

The premise of the blog is a Revenge Revolution that will occur sometime before 2025.  My track record for predicting such cataclysmic events is reasonably good, although I generally predict too early a date.

So, do I believe the US is still on track for a 5th revolution?  Yes.  Even more so today that when I started the blog last year.  The danger, of course, is that writing regularly about such an event diminishes one’s ability to be objective.  It’s the same danger as believing one’s own press releases.

With that caveat, I think it fair to say the US populous is more divided today than a year ago.  Congress, for all its apparent faults, is probably a fair representation of the attitude of the US population.  The rancor and bitterness in Congress has intensified.

While the 2014 mid-term elections resulted in a clear Republican majority of both houses, many candidates seem to have been elected not for what they stood for but what they stood against.  Many Republicans were very vocal about (a) not supporting affordable health care for middle and lower-income families and/or (ii) supporting tax cuts, the benefits of which would fall mostly to corporations and wealthier households.

Why would so many voters select candidates whose policies are contrary to their best interests?   My conclusion is many of the voters have been brainwashed.  Such brainwashing has happened before.

One of the most credible and honest politicians of the 20th century, George Romney (Mitt Romney’s father) stated in a campaign to become the Republican presidential nominee that he had been brainwashed by American generals about Vietnam.

Romney, who was the leading candidate, was chastised and ridiculed for the remark.  Reaction to the remark caused him to drop out of the race.

Was George Romney correct?  Absolutely.  And much of the American public, which had been brainwashed as well, eventually realized the deceit and turned against the war.

Today, the Republicans seem to be experts at brainwashing the public about what should be US economic policy.  There are a number of entries in the blog addressing what I consider the absolute lunacy of many Republicans about appropriate economic policy.

Before Republican readers get too exorcised, the Democrats seem to have been brainwashed about civil rights.  I am a big believer and supporter of civil rights.  And the rights extend to race, religion, martial preference and other aspects of society.  The US was founded on fairness…and, no, owning slaves was never fair.

A number of entries propose ideas to get blacks off the bottom run of the economic ladder.  The basic theme is responsibility.  Despite the unfair beginning, at some point the black community needs to take charge of its destiny and quite relying on someone else.  Real progress might take 2 or 3 generations but until the black community starts managing itself, no real progress will be made.  Other people and government can help but the black community needs to take charge.

In several entries I suggested that the black community stop sending athletes to the NFL and NBA.  OK to accept a college scholarship and get an education but sending athletes to professional sports sends the wrong message to younger blacks.

Since making that suggestion, there have been numerous cases where professional athletes, most if not all black, have been charged with domestic violence.  These cases have become very high-profile and reinforce the negative image of blacks.

In addition, the University of North Carolina has been cited for allowing many athletes to continue eligibility for sports by taking essentially ‘no show’ classes.  In what department were these ‘no-show’ classes – black studies?  To those of you in the black community, you need to step up and take control of your destiny.  No one said this blog was going to be politically correct.

I have some other examples of divisions within the country but I’ve made my case.  Overall the US seems more polarized than a year ago.  Despite very good economic growth the past few years (nearly 4.0% GDP growth in the most recent quarter), a large percentage of the population has made little progress with real income having declined.

At some point the frustration of groups being disadvantaged spills over the top.  And it won’t be pretty.  Imagine events in Ferguson, Missouri in 100 cities.  In 1,000 cities.  The police and National Guard could not control the rioters.

I’m going to keep writing.  As I’ve said in numerous entries, I hope my prediction proves wrong.  Your thoughts about this blog and entries are always appreciated.  Thanks for your time.  John R. Dabels for Jordan Abel (main character of this blog).

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#100 Mayday, Mayday. We’ve Lost Our Brakes!

19 Wednesday Nov 2014

Posted by Jordan Abel in Personal Stories

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(Readers: The assumed chronological date for most of the entries in this blog is after the expected 5th revolution in the US.  For more background about  the expected revolution – labeled the Revenge Revolution – and the author, please view entry #01.) 

This entry is just for fun. I was walking out to get the paper this past Monday morning.  It’s fall, many leaves have fallen and it’s misting.  The situation brought back memories of the Mayday story.  Thought you might enjoy.

Scene: Jordan having coffee with JC.  It’s a misty fall day and many leaves have fallen.

JC:  “I’m depressed.”

010414_1635_16TeachingS1.jpgJordan:  “What’s to be depressed about?”

JC:  “Look outside.  Its late fall.  Most of the leaves are off the trees.  It’s gray and misting.  Lousy day.”

Jordan:  “Today reminds me of an event from some years ago.  It was quite funny in retrospect.”

JC:  “Tell me about it.  I’m game.”

Jordan:  “When I worked in Manhattan, we lived in Connecticut and I took Metro North.”

JC:  “Was that about the same time I was living in New Haven?”

Jordan:  “Same time.  Anyway, it’s Monday morning, I need to get to the office as early as possible so I take the first train.”

metro_north_logoJC:  “OK, so it’s early Monday, and from what you said, a miserable, misty fall day.”

Jordan:  “Because we lived on a branch line, the off-peak trains were just two cars, then in Stamford we would catch an express train to Grand Central.”

JC:  “And, yes, I know the proper name is Grand Central Terminal.  Grand Central Station is the Post Office in the same location.”

Jordan:  “Very good.  So I get my coffee, danish, NY Times and settle in and off we go.  You know how you have a sense of when something should happen – like stopping at the next station?”

JC:  “I know what you mean.  This is getting more interesting.”

Jordan:  “Well, we’re rolling along nicely and I think we should be slowing down…”

JC:  “…but you’re not.”

guy wavingJordan:  “We’re not.  I look out the window and guys on the station platform are waving their arms for the train to stop.”

JC:  “What’s next?”

Jordan:  “The conductor yells at everyone in the first car…”

JC:  “…and you’re close to the front, of course.”

Jordan:  “Get in the second car.  We’ve lost our brakes!”

JC:  “Great way to start Monday.  You are up too early for civilized people.  Skies are gray, it’s misting and the Toonerville Trolley loses its brakes.”

Jordan:  “Plus we’re on a downhill grade all the way to Stamford.  Not a steep grade but enough that the train will continue to pick up speed.”

JC:  “I can picture the article now.  What an obit.  ‘He had a promising career shortened by the crash of the Toonerville Trolley.’”

Jordan:  “You said what I was thinking.”

JC:  “So you move to the back car.  Then what happens?”

Jordan:  “Interestingly most people are still facing forward.  I remind them if there is a crash they will catapult over the seats and land who knows where.”

JC:  “As I recall, some of the old cars on the New Haven had seats that flipped back and forth.”

Jordan:  “Luckily this was one.  So we flipped the seats and all faced backwards preparing for the crash.”

JC:  “I like this.  Then what?”

train_conductorJordan:  “The conductor gets on the phone and yells, ‘Stamford tower, this is train some number, Mayday, Mayday, we’ve lost our brakes!’”

JC:  “Say what?”

Jordan:  “That’s what the guy in the tower in Stamford said too.  ‘Mayday?  What are you talking about?’”

JC:  “That’s really funny now that I know you made it through OK.  What’s next?”

Jordan:  “The conductor has been cranking a wheel on the back car that apparently was supposed to act like an emergency brake on a car.”

JC:  “Any success?”

Jordan:  “Not the first try.  But as the adrenalin started flowing, he must have gotten stronger because he finally cranked enough that the car came to a stop.”

JC:  “So everyone is safe but stuck because the train has no brakes.”

Jordan:  “Here’s an even funnier part.  We had brakes the whole time.”

JC:  “Then why couldn’t the train stop at the station.”

Jordan:  “Remember it’s misting and the tracks are wet.  As the leaves fall, rather than falling off the tracks, they stick to the tracks.”

JC:  “And now you have a train with steel wheels travelling on a steel track that is covered with leaves that are wet.”

Jordan:  “Bingo.  The leaves act like a banana peel.”

JC:  “The Toonerville Trolley tries to stop but instead slides right through the station…and the motorman thinks the brakes have failed.”

JCoffee Cupordan:  “I confess the story has gotten funnier over time.  I’m not sure I appreciated the hilarity of the situation at the time, although I did laugh at the ‘Mayday, Mayday’ comment”

JC:  “Well, I feel much better.  Thanks for cheering me up.  Here’s a toast to the Metro North and its Toonerville Trolley.”

#99 Why Governments and Households Should Have Different Economic Policy

15 Saturday Nov 2014

Posted by Jordan Abel in Back Asswards Thinking, Causes of the Revolution, Economics, Societal Issues

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(Readers: The assumed chronological date for most of the entries in this blog is after the expected 5th revolution in the US.  For more background about  the expected revolution – labeled the Revenge Revolution – and the author, please view entry #01.)

Scene: Jordan and Helicopter Man (H-Man) continuing a conversation about economics, with special emphasis about the role of government.

H-Man:  “We’ve got our coffee refill.  Now, back to my question.  ‘Why shouldn’t the man_with_speechgovernment take the same approach to economic policy as we do in our household?’  The approach makes perfect sense to me…and a lot of other people.”

Jordan:  “In certain economic situations, the behavior of households should be exactly the opposite.  Ironically, what seems right intuitively is actually wrong.”

H-Man:  “I am confused.  When should governments and households behave in opposite ways?  Give me a specific example.”

Jordan:  “Let’s say economic times are bad.  Think back to 2008-2009.”

unemploymentH-Man:  “Lots of unemployment and concerns about more layoffs.  Seems to me very logical for people to tighten their belts and reduce spending.”

Jordan:  “I agree.  Very rational behavior for an individual or family.”

H-Man:  “At least we agree on something.”

Jordan:  “Now, here’s a basic question.  ‘Where does your income come from?’”

Greenie:  “Since I’m not independently wealthy, my employer.”

Jordan:  “And where does your employer’s income come from?”

H-Man:  “Selling stuff.”

Jordan:  “So what if a lot of people quit buying stuff from your employer…and quit buying stuff from many other companies?”

H-Man:  “The companies make less money.  Then there’s probably not enough money to pay the employees…and then more layoffs”

bread-lineJordan:  “So what happens if the government cuts back on spending money also?”

H-Man:  “Even fewer purchases, less income for companies…and even more layoffs.  So if the government tightens its belt along with everyone else, the economy gets worse…not better.”

Jordan:  “Remember, what you spend is my source of income.  You cut back on spending and I have less income and then I have to cut back.”

H-Man:  “So the only way to get the economy going again is for someone to start spending money.”

Jordan:  “You are beginning to understand why government needs to increase spending in economic slowdowns and not decrease spending.  The claim that the government should behave as a household actually makes the situation worse, not better.”

Tax CutsH-Man:  “Why not give tax cuts to the people making money instead of having the government spend money.  I just don’t like the idea of government spending money that’s not theirs.”

Jordan:  “Tax cuts might help some but not much.  Here’s why.  If you are out of a job, how much income tax will you be paying?”

H-Man:  “Probably little or none.  So, I see what you’re saying, a tax cut doesn’t really help.”

Jordan:  “What if you are relatively wealthy and get a tax cut.  What will you do with the extra money?”

H-Man:  “Maybe spend a little.  But won’t the wealthy invest it and create more jobs?”

Jordan:  “Invest the money in what?  Additional plant capacity?”

H-Man:  “I guess not.  If people aren’t buying products now, why would someone invest in additional plant capacity?  The idea of build it and they will come might work for a movie but not in real life.  Adding capacity without demand makes no sense.”

Jordan:  “H-Man, I’m proud of you.  We are starting to make real progress.”

CongressH-Man:  “But what about the government deficit?  All that spending with no new tax revenue scares me.”

Jordan:  “What’s the alternative?  Someone needs to spend the money.”

H-Man:  “I know but the country should not have a deficit.”

Jordan:  “Oh really, H-Man.  Just a bit of trivia.  When was the last time the federal government did not owe money?”

H-Man:  “I have no idea.  OK, under Herbert Hoover?  No, under Teddy Roosevelt.”

Jordan:  “Your second guess is closer but still way off.  Try Andrew Jackson.”

andrew_jacksonH-Man:  “Really?  That must have been about 1840?”

Jordan:  “Very good.  1835. But remember what you said was the role of government – protecting citizens, creating infrastructure, supporting commerce, helping manage the economy so citizens do not lose all assets.”

H-Man:  “What you trying to pound into my head is the method to execute those roles, especially managing the economy, is exactly the opposite of that of a household and business.  When it makes sense for people and businesses to cut back in harder economic times the government needs to take the opposite approach and spend money.  Otherwise the economy gets worse.”

Jordan:  “Besides the government can pay down the deficit when times are good and tax revenues higher.  You know, like the budget surplus under Bill Clinton.”

bill-clintonH-Man:  “I know.  I know.  And the Republicans under George Bush implemented a bunch of tax cuts and gave away the surplus.  Why did Republicans do that?  Seems like a back-asswards strategy.”

Jordan:  “You mean the people who harped about government deficits, Republicans, turning around and creating a deficit when there was an opportunity to pay down debt?  Makes you wonder if they don’t understand economics, they’re cynical or have yet a different motive.”

H-Man:  “But I still don’t like the idea of government having so much debt.  That’s not right…or fair.”

Jordan:  “OK.  Let me ask you, if the government should not have debt, then what about companies?  Should they have debt?”  And what people?  Should people or households have debt?”

H-Man:  “I suppose some debt is OK.  But not sure how much.”

Jordan:  “You own a house?”

122213_1311_9Guruandthe4.jpgH-Man:  “Yes.  Have for many years.”

Jordan:  “When you bought your first house was the mortgage larger than your annual income?”

H-Man:  “By a long shot.  I guess 2-3 times my annual income.”

Jordan:  “Did anyone think that was a bad idea to take on that much debt?”

H-Man:  “No, everyone thought it was a smart idea.”

Jordan:  “So the same people who think the government should operate like a household told you it was a smart idea to take on all that debt.”

H-Man:  “Yes.”

Jordan:  “But the same people who wanted you to take on debt don’t want government to take on debt?  Is that right?”

H-Man:  “Jordan, I’m having another one of those ‘never-thought-about-it-that-way moments’.  I see what you mean.  Their argument really makes no sense.”

Jordan:  “A lot of their economic arguments make no economic sense.”

H-Man:  “And voters finally woke up and realized that Republicans were selling them phony economic arguments.”

Jordan:  “I call it Republican economic BS.”

H-Man:  “Your economic ideas don’t seem so progressive.  In fact, they seem very rational now that I think about it.”

american-revolution-728714Jordan:  “Good.  H-Man, no economic rehab for you.”

H-Man:  “I’m sorry this country had all the disruption…but I’m glad there was a Revenge Revolution and we got this country back on track.  We are much better off now and will be for many generations.”

#98 What Are the Odds? Should You Be Grateful?

12 Wednesday Nov 2014

Posted by Jordan Abel in Causes of the Revolution, Economics, Societal Issues

≈ 1 Comment

(Readers: The assumed chronological date for most of the entries in this blog is after the expected 5th revolution in the US.  For more background about  the expected revolution – labeled the Revenge Revolution – and the author, please view entry #01.)

Scene: Helicopter Man (H-Man) and Jordan continue earlier conversation whether Republicants can transition to Republicans.

H-Man:  “Alright, we have our refill.  You were going to teach me basic economics, man_with_speechwhich I thought I already knew…but apparently not.  I really want to understand why Washington shouldn’t be run like a household.  You said that’s backwards and I want to know why.”

Jordan:  “Hold-on Bubba.  We need to back up a bit.”

H-Man:  “You saying I’m a slow learner?”

Jordan:  “What I’m saying is economics includes lots of statistics, which based on my experience, most people don’t understand.”

H-Man:  “I’m not most people, so try me.”

Jordan:  “Ok, let’s start with one’s background, which has a lot of influence on how one analyzes an issue.”

H-Man:  “Please, not some liberal argument about the alleged disadvantaged.”

Jordan:  “People can believe whatever they want about whether they have an advantage or others are disadvantaged.  But I find it helpful to frame the discussion with some basic statistics.”

H-Man:  “So give me your bleeding heart argument.”

Jordan:  “Bleeding heart or not, one things that continues to baffle me about the Republicans is why they were so ungrateful about their economic lot.  And why are Republicans so resentful of people who are not as advantaged.”

H-Man:  “See, there you go.  Claiming many Republicans don’t really deserve the wealth they’ve accumulated.  Besides I thought we were going to talk about statistics and economics?”

Jordan:  “We are.  And the first lesson is figuring out how lucky we really are…and why we should be grateful.”

occupations_lawyerH-Man:  “Have you turned into some preacher…I mean rabbi?  You know what I mean.  Look, Jordan, many Republicans…and Democrats too…worked very hard to get where they are.  What’s so bad about that?”

Jordan:  “Nothing bad about it.  I’m sure many of them worked very hard.  But let’s put their life…and our life…in proper perspective.  Just imagine everyone is running a marathon.”

H-Man:  “A bit crowded at the starting line, huh?”

Jordan:  “Crowded but the Republicans are not at the starting line.  Republicans have a huge head start.”

H-Man:  “Whadda mean?”

globeJordan:  “What’s the world’s population?”

H-Man:  “Maybe 6-7 billion people.”

Jordan:  “What about the US population?”

H-Man:  “Maybe 350 million.”

Jordan:  “So the US population is a little less than 5% of the world’s total.”

H-Man:  “What are you getting at?  Interesting number but so what?”

Jordan:  “What percent of the US population is white?”

H-Man:  “Where is this headed?”

Jordan:  “I’m asking since most Republicans are white.”

H-Man:  “Call half the US population white.”

Jordan:  “So now we’re talking about 50% of 5%, or 2½%.”

H-Man:  “Yeah, so?”

Jordan:  “So 2½% — 2 to 3 out of every 100 people have a huge head start.”

H-Man:  “If they’re not at the starting line then where do they start?  A little bit ahead or way ahead?”

running raceJordan:  “We know that people in most countries have to run the 26-some miles before they finish.  But Republicans don’t have to run 26 miles; Republicans don’t have to run 15 miles; don’t have to run 5 miles…but less than a mile.  Republicans run Just about 0.6 mile.”

H-Man:  “So you think with such a head start that Republicans should be more grateful.”

Jordan:  “Have you ever wondered why Republicans are so opposed to affordable health care for everyone when most of them already have health care.  Have you ever wondered why Republicans insist on a tax cut/credit to solve almost every other issue?  If you really think about it, what do Republicans gain…or what did they try to gain…with such positions?”

SlackardH-Man:  “I guess Republicans were trying to motivate others.  Motivate all the slackards that don’t pay any tax.”

Jordan:  “H-man, you need to go to economics rehab.  Both of your statements are tired…and frankly wrong.”

H-Man:  “The statements are true.  About half the US population doesn’t pay its fair share of taxes.”

Jordan:  “I agree with that statement…but which half does it apply to?  Many wealthy people pay far below their fair share.  Second, how many lower-income people have you met that are truly slackards?”

H-Man:  “I confess, not many.  If truth be known, the most slackards that I do know are living off trust funds.  But, Jordan, you still sound like some socialist.”

Jordan:  “Socialist, no.  Progressive, yes.  But a lot of other people must be progressive since they joined the Revenge Revolution.”

H-Man:  “I hear you.  I still don’t understand why people are so progressive.”

Jordan:  “OK, let me lay out some more basic economics.  First of all, the term progressive is promoted by Republicans as something negative.”

H-Man:  “What do you think progressive really means?”

CongressJordan:  “Start with the role of government.  What should government do?”

H-Man:  “Protect citizens against domestic violence and foreign invaders.  Provide infrastructure to help commerce.  Provide a fair system for commerce.  And I guess help manage the economy so citizens don’t all their savings.  And probably some other stuff.”

Jordan:  “Good start on the list.  Lots of common sense items.  So how can government help manage the economy?”

H-Man:  “I said operate like a household but you said I was wrong.  Why?  Why is it so wrong when it seems so right?”

Jordan:  “Part of why your wrong is background and part of why you’re wrong is incredibly simple but not obvious…but it will be obvious right after we get another refill.

(To be continued)

Gallery

#97 Republicants Don’t Become Republicans…Another Step toward the Revenge Revolution

08 Saturday Nov 2014

Posted by Jordan Abel in Causes of the Revolution, Economics, Education Issues, Societal Issues

≈ 2 Comments

This gallery contains 7 photos.

(Readers: The assumed chronological date for most of the entries in this blog is after the expected 5th revolution in …

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#96 2014 Mid-Term Election. The Tipping Point.

05 Wednesday Nov 2014

Posted by Jordan Abel in Causes of the Revolution, Societal Issues, Stupid Is as Stupid Does

≈ 1 Comment

(Readers: The assumed chronological date for most of the entries in this blog is after the expected 5th revolution in the US.  For more background about  the expected revolution – labeled the Revenge Revolution – and the author, please view entry #01.)

Scene: Jordan having coffee with friend, Helicopter Man, aka H-Man.

man_with_speechHelicopter Man: “So, Jordan, now that we’ve had the so-called Revenge Revolution, when do you think the tipping point was?”

Jordan: “Good question, H-Man.  Most people might think it was an event immediately preceding the start of the revolution.”

H-Man: “Like the Boston Tea Party just before the American Revolution.”

Jordan: “Right.  But, most of the time the real tipping point is before those events.”

H-Man: “So the tipping point is when?  When the dynamics of the situation changes?”

Jordan: “Think about a football game,  The tipping point is when the momentum in the game changes…”

H-Man: “…and not the touchdown or field goal when a team takes the lead or wins the game.  The momentum probably changed much earlier in the game, even if the team did not score right away.”

Jordan: “Take that same idea and apply it to Revenge Revolution.  I think the tipping point for the revolution was the 2014 mid-term elections.  That’s when the momentum changed to a very small group of people.”

H-Man: “Why do you say the 2014 mid-terms?  Nothing really happened right after that.”

Jordan: “I agree that no changes were obvious to the general public.  But that does mean there weren’t some significant changes.”

H-Man: “Tell me more.”

Constitution-DayJordan: “A major change, albeit subtle, was the elimination of checks and balances the country’s founders designed into the Constitution.”

H-Man: “C’mon, Jordan, you sound like some pointed-headed academic spouting gibberish.  Whadda mean elimination of checks and balances?”

Jordan: “Hear me out.  What changed was the check of power in checks and balances switched to a check book.  Whoever could write a check for the largest amount of money had the power.”

checkbook2H-Man: “I assume you are talking about Republicans.  But least we not forget the Democrats spent a great deal of money too.”

Jordan: “The difference was the Republicans were very targeted and basically bought the US Senate.  Buying the Senate in and of itself was not such a big deal.  But, you H-Man, being a former history teacher, know what the Senate controls.”

H-Man: “The approval of Federal judges and especially the approval of new Supreme Court Justices.”

Jordan: “Republicans knew for some time the core of the party was becoming a minority of voters.  I don’t know exactly when they started but for a number of years they worked to control the courts with special emphasis on controlling the appointees to the Circuit Courts and the Supreme Court.”

H-Man: “You think the 2014 mid-term election put them in control?”

Jordan: “Think about what Republicans were able to do.  If they were able to control the House of Representatives, and the White House, OK.  But what the Republicans really focused on was controlling Senate and therefore the Supreme Court.”

H-Man: “You’re right.  If they get only 5 of 9 justices to vote their way, they win, no matter who controls the House, the White House, or the Senate for that matter.”

supreme_court_buildingJordan: “Let’s see.  Five people have as much…actually more power…than the Legislative and Executive branches combined.  Not only that but the 5 Supreme Court Justice never stand for re-election.  If the Republicans can get the Senate to approve judges who are in their 40’s, then the Republicans can effectively control the country for 30-40 years without any concern over who wins the elections.”

H-Man: “You really think that was their strategy?”

Jordan: “Absolutely.  And I have to hand it to the Republicans.  It was brilliant.  Even most Democratic strategists missed their real motive.”

H-Man: “Clearly the general public didn’t understand, especially those who voted Republican.  Looking back many Republican loyalists had their real earning power eroded by Republican legislation…and never did understand what happened.”

Jordan: “If you think about what the Republicans did  – and I’m talking about the 1.0% group, more like 0.1% group and not the run-of-the-mill Republican — they bought 3-4 talk radio hosts who then convinced many people the Republican platform was the road to salvation.”

H-Man: “What’s even more ironic is when the country elected Obama president it made the Republican’s job easier.”

Jordan: “If I had to pick a different tipping point, the election of Obama would be it.”

H-Man: “True.  Here you have a black man in the White House…in and of itself an interesting contrast…with an Islamic middle name.  What a perfect set up for a feeding frenzy by ultra-right wing Republicans.”

BrainwashedJordan: “I never quite thought of the situation in this context, but seems to me the 0.1% Republicans were able to brainwash many less-educated white voters.”

H-Man: “Brainwashed to do what?”

Jordan: “Brainwashed to support ideas and economic policies that were directly against their best interest…and, at the same time, have the voter believe he or she is…or at least was…right.”

H-Man: “You saying lower-income people really voted against their own interest?”

Jordan: “Not just lower-income but many middle-income people were brainwashed as well.”

H-Man: “Whatever the case, many people finally woke up to the real Republican agenda – me included – and started the Revenge Revolution.”

 

#95 Republicants: Be Grateful to Pay Taxes

01 Saturday Nov 2014

Posted by Jordan Abel in Back Asswards Thinking, Causes of the Revolution, Economics, Societal Issues

≈ Leave a comment

(Readers: The entries in the blog center around the author’s prediction that the US will experience a 5th revolution by 2020-2025.  Some early vignettes precede the revolution; later vignettes follow the revolution.  Many characters appear regularly.  More about the blog and the author.)

(Scene: Jordan and Ms. having dinner. Conversation continues.)

Ms.: “Alright, now that we’ve elected Rocky as president and Bullwinkle as vice-bullwinkle1president, it’s time to get serious.”

Jordan: “Serious about what?  I’m afraid to ask.”

Ms.: “You don’t need to be afraid of me Jordan.  Serious about human behavior.  Here’s what I would like to know.”

Jordan: “And that is…”

Ms.: “Why are Republicans not grateful?”

Jordan: “Exactly what do you mean?”

Womens symbolMs.: “Exactly what I mean is most Republicans should be called Republicants.”

Jordan: “Are you implying that because Republicans answer to almost every proposal to help the common good is ‘no’ and often ‘hell, no’!  Is that what you’re implying?”

Ms.: “Jordan, sometimes you are smarter than you act.”

Jordan: “Thanks…for what I’m not sure.”

Ms.: “Take health care.  Rather than supporting a Republican-created proposal for broader health care…not even a national health care system but one that would result in increased economic growth…the answer was ‘you people’ – ‘you people’ meaning those of lessor means…cannot have affordable health care.”

Jordan: “What else?”

Mickey-Mouse-fingerMs.: “Voting rights.  For those of you people who have limited means and might for a Democrat, we Republicants are not going to let you vote unless…unless you people have a certain type of ID.”

Jordan: “Republicans are trying to prevent voter fraud.”

Ms.: “Jordan, study after study after study has indicated voter fraud does not exist in this country.  Over the last 50 years there were more people charged with violating bird migratory laws than charged with voter fraud.”

Jordan: “The voter ID laws are designed to be preemptive and avoid future fraud.”

Ms.: “Right.  Maybe Republicants should pass a law preventing dogs from driving cars.  The new driverless car technology will allow people to send their dog to the store and fetch food.  Let’s stop that idea now before those people send their dogs to Starbucks.”

Jordan: “You know what I mean.”

voting-boothMs.: “To show you how far Republicants have gone preventing ‘those people’ from voting, in Texas, the approved ID’s include a gun permit but not an ID from an academic institution.  So some wacko with a gun permit gets to vote and a straight-A student at Texas A&M, a state university, who doesn’t have a driver’s license cannot vote.  Makes sense to me.  C’mon, what are Republicants afraid of?

Jordan: “Ok, so Republicans….”

Ms.: “Please use the proper term, Republicants.”

Jordan: “Voting rights aside, for many programs Republicans do seem to want to tie eligibility to payment of income tax.  If you pay tax, then there is a tax credit available.  If not, there might be some subsidy but with some strings attached.”

Ms.: “What if you do not or cannot earn enough to earn a tax credit, let alone use a tax credit?  For those people…those slouchers and takers, the tax credit is of no value.”

Jordan: “Then those people should get another job and earn more money.”

Ms.:  “Quit being a smartass.  You sound like a Republicant.  Income taxes are not the only taxes people pay.  And where would these people find another job since the CEO’s shipped many of the jobs off shore?”

Jordan: “A few minutes ago you asked why Republicans weren’t more grateful.  More grateful for what?”

Income TaxMs.: “I asked because Republicants don’t even sound grateful for what they have.  Repubicants sound more  hateful than grateful.  Republicants will think I’m crazy but I’m grateful to pay income taxes.”

Jordan: “Why are you happy to pay taxes?”

Ms.: “I said grateful to pay income taxes, not happy.”

Jordan: “OK, grateful.  Why?”

Ms.: “Because paying income taxes means I have enough income for more than my basic needs.”

Jordan: “You sound like a socialist.”

Ms.: “Wakeup, Jordan.  Aren’t you grateful for all you have?”

Jordan: “Yes, I am.”

Ms.: “Then you should be grateful to be able to share.  And that’s what most taxes do – help spread the wealth.”

Jordan: “You said most taxes.  What about the inefficiencies of government?  The private sector is much more efficient.”

Ms.: “Fox News have you brainwashed?  Actually for some projects I agree.  But the idea that the private sector is more efficient for big innovative, high-risk projects, is just BS.”

Jordan: “Agreed.  The private sector doesn’t fund public works projects and very little pure R&D.”

Research_tnbMs.: “Are Republicants supporting programs like – man-to-the-moon, interstate highways, railroads, satellite communication, internet, major medical research?  No.  Why?  Because no clear ROI initially and we want our little company CEO’s to get their bonus.”

Jordan: “Feel better now?”

Ms.: “Not really.  I’m very angry and frustrated that the segment of society with the most education and the most wealth seems to be the least grateful.  And with that kind of attitude the Republicants wonder why there was a revenge revolution.”

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