There are several ancient uses for the term, “going to pot”; all boil down to old food sources, alive or cooked, good for nothing but the soup pot. Here, now, is America, going to pot.
We must continue to fight, beating the drum for all people to get responsibly informed, accept the truth and unite for the common good – the only good that will save each of us and this nation as a whole. We must all serve this nation “as a whole.” Anyone who can’t swallow a little bitter pill, now and then, for the good of this nation “as a whole” is not an American, but “a Self-ist.” “Self-ists” don’t make any nation strong. If we are to survive as individuals, we must first survive as a nation; we must be strong, not self-indulgent. Our country isn’t an inanimate possession. It isn’t just dirt on the face of the earth. Our nation is a living, breathing natural ecosystem and a buzzing hive of human individuals as well.
What’s eating America? Chatterbox has talked about the corporate conglomerate ownership of some of our government leadership and their powerful, self-important push in this country. Many people refuse to see it because it’s easier to beat up the little guys. Chatterbox has discussed this often, citing dates, situations and actions by powerful forces over, and in, our government. This must be known and addressed by “we, the people.” We are losing more ground every day. Many Americans want to be tough ... get tough on the corrupt.
Some of us whine about the takers. Most are in genuine need, but a fraction do abuse the system … yes. Our lawmakers point fingers at those few; they’re a great diversion. They’re also a small drop in the bucket and not what’s going to bury us, but their mindset, on a grand scale, is. It’s being expertly done daily with some Washington lawmakers on a leash. We can’t decry the teacup tempest and ignore being bilked by the powerful.
Most people who object to public assistance programs don’t realize their imperative, productive preventions and proper use by most recipients. Most of us use the public education and transportation systems; we all use public streets, bridges, tunnels, traffic signals, law enforcement, etcetera. Many of us have, perhaps, once needed food stamps, the WIC (Women, Infants & Children) program, health care assistance, or needed to temporarily collect unemployment, and we all accept tax breaks for dependents.
Today, a large portion of Americans is collecting Social Security, and using Medicare. Who would give these up? Who can afford to? They are socialist programs – Democratic Socialism that is (though Social Security was designed to pay for itself). Medicare came in the 1960s, but it and Social Security were proposed in President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s Second Bill of Rights. Well worth researching, these also included the rights to a good education, a viable income, and the ability to do business “unimpeded by monopolies.” These overburden none of us, but benefit all.
If FDR had lived past the end of World War II, we would, most likely, now have quality national health care like so many other nations ... indeed, like that which the allied nations of World War II made a condition for Germany, Italy and Japan, as part of the reconstruction plan. Ironically, this left the conquered nations of that war in better shape than we ourselves were – or still are – in. Some supposedly democratic policies literally foisted onto the surrendering countries have benefited them in ways America can still only desire … and, yes, we absolutely can afford them. America is still very wealthy; it’s where the money is going that’s left her people choking. Many of the same people who are distracted by the little issues don’t realize that.
The world watches the costume party while America flaunts her disguise of democracy. Now, too many of her people fight to redefine democracy and equality to minimize people of different economics, skin color, religion, heritage, gender and other particulars. While our enemies snicker, we’re losing every resemblance to a united nation with the potential we had, pursuing greatness, and once poised on the brink thereof by way of real people for real democracy.
The urgency and frequency with which we reiterate all of this is of paramount necessity. America’s democracy is not dying – it’s being murdered. While the great plan escapes us, there is a dark, dangerous high-end greed choking off America’s future.
Join our readers whose generous donations are making it possible for you to read our news coverage. Help keep local journalism alive and our community strong. Donate today.
