How did we go from the Great Society to Social Darwinism in four decades?
As a child of the 60s who went to college in the 1980s - the world I now find myself in seems almost surreal. When I compare the egalitarian time into which I was born to what we have today - I'm forced to ask the burning question: What the !#%$ happened to our country? Those of you old enough to remember know what I am talking about...I'm talking about the country that declared war on poverty and cancer while putting a man on the moon. The country that embraced the "Great Society" offering everyone a hand-up, not a hand-out. The country that rewarded innovation as opposed to stifling it in order to maintain the status quo for special interests. The country where education was held in high regard and not derided as "book learning." The country that challenged our best and brightest to pursue high degrees rather than deriding them as elitist. Diverse thoughts flourished and higher education was available to all who worked for it and were smart enough to take advantage of it. Being born into the era of the Great Society - I never in a million years contemplated our fall into social Darwinian chaos where big money rules and the rest of us are played for fools.
How low can we possibly go? Pretty low.
Today we are reduced to partisan squabbling over a bill that extends special medical benefits for emergency first responders from 911 that have ongoing health issues. It took nearly two months of knock-down-drag-out partisan bickering on the part of right-wing republicans to get the bill through the House. It has yet to go through the filibuster-happy Senate where it once again faces stiff opposition by the free market cowboys. What reason could the republicans possible have for trying to viciously obstruct such a bill? Answer: It could increase taxes and kill jobs growth. Ya gotta be kidding me!
Word to the wise - don't be a hero
What exactly do these republicans who lauded the heroism on 911 expect these firefighters and rescue workers to do? In their wildest dreams do they expect their "tough love" approach will translate into a new entrepreneurial brilliance that will save each of these men from financial and medical ruin? Do they truly expect private charity to fill in the gaping financial holes caused by astronomical medical costs combined with a shortened work life? It's pretty obvious they could care less. In the past, we took care of our own - but today the far-right takes America's bravest and throws them into the scrap heap when they have the audacity to seek reparations for injuries received in the line of duty. The message is clear - people are dispensable - but big business is priceless.
Jon Stewart "Gives Up" and so do I
Jon Stewart eloquently sums up this massive case of inertia with the phrase " I Give Up!" In this segment that would be absolutely hilarious if it weren't true. It is worth the time.
| The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c | ||
| I Give Up - 9/11 Responders Bill | |||
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