The $1.9 Trillion American Rescue Plan packs a lot more than COVID relief—it’s a rethink of the role of government for good. But there’s A LOT more to do.
Dr. El-Sayed has iterated one of the biggest needs and challenges that will test the understanding and the ability of the ALL of the people to change. That challenge is the equitable distribution of wages and wealth to all citizens. As described, wealth has been given to the top few percent of us for at least the last 4-5 decades. Addressing the poverty of America's children is a start but more needs to be done. As automation proceeds many more workers will lose their jobs. Without the resources required to obtain food, shelter, education and basic comforts, chaos will prevail. The pandemic has given a glimpse of what happens when wealth flows to just those at the top. Many remedies exist. Citizens United must be overturned. Corporations are not people! They MUST not be able to contribute unlimited money to candidates for public office. Unions must be re-established to provide members the ability to collectively bargain for wages and worker's rights. Antitrust laws should be aggressively enforced so that competition is preserved and monopolies that can dictate terms are prevented or at least limited. Equality for all must be paramount! Dr. Sayed has the long term vision for successfully correcting these inequities. A grass roots movement is essential. "Healing Politics" explains in understandable language how we got to this critical turning point and what can be done about it. I attended a virtual tribute to Ferlinghetti recently. It was mentioned by one of the Baby Beats (Thomas Rain Crowe)that Ferlinghetti was initially an anarchist but later ascribed to the philosophy of social democracy, ie, a democratic process encompassing social awareness and values. That in conjunction with political empathy can be a long term winning approach. Let's GO!!
Appreciate your thoughts, Gene. I think overturning Citizens United is the SINGLE BIGGEST challenge to moving a new consensus on government forward--they retain far too much power to shape our political landscape in ways that interrupt our ability to oppose it. But glad that we're moving in the right direction!
Heather McGee‘s book is amazing. So are you !! to recognize the lack of systemic change and the miserly pro corporate solutions particularly in healthcare. It’s supposed to be all of us, not just a few. Also it’s time for us to start pushing on student loans. Loan forgiveness of $10,000 is completely in adequate.Even corporate Democrats like Schumer understand that or they state they do. Let’s make sure Biden does the right thing. Unfortunately, healthcare seems like it’s going to be a longer outside to inside battle.
You are so very welcome.If you think I’ve turned into one of your biggest fans, you are right. Sending your column far and wide hopefully you’ll get some subscriptions.
Dr. El-Sayed has iterated one of the biggest needs and challenges that will test the understanding and the ability of the ALL of the people to change. That challenge is the equitable distribution of wages and wealth to all citizens. As described, wealth has been given to the top few percent of us for at least the last 4-5 decades. Addressing the poverty of America's children is a start but more needs to be done. As automation proceeds many more workers will lose their jobs. Without the resources required to obtain food, shelter, education and basic comforts, chaos will prevail. The pandemic has given a glimpse of what happens when wealth flows to just those at the top. Many remedies exist. Citizens United must be overturned. Corporations are not people! They MUST not be able to contribute unlimited money to candidates for public office. Unions must be re-established to provide members the ability to collectively bargain for wages and worker's rights. Antitrust laws should be aggressively enforced so that competition is preserved and monopolies that can dictate terms are prevented or at least limited. Equality for all must be paramount! Dr. Sayed has the long term vision for successfully correcting these inequities. A grass roots movement is essential. "Healing Politics" explains in understandable language how we got to this critical turning point and what can be done about it. I attended a virtual tribute to Ferlinghetti recently. It was mentioned by one of the Baby Beats (Thomas Rain Crowe)that Ferlinghetti was initially an anarchist but later ascribed to the philosophy of social democracy, ie, a democratic process encompassing social awareness and values. That in conjunction with political empathy can be a long term winning approach. Let's GO!!
Appreciate your thoughts, Gene. I think overturning Citizens United is the SINGLE BIGGEST challenge to moving a new consensus on government forward--they retain far too much power to shape our political landscape in ways that interrupt our ability to oppose it. But glad that we're moving in the right direction!
Heather McGee‘s book is amazing. So are you !! to recognize the lack of systemic change and the miserly pro corporate solutions particularly in healthcare. It’s supposed to be all of us, not just a few. Also it’s time for us to start pushing on student loans. Loan forgiveness of $10,000 is completely in adequate.Even corporate Democrats like Schumer understand that or they state they do. Let’s make sure Biden does the right thing. Unfortunately, healthcare seems like it’s going to be a longer outside to inside battle.
I agree-- 10K is completely inadequate. Thinking about writing about this this week. Thanks for the push, Susan!
You are so very welcome.If you think I’ve turned into one of your biggest fans, you are right. Sending your column far and wide hopefully you’ll get some subscriptions.
🙏🏽