How the top infiltrates the bottom
From the "Contract with America" in 1994 to the taking of both houses of Congress, a percieved solidarity is present between the Heartland and the GOP. According to a recent article in Harper's entitled "Lie Down for America" by Thomas Frank, this case is made by explaining that the GOP claim to have the same values as the heartland. While people on the coasts too often eat-out and live in apartments and go about life taking all sides into consideration, and therefore can't make a stand on anything. I'd say those ideas are a generalization but OK, there maybe some of that going on--although more than likely, not just on the coasts.
What I found was fascinating about the article was that Christianity seemed to play a huge part in this solidarity. Images of GOP leaders whispering Godless accusations about the Democrats filled my head as I read how real differences between midwestern and coastal lifestyles were warped into antagonism and the famous US vs.THEM scenario.
Now, I don't doubt that you can find a number of differences between lifestyles in the United States, but I would caution people to look more carefully at those who whisper things in their ears. Someone can be (or claim to be) a God-fearing Christian, from which you might assume that person had your best interests at heart. Or, that person can be nothing of the kind.
There are many policies in the Republican movement that have nothing to do with God. As an aside, it's hard to single out Republicans in this ruse because, I think, many upstanding Republicans are being fooled by the larger movement. Take those tax-cuts for instance, George Bush would like you to think that this acoss the board tax-cut is fair because "Its your money!" as he was so fond of saying. Well, I don't know about you, but I got $300 dollars in the mail. I certainly paid more into the system than $300. Where did the rest of MY MONEY go. Maybe to pay for other Government programs or maybe to pay for some millionaire's tax cut and maybe his missing money went to pay for some billionaire's tax cut. Anyway, the sums of money we are talking about could fund Social Security for a generation or two. You remember Social Security the retirement help people of modest means count on after age 65-- soon to be moved to 70. Why? social security is in trouble the money is running out.
Now take a step back and think about this. George Bush knew he had a trillion in surplus. What would YOU do with the money? Pay off some billls that were piling up, right? Fixing Social security for a couple generations sounds like a good idea. I think because instead of a one-time amount for $300 or $1000 dollars. Fixing social security would give you your $ 1000 to $1500 a MONTH! a much greater amount of money. Don't you think Grand Mom and Grand Dad could pay for their prescriptions a lot easier with an extra $1000+.
Or just think of yourself, you decided to forego your monthly $1000+ a month for $300 now. That doesn't seem fair does it?
Is that Billionaire going to depend on Social Security to live, buy prescriptions, find a in-home nurse? Of course not! but yet his tax-cut took that money away from the Government so that YOU can't use it later for your golden years.
So listen carefully what is being whispered in your ears. Other peoples lives may confuse you or making you feel uneasy. But the truth is they are in the same boat as you are, trying their best to get along. People, good people, try to make everyone's life a little easier, not great for a few people and lousy for the rest. A very small percentage will climb the ladder and become millionaires. Their life will be a little easier financially. What do you think YOUR chances are?? Are you hoping Social Security is there for you?