Occupy? Not Occupy?

 

I copied the poster above from a Facebook posting by Jeff Baker a young man I have known for many years.  When I recognized the posting was from Jeff I took a moment to read it, because I respect Jeff’s opinions and I was curious to see what the poster had to “say” about the Occupy movement. Now, I want to be clear that Jeff didn’t create the poster he merely posted it on his Facebook page.

After reading the poster I found myself agreeing with some of the complaints the poster raises.  First, I do agree there is corruption in the country, can any reasonable, thinking person disagree with that notion?  No.  Second, I also believe that money shouldn’t influence politics.  Of course that puts me squarely in the naïve column as money does influence (make that “buy”) politicians and their politics.  As to “healthy capitalism” vs. “corrupt capitalism” well, I would like a better definition regarding this for this reason; capitalism has no soul, no inherent guiding moral principles because it is an economic system not a religious one.  Any morality that may attach itself to capitalism must be brought to it by the people involved in the system.  If there is a lack of morality I would suggest looking at the people not the system.  Capitalism, as I said, is simply an economic system, not a code of ethics or morals.   

An honest assessment of capitalism in America, I believe, would reveal this fact; the American version of capitalism has been heavily compromised by the, you guessed it, government.  Bureaucracy, onerous, confusing and repetitive governmental regulation has all but put capitalism in the obituary column in the morning paper.  Socialist influences, usually, though not always, from left leaning liberal types, are on the ascendancy while capitalism is on decline in America.  There are reason for this.  Socialism promises “equality” economically, socially, politically.  Of course Socialism only “works” under one scenario; dictatorship.  We Americans would never tolerate a dictatorship, so, we have created, in its place a bloated federal government.  A central government that is controlling the nation; its economy, medicine, retirement, etc. 

The clever thing about crafting this kind of Socialist government is this; you don’t have to call it “Socialism.”  Besides, why would a Socialist want to do that in America, the word is very toxic in our nation.  But….while the word may be toxic more and more Americans are buying into the “notion” of Socialism by demanding more stuff from the government.  The government, that would be our elected officials, love the system that empowers them to take money from its citizens who work and spend it on things that will ensure their reelection.  To a greater or lesser degree that is what many politicians think of when they think of imposing taxes on us. 

As a result there is a large constituency, both corporate and individual, in America that has become dependent, addicted, to the “largesse” of the government and the many programs that the government has created to make them dependent. 

Some of the “addicted” are found among our largest corporations and financial institutions.  They spend enormous amounts of money currying favor from various politicians to get “consideration” on a bill before them or a tax break.  I believe they wield a disproportionate amount of influence on our law makers.  All gifts, donations, trips, etc.,  of any amount, given to a law maker should be prohibited.  Any lobbying would have to be on its merits not on its money.

The other group of addicted constituents are the voters.  Some, about 50% don’t pay any federal income tax at all ( I know they pay the payroll taxes).  Others get tax refunds even though they haven’t paid any money in taxes!  The government is involved in almost every phase of our lives now, from cradle to grave!  They build bridges to nowhere and pay a hundred dollars for a screwdriver (don’t miss the irony there).  What’s going on?  Is our government truly an altruistic “parent” fixated on our wellbeing?  Naw.  Not a chance!

Many politicians have discovered that they can get votes by using tax payers money.  It is the easiest fund raising they can do.  They don’t call it buying votes but, essentially, that is what they do.  They take tax dollars and try to steer them into their district, or build bridges to nowhere, or create programs for select groups in order to garner votes and stay in power. Does is strike you as odd that here, in America, the “melting pot” of the world, we identify ourselves with so many different groups?  There are the AARP’s, Black Americans, Latino’s, Asian, Women’s groups, liberals, conservatives and independents, libertarians, (did I miss your group?) just to name a few.  How did this happen?  Politics.  These “groups” are seeking to have  clout in the political arena, a voice to be heard.  They all seek the same thing; special treatment, access, to the politician.  In splintering into various groups or factions they have unwittingly weaken themselves collectively!  American’s need to get back to voting for what is good for America not just their group.

Politicians have discovered that if they can create and maintain a large, majority of voters that “need” to be taken care of by the government they can then “barter” with them at election time.  They offer to take care of them and then they tell them if they vote for the other guy they will “lose” their benefits, exemption, or whatever.  So vote for “me” if you want your stuff to continue!  That is, in my opinion, the mantra of the liberal left in America.  The promise of more stuff from the government if you vote for “me” is an implied contract of sorts.  I call it what it is; buying votes with taxpayer dollars.

Perhaps it would help to put all of this in focus if you were you to equate your money, wealth, assets, as freedom.  That’s what economics is really all about; freedom.  One is free to risk, to fail, to succeed.  And everyone is free to pursue their dream.  If a government is permitted, by indifference in our case, to confiscate the wealth of its citizens, I would argue that that puts its citizens in jeopardy of losing its freedom. 

So, having said that, I respectfully suggest to the Occupiers’ “get off of your *** and occupy the only street that matters; not Wall St.  but Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington D.C.”  If the Occupiers want to do something of lasting value they would do well to put the spotlight where it belongs; on a broken Federal System together with some politicians who conspired with some financial institutions to steal Americans blind!

Occupy Washington D.C. “…and they will come!”

Hal

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