REVOLUTIONARY THOUGHTS

Is it really a “Revolution” that’s required to make the changes that we all know we need for “America”, and I might add, for the rest of humanity? I say we DO need revolutionary, fundamental changes to our political system here in the USA as it has morphed to, and exists today. What sparked these thoughts and my reaction to, is Bernie’s recent $15/Hour Minimum Wage Speech on the Senate Floor, with absolutely no other politicians there, an empty Senate Chamber except for maybe a few people and the video camera for the live video feed.

What initially struck me, aggravated me really, was when he was explaining that his proposed “Legislation” would spread the “Raise to $15 per hour” (Federal minimum wage), over a five-year period. I thought, WTF? What’s he doing? Then I immediately understood that THIS, was how he has to sugarcoat the proposed legislation in order for it to be more palatable for those opposed to ANY increase at all. That is insane.

Having to propose something to a bunch of political folks in such a way, that they just MIGHT go along with it without too much haggling and debate?  People of America, these are the same politicians that have for decades, consistently voted to give themselves pay-raises.

We, the “PEOPLE”, elect and send them to Congress to SERVE THE PEOPLE, not themselves and all their many industries that give them financial rewards for supporting their agendas. Like the Pharmaceutical Industry, the Oil & Gas Industry, industries that violate our environmental laws, etcetera. Are these politicians really serving us? And these politically “financially-motivated” hacks have the audacity to refuse to increase something so basic to life as the “Minimum Wage”? Absolutely insane!

Is there ANYTHING that “WE THE PEOPLE” can do about it? In reality, a BIG FAT NO! A friend recently mentioned the word “Strike”. The reason that it may OR may not be effective is because the politicians serve “Corporate America”, so YOUR employers already are at an advantage going in. Do you honestly think that a general nationwide “Strike” will solve the minimum wage issue?

Across America, there ARE a small handful of privately-owned businesses varying in size, that already compensate their employees with a decent wage/living standard then the sought-after $15 per hour. Those company owners ALSO give their employees benefits far beyond the normal that we see today in “Corporate America”. Those company owners are still making a profit on their product and/or service by the way. “Google” that.

Guess why the face of the CEO of General Electric (who’s name I won’t mention because like the song, “Everybody knows his name”) was the center of every Dart Board in every bar in Schenectady New York twenty-some years ago. What I’m saying with that question is fact. The management of ALL the major publicly-traded corporations are there to serve THEIR major stock/shareholders, NOT their employees. Busting the unions at the General Electric power-generation turbine factory and moving their production to other states like South Carolina dealt a devastating blow to not just the employees in Schenectady, but devastated the local economy in Schenectady as well. All these years later that asshole’s picture is still on some of the dartboards.

That was twenty-some years ago, maybe thirty, and the share/stockholders were pleased and rewarded by the “Union-Busting” move by GE. The employees that were not in positions to be offered and make the move to South Carolina? They’re tending bar, you know, the bars with the picture of the CEO on the dart-boards.

So, no, “Striking” probably is useless. Besides, since then, and decades before really, many of the major production factories/facilities here in the good-ole-USA have been closed, jobs eliminated, and we are acclimated to having our refrigerator, radio, television, automobile, jelly beans, underwear, toothpaste, and condoms made in China, India, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, and many other places “off-shore”. If we did see major nationwide strikes, who would we be “striking” against, Burger King?

Ultimately, I believe that change will come. How, I don’t know. We need to somehow make changes in how (and who) our political representatives “Represent”. Perhaps a major overhaul is required, like reducing the compensation that “WE THE PEOPLE” give to OUR political representatives. Reduce it to a “Living” wage, whatever that might be, like somewhere around $60K per year? (throw a dart at the dart-board). Another possible change that has been discussed for decades is Congressional term limits, and THAT HAS TO BECOME A REALITY.

Eliminate the profiteering off of legislation by passing laws making it a crime to pass legislation that eases environmental restrictions on certain industries, or passing laws making it impossible for victims to seek justice and compensation from the pharmaceutical industry, and other legislation that does not benefit WE THE PEOPLE (and by the way, all the while these life-long professional politicians are receiving millions of dollars in their campaign war-chests for doing serving their corporate masters). In other words, profiting off of attempts to pass legislation that is not in the interest of WE THE PEOPLE, would/should put you in prison.

Democracy has been dead and buried for a very long time, listen to Eisenhower’s famous last speech. Many say, (and I agree) that “America” has become the largest, war-mongering, killer of innocent people, in our world’s history, thanks to the “Military/Industrial Complex” that Ike talked about. What we have now is a “Corporation” with sole power, managed by the financial and corporate system, FOR THEM, not for “WE THE PEOPLE”. Money is absolutely absolute in that those in power regardless of their particular level in the pyramid are there to do the bidding of, and to insure that those at the higher levels are satisfied. And you think they care about making sure that you are earning a living wage for flipping hamburgers? Give me a break.

Revolution? Or taking part in bringing about revolutionary, fundamental changes to our country, but not just our own country, but world-wide. Global change. Changes that will bring our entire planet together in a new age of peace, prosperity, and happiness for all.

Sounds like a dream. Yeah, go ahead, spread that $15/Hour over five years because it will make it easier for the millionaire politicians to swallow. Wake up America! Let’s at least have conversations about this. Maybe TOGETHER, over time, we can do something positive for a change…..And for a REAL CHANGE.

As a species, we have finally crossed over the approximate 150 to 200 year threshold between the Age of Pisces-“Wars & Religions”, into the Age of Aquarius-“Technology & Peace”. We will still see, and suffer from, all “The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly” that we are known for, as a species. Even my grandson’s grandchildren will still see much turmoil and suffering, but they also will be witness to the greatness that is in our future. I certainly will not be around, but I can still write about, perhaps even sometimes predict, what is in the future for mankind. I forever remain optimistic about the future for all, and our planet.