400 Americans have more wealth than the bottom 50% of the population combined. See here. The great bulk of their income is taxed only at a rate of 15%. These and other markers of inequality cannot be sustained politically or economically. But where are the manifestations of popular outrage? It might be argued that Americans are too busy being entertained to death with their televisions, computers, and i-you-name-its. No doubt Americans are excessively the victims of electronic amusement, but the severity of the economic downturn has not escaped their attention. It might be argued (because it is true) that the population is not aware of the extent of income inequality in the country. See here. But the population is clearly aware that the rich are getting richer at its expense. Low voting rates indicate a sense that nothing can be done, not a sense that nothing is wrong. But the clock is ticking. Overreaching can not persist. It is always hard to predict what specific events will trigger popular responses. But if democracy cannot work in the voting booths, it is inevitable that it will take to the streets. It happens elsewhere. It has happened here.
Wisconsin is the tip of the iceberg.
Perhaps my sense of history is all wet, but it seems to me that in such situations the have-nots fight among themselves for the scraps from the table.
Posted by: Antonio Manetti | 03/11/2011 at 02:32 PM