Sunday, February 13, 2011

Sounds Like U.S. Citizens Also Have to Learn How to Walk Like an Egyptian


An interesting Oped in the New York Times reveals that Americans are also buckling under the weight of the Corporate Welfare State. So maybe they too need to learn how to walk like an Egyptian, and just say they're not going to take it anymore.
As the throngs celebrated in Cairo, I couldn’t help wondering about what is happening to democracy here in the United States. I think it’s on the ropes. We’re in serious danger of becoming a democracy in name only.

While millions of ordinary Americans are struggling with unemployment and declining standards of living, the levers of real power have been all but completely commandeered by the financial and corporate elite. It doesn’t really matter what ordinary people want. The wealthy call the tune, and the politicians dance.

So what we get in this democracy of ours are astounding and increasingly obscene tax breaks and other windfall benefits for the wealthiest, while the bought-and-paid-for politicians hack away at essential public services and the social safety net, saying we can’t afford them.
And that horrible brother of Rob Ford telling people who care about the welfare of the most vulnerable, to "get a job" shows how callous those with their hands in the pockets of corporations have become.

Isn't it interesting that former western democracies are now looking to Egypt for inspiration?

Bloomberg's is reporting that: Corporate tax cuts could lead to Canadian election. They suggest that Harper is using the same Tea Party slogans of "job creating" tax cuts, but that is one of the biggest myths in modern times.

We are going to walk like Egyptians next election, because we're damn sick of taking second place to corporations, most of which are not even Canadian. We are suffering and told to expect to suffer more. Enough is enough.

What I would like is for everyone to send me a photo of themselves or their groups, families, whatever, walking like Egyptians. You can put hats over your eyes if you want to conceal your identity, though it would be better if you showed your face.

I want to get posters and flyers made and possibly a Facebook fan site if I can figure out how to do it. If Egypt can win their democracy we need to reclaim ours, by walking like an Egyptian.

I'm pumped.

No comments:

Post a Comment