Saturday, December 22, 2007

And Joy To All

I hesitate to write this blog. From the beginning of my blogging career I have probably come close to writing this post at the holidays. Most of the times I decide not to for fear of being called that class warrior, humbug. Well, sticks and stones...

I read this article this morning: nytimes

Nothing new here. We should always remember those less fortunate at the holidays, but this sentiment runs abound, and what has it accomplished. People always pay homage to "those less fortunate" at their dinner table prayer around their bouquet of turkey and trimmings.

Not that I can speak for the "less fortunate" demographic, but I am sure they appreciate the thought, and bookending that appreciation is the excalamation: what in the hell are we going to do about it?

Not so simple. Will the masses rise together? Will we re-distribute? Probably not.

Capitalism, by its very nature, institues an underclass. So, accepting this premise could we not elect officials who act as a healthy check and/or balance. I mean the American system already spots the system one point maybe it wouldn't be a bad idea to elect someone from the underdogs.

Here comes my Edwards plug (John, you can send my check to Petoskey). John Edwards made a statement at one of his stump speeches in Iowa that his two opponents are both preaching bipartisan cooperation with big business and special interests (primarily in the arena of healthcare reform). He rhetorical quips, "Do you think the pharmaceutical companies are going to give away their money, their profits?" Edwards straps on his Spartan armor and proclaims that the power will not be handed over but that the working class must unite and fight the special interests. That they must band together and violently (not literal, I don't think) and quickly take control....

Generic Authoritative Voice: Mr. Edwards, have you yourself ever been or have you been associated with anyone who is a memener of the communist party?

Okay, so I am suprised John hasn't cought more flack for this, but you know what I applaud him. I mean I am no idiot, I realize that he is a filthy rich trial lawyer, he pays whatever it was for a haircut, but at least he is using his privileged voice to give support and inspiration to those who need it most.

Hopefully, John Edwards has scored the first point of more to come in the ultimate comeback against Team Institution.