Well, it’s a sh*t show for the rich.
With the Democaratic blue wave cascading all over North America, all those Republican politicians who sold themselves to the billionaire class suddenly found themselves swept off their high perches.
In state after state, even those thought to be impregnable fortresses of white supremacy, the challengers who were sneeringly dismissed as the “radical left” prevailed. Slotted in such supposedly demeaning categories as ‘Muslims’, ‘black women’, and ‘gay men’, they aimed for positions of power, and clinched them.
Never mind the lack of resources, never mind the hateful rhetoric. And especially, never mind the billionaire class who were pouring resources against them, and into their opponents oh-so-firmly entrenched in their seats --when the verdict came in, it was a Democrat’s playing field.
Case in point: Elon Musk. That guy knows how to play the economic, political and cultural landscapes not just of North America, but pretty much anywhere in the world. He has the communications apparatus, what with Starlink and X, he has connections both sides of the Atlantic, and most of all, he has the obscene wealth to get everything he wants: contracts, lawyers, deals, properties, women --you name it. He even thought he could buy into the U.S. government.
Pouring half a billion dollars poured into the campaigns of the Republicans was probably enough to get the sniveling allies Musk needed into the American legislature. The necessary whiny voices and poisoned votes to bat for him. But he bet on the wrong ponies --and look at the disastrous scenario that unfolded. Disastrous for him, anyway.
This is a good wake up call for the corrupt and the corruptors. It’s not a good idea to keep hoarding wealth, and to keep resisting contributing to the common good. It’s stupid to ignore the inequalities outside your window while wallowing in riches and luxuries. It is idiotic to think making money off the backs of the majority while not giving back to them, or allowing them to have decent lives, will not backfire.
Just like what happened in France. And just so very recently, Paraguay. The political elite commingled their interests with the oligarchs, and ignored the common people they were supposed to serve. And true enough, one day, the situation was out of control.
The people protested. The people made themselves heard. The not-so-friendly reminders rushed in. You are there to serve.
If only the filthy rich could think about what they should actually do in order to preserve the socio-economic infrastructure that gave them their wealth in the first place. Maybe it is time to contribute more, which is what so many foundations have been doing. Resisting taxes on wealth while employing tax shields, tax breaks and tax cuts, only leaves the burden on the unfortunate majority.
So pony up. Give back. Stop backing corrupt politicians who will block reforms that actually will also redound to your long-term benefit. By keeping the masses fed, clothed, happy, comfortable, and even, dare we think it, happy, that creates a society where those in their perches can roost. And if that roost is an ultra-luxury home located in a rich bubble, sure, you can even keep it. No need to fear that one day, the hoi-polloi rabble is going to come in and torch your home in Maria Luisa or Forbes Park.
It’s a glorious day for those with ideals of justice, good governance and a caring society. In America, that is.
And in this country? Are you watching, dear leaders? Do you hear the plaints of the poor and the oppressed? Can you hear the wails of the hungry and the sick? What are you planning to do about it? Where do you place your bets?