02-12-2022, 08:45 AM
(02-11-2022, 10:07 PM)beechnut79 Wrote:(02-11-2022, 11:39 AM)Skabungus Wrote: I've always been accused of being an optimist, but there are worse things. I've also had the satisfaction of saying "I told you so" more times than I could count. These days I remain an optimist, but I frankly have no idea what to expect as we come up on 2024 and beyond. I take heart in the spread of Lean Process Improvement throughout government and industry, and the rapid blooming of cooperatives ranging from internet and utility providers to more traditional coops all my hippy friends remember.
But we have been in a new Gilded Age ever since Reagan busted the unions four decades ago. Lower and middle classes have never really recovered, even during the two Democratic administrations. Clinton was for all intents and purposes was a DINO, and despite his initial promises Obama also turned out to be a major disappointment. And who knows if Biden will really be that much of a real improvement.
The moneyed elite aren't giving up control willingly, and they've managed to enlist resentful whites to fight their battles. If this comes to a good resolution, it won' be due to some thoughtful process. It will be messy. The plutocrats like the idea of contention, because two groups opposing each other leaves them free to do as they please.
Intelligence is not knowledge and knowledge is not wisdom, but they all play well together.