While the politicians in Washington argue over whether raise the debt ceiling, do away with Social Security, take funding away from community based groups and lower taxes even more for corporate America, the Fat Cats are getting fatter and it’s business as usual on Wall Street. The oil companies are showing record profits and Haliburton stock is currently at a 52 week high with net earnings of $511 million dollars in the last quarter. Shell shocked vets are the majority of people staggering down the streets of America, sleeping in doorways and alleys. Hard working people find themselves unable to afford basic health care. I hear a lot about cutting government spending but I hear nothing about cutting politicians salaries, or limiting their expense accounts. Instead I hear about proposed funding cuts to Planned Parenthood (like we need more people on the planet!) National Public Radio, domestic and international AIDS programs and on and on and on; all are on the chopping block. Health care isn’t even a real concern to them and god forbid we should tax the rich or hold those nameless/faceless corporations accountable. It’s a pretty good ride if you’re a major stockholder. If you’re a person that’s simply trying to pay your rent you’re on your own, Charlie.
Washington D.C. is corporate headquarters and the politicians are on the payroll. They’re no longer working for their constituents, they’re available to the highest bidder and working for their special interests. The cards have been dealt, the outcome is predictable. More for them, then even more for them, and if that’s not enough, let’s make sure there’s more for them.
It’s easy to feel like we’re powerless and there’s nothing we can do. However, there are things, easy things we can do to show our disdain for what we’re forced to call our government. This coming Saturday, July 30 people are asked to step outside at noon. Just go outside wherever you are and stand in the street. Call your friends to meet at a certain place, talk with your neighbors or simply go outside at noon and stand in the street. People all over the country are participating in this attempt to show our dismay at the disarray in Washington. If you’d like more information about this action, go to this Facebook invite.
