A New World Order

The upcoming US November presidential elections have been and continue to be, a “hurry up and wait” scenario. The closer we get the less we know. After considerable political decision dodging, Joe Biden finally committed to a running mate; California Senator Kamala Harris. In a quicksand of possibilities, he might be able to float some votes with this decision, despite their past differences.

Bottom line, is of course, votes. Buying them. With campaign promises, realistic or not. The “Monthly Economic Crisis Support Act” is a twisted version of Universal Basic Income. Harris is asking for indefinite monthly payments, per person, of $2000 (including $2000 additional, per child. Up to 3) with retroactive pandemic payments. For an average family of four that comes to a whopping $6000 per month. Contraceptive companies are not going to be happy, but Churches might be doing the Hallelujah dance and Family Planning will take on a whole new meaning.

Per the US Dept. Of Housing, the median family income in 2019 for a family was a mere $75,500 per year. This is an increase of 5% from 2018. (The Annie E. Casey Foundation concurs). This breaks down to a rounded $6000 per month less taxes. To date, officially, housing cost accounts for over 37% of family budgets. Reality, in some areas,is it can be as high or higher than 50%. Belts tighten and credit cards get maxed. Any emergency can push a family over the financial edge. Yes, there is a problem.

Which brings us to the real questions for our society. We are a capitalist based economy and are not set up to support this level of immediate and long-term financial aid without new directives. It’s Mardi Gras confetti. Pretty during the parade but useless shortly after. History has clearly proven that endless printing of money is a dark path to economic disaster.

Heaven forbid we even whisper the word “socialism”. Certain factions still confuse that one with communism. However, this may be an historic moment for merging two experimental economic philosophies into a new definition of democracy. We are, as a country, young and brave enough to try.

So, where do we go from here? The protests continue, roiling with un-focused rage and exclusive vs inclusive shouting. (I won’t anger the tunnel-vision bulls by suggesting that in an inclusive society, “all lives” matter.)

Republicans and Democrats shout from their respective soap boxes, each blowing pretty bubbles in an effort to attract upcoming votes. Actual explanations on How they plan to keep those bubbles afloat in the real economy is superfluous. They only have to last another 3 months at this game. President Trump seems to have an agenda of his own and is jogging along almost as an Independent candidate. Will wonders never cease…

So, Round-Robin, where in all these disconnected stories is there a practical agenda? One that addresses fundamental social issues with workable directives? Baseline issues that include, “liveable wages”, reversing “at will” work policies, reasonable medical plans and housing costs. Addressing each of these brings both transparency and inclusivity to all of society. People can navigate their lives with a feeling of self-worth, safety and mutual respect.

We Cannot continue to divide and sub-divide ourselves into categories of suffering. And, before you charge off, bull-in-the-china-closet style, Nobody is denying the traumatic history that built this country. Specifically, we are not denying ALL the people who suffered and spilt blood into this land. Just a short list as a “gentle” reminder; the Native Americans, the Caribbean slaves, the African (twice sold) slaves, the Chinese railroad workers, the famine fleeing Irish, the interned Japanese, the Jews fleeing the Holocaust, the Russians fleeing the Revolution, the Hispanics fleeing gangs, the, the the… Anyone else notice a common thread here? Except for our Native Americans, we ARE a county of immigrants.

A Melting Pot of races, beliefs, pain and hope that makes us uniquely American. “Indivisible, with liberty and justice for all”. We all pledged, hands over hearts to uphold that dream. “A house divided against itself cannot stand”.

Reach out and take your fellow Americans’ hand and pledge to stand together. Or, we all fall. Now. “This is it. This is that moment.

kvk 08–2020

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REFS:

US Dept. of Housing and Urban Development; Notice PDR-2019–01

“I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”.

“House Divided Speech” was an address given by Abraham Lincoln, later President of the United States, on June 16, 1858

Matthew, 12:25: “And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand.”