The Federal government has shut down. Big surprise right?
Let's be honest here people. We all knew this was going to happen. The Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) is the law. Like most laws, it was voted on in the House of Representatives, voted on in the Senate, and signed by the President. It survived several challenges by the opponents and was upheld by the Supreme Court. Some people are for Obamacare. Others are against it. But this blog posting is not about whether you are for or against Obamacare. Instead I want to take this opportunity to remind everyone that American democracy is a lie. My fellow Americans, we live in an empire. We live in a plutocracy. The government doesn't serve you. Your politicians don't serve you. You serve them.
Don't believe me? Let's talk about the shut down. Let's set aside that this shut down accomplished nothing. Let's set aside that there was never a point where a shut down would accomplish anything. Obamacare was rolling out Oct. 1st no matter what. Politicians were willing to allow the Federal Government to shut down to make an ideological point. Why? It's not just because the hate Obamacare. It's because there is no consequence for them. None. Congress isn't going to lose anything. Congress will still get paid. They will still receive benefits. They will still cash checks from corporate lobbyists. No one will lose their job or position. Basically, the shutdown will have NO IMPACT WHATSOEVER on them. None.
The American people? Well that's another matter entirely. Thousands will not be paid. Thousands don't have a job to go to. Thousands will see their benefits freeze. As the shutdown continues that number will grow. Imagine a game a chicken where the politicians place YOU in the car instead of themselves. Imagine a game of Russian roulette where the politicians place the gun to YOUR head and not theirs. That's exactly what this is. Congress is basically holding Americans hostage until they get their way.
It's always been that way too. American politicians can't relate to you. They don't worry about putting food on the table. They don't worry about how they will send their kids to college. They don't worry about how they are going to pay their mortgage or how they are going to pay for their healthcare. They live on Planet Washington. The economy, unemployment, and social conditions of this country has no impact on them.
America is an empire folks. You and I are pawns. Believe whatever the hell you like. But that's the truth. This "shutdown" is just another example. You have two options at this point. Accept it and deal. Or you can wake up and push back. There is no such thing as American exceptionalism. American imperialism? Well that's another matter entirely....
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