Is there any reason to expect (or desire) the economy to “recover”? I don’t think so, largely because the whole profit-as-incentive, American Dream-machine continues its stranglehold on large portions of the population who ideologically continue to support with votes, money, phone calls, IMs, the system (and the people) who propose, implement and enforce economic relationships that have by necessity put us where we are now. The rich can continue to maximize profits, and become astronomically richer, only at the expense of the poor and middle class. Last November, Washington state voters turned down a referendum to establish a state income tax, a proposal that would have also placed a somewhat larger share of taxes on the wealthy in order to give a financial boost to public services – especially education. But, our profit-as-incentive, American Dream-machine has so constricted the blood flow to the American brain that people largely cannot imagine wanting anything other than the system that allows every individual a chance to “make a killing and be set for life” – win the Lotto, be the Survivor, get discovered as the next American Idol. Sad, but there is actually a simple logic to this – if you dream of becoming rich, then you’ve got to support their club, play by their rules, and otherwise pay homage to all that paves the way to their grandiose heights. So, on the first Tuesday of November, one votes against taxation of the rich, supports corporate tax incentives, and daydreams about The Day.
Of course, there are those who do know the system for what it largely and truly is – a mechanism for increasing the wealth of a few at the expense of everybody else and the planet. Yes, crumbs are, indeed, handed down to those faithful retainers whose allegiance is essential in supporting (and, these days, propping up) the entire structure, but the faith has never been reciprocated. Retainers have always been, and will forever be, expendable. We who recognize the truth of this, unfortunately, are still a part of it and feel increasingly strait-jacketed by an economic system that doesn’t give us any option to opt-out (except via homelessness).
Strange, no? In the land where "consumer choice” is the hallmark of freedom, the people have no choice but to participate in this economy or be out on the street.
These are the thoughts running through my mind as I await official notice that I won't have a job next year.
Today is the day before the state legislature is due to finalize next year’s budget, and the plan right now in the school district is to downsize several libraries to halftime, a move that would set in motion a shuffling of personnel. And, because I was willing to accept a non-continuing contract in exchange for employment last fall, I have no standing, no “bumping rights,” no nothing. Somebody has to be last. There’s always got to be a loser. Right? Maybe, but I might get lucky (too bad I don’t do Lotto) and be offered one of the halftime positions after all the shuffling is over. Stressful time, is it not?
To tell the truth, I actually find the situation intriguing. Like I’m riding a wave toward the unknown. Yes, it’s scary, but also exhilarating. What are the possibilities? Well, I might drown. But, then I might not. The wave could carry me to a new unimagined, unexpected, unexplored place.
How great to be part of a “new wave,” an avant-garde, a…revolution? To be on the crest of a wave that must, as all waves must, crash against a well-established shore and, in crashing, to perhaps completely alter the shoreline – how wonderful might that be?
To be on the wave that could crush soul- and planet-destroying Capitalism out of existence – what a time to be alive!
But, it is also a time to be prepared. As best, of course, as is possible. Eyes wide open, reflexes ready, mind alert, all senses poised for opportunity and alliance.
Where are you on this wave?
Next week…Back to Basics.
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