How to "Fix" America

Not That There's Much Wrong...

Frankly I'm worried, not my usual state of mind

So I look to wise men* for ideas, both on what ails the magnificent USA, and particularly what we might do to improve things.

Balthasar: So, Melchior, supernova or celestial sign?
And where the heck is Gaspar?

DEFINE THE PROBLEMS AND SUGGEST SOME SOLUTIONS, WISEGUYS.

I happen to think Noam Chomsky is one of the wisest men on Earth. Robert Pollin is an economics professor at the U. of Mass, and I am becoming impressed by his wisdom. So two wise men.

Chomsky and Pollin, modern wise men

I've never read a better define/suggest piece than this one. It gives me clarity and even some hope. Take some time when you are in your clearest state of mind and read it. 

Definition of the Problems

(A few headlines)

CHOMSKY:  The right is ascendant, in fact some of its harshest and most destructive elements are rising.

It's the one with sinister features, sometimes smacking of totalitarianism, including adoration of The Leader.

The ultra-right is spearheaded by Steve Bannon, one of the most dangerous figures in the shiver-inducing array that has come to the fore in recent years.

Beneath the radar, the "respectable" Republican establishment chips away at government programs that might be of benefit to the general population, but not to their constituency of extreme wealth and corporate power. 

The Russian saboteurs of democracy seem to be everywhere.

There's the the remarkable success of the Sanders campaign, breaking with over a century of mostly bought elections.

Some Needed Fixes

POLLIN: A centerpiece for any kind of progressive social and economic program needs to be full employment with decent wages and working conditions. 

Spending $1 million on education will generate a total of about 26 jobs within the US economy, more than double the 11 jobs that would be created by spending the same $1 million on the US military. 

Spending $1 million on investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency will create over 16 jobs within the US, while spending the same $1 million on fossil fuel infrastructure will generate about 5.3 jobs. (which also happens to be the single most significant force driving the planet toward ecological disaster.)

Throughout the history of capitalism, unregulated financial markets have persistently produced instability and crises.

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I hope you read it. It's long, but most definitely worth it! Agree or disagree, it's some great thinking by two Great Thinkers. Wise Men, if you will.                                       

*Hey, wise women too, but you know, Biblical and all that.