Monday, November 7, 2011

Politicians, the Elite and Social Engineers, Part 4

Another morning that I wake early in the morning because I have political thoughts on my mind.  I liked the time in my life when I would wake early because I had great ideas to apply at work much better!

I'm thinking what got me started is a story of Seattle police officer wives complaining of the Occupy protesters and protecting an officer that shot a homeless man, that was carving with his small (3 inch) knife, in his back.  I'm sorry, but this disturbs me horribly.  Not only was this man shot once, he was shot 3 times!  AND, not only was he shot in the side and back!  I understand supporting fellow officers, but to have the gall to say "you weren't there, and the press doesn't tell the truth" is not acceptable.  The evidence speaks for itself.  Officers are not supposed to shoot people in the back unless they are an immediate and direct threat to someone.  OK, so the guy was walking away and dis-obeying the officer - so get backup and continue to track the guy until backup arrives!  Anyhow, it was determined that the inexperienced officer was nervous and made rookie mistakes; thus, it was determined that he was not fit to be an officer.  I can accept that decision.  I just can NOT accept people thinking that it was acceptable behavior of an officer!

This story I believe is what led me to think of this question for the citizens of the U.S.A.:  Do we want a country where people starve, freeze or die from curable diseases while there is sufficient airable land for feeding everyone, sufficient housing for everyone and sufficient medical resources for everyone simply because we can not agree on how to properly distribute the wealth of the country?  If you are OK with this, then I feel terribly sad for you and wonder what in your life or what information could have led you to that position and I would LOVE to hear about it.  If not, PLEASE vote.  And, I'm not just talking about voting with your ballot.  Vote with your pocket-book and your voice!

I wouldn't have a problem with the 1% ultra-wealthy, if they were giving 100% of their profits and gains during the recession to charities that support foster children, the disabled and anything that supports honorable jobs; rather than continue to gain massive wealth while so many get poorer and poorer.  I am not part of the 1%, but I give 100% of my spare time to supporting two single parents with young children.  These parents both work and lean on the government very little or none at all!  I'll be happy to explain more to anyone interested.

Please do not hear that I support free-loaders!  I've heard plenty from those what are part of the 99% that have paying jobs, but what I've heard was people that haven't had to search for a job or attempt to build a business lately.  I know people that are plenty willing to work and have actually attempted building businesses, that simply faced impossible odds and ended up losing their homes.  I have a job, albeit, a temporary one.  And, I've been unemployed since the beginning of this most recent downturn and the job boards were simply anemic.  And, when so many are struggling to pay for the absolutely necessary, it's difficult to start a business unless you want to face stiff (nearly impossible IMHO) competition from the corporations providing us with the absolute necessities (food, clothing, housing).

I believe the people of the Occupy movement are attempting to voice this, but many seem to be hearing one-sided views.  I hope anyone that reads this sees that there is far more than one-side!!!

What is frustrating me the most about the Occupy movement is that our local governments are doing their best to silence these people while not appearing to be taking away their rights.  I'm thinking that it is time for another amendment to our constitution.  That amendment would require local governments to maintain public spaces that are visible and audible to the general public (where people go to shop and do business).  For example, Seattle would be happy to keep the movement secluded to the park next to the courthouse where primarily other poor people will see them rather than the general public.  I am not saying this wouldn't be a difficult piece of legislation to write and gain support for, just that it is needed.  Otherwise, it will be the wealthy who own the land that will control everything because they can claim trespassing, etc.

I just do not understand how someone could think that it is unfair to tax people gaining money from investments at the same rate as those who gain money from their time.  Please, someone explain this to me.