A short while back my brother-in-law sent me a link to an article in Bloomberg (you can check it out HERE) about an economist’s predictions (A French economist named Gabriel Zucman) who has extensively studied how the tax system has been a key enabler of the income inequality which many (less individual 1, apparently), probably MOST, see as one of the great challenges of our time. Zucman (and a peer) have been studying how the wealthy in America accumulated their money, where they keep (hide) it, and how the tax policies allow them to grow it. (That’s my summary – you can read the article itself, it’s quite interesting)

What was maybe the MOST interesting to me was, with me being NO economist, how much what they’ve found has been clear to those like myself who’ve been paying attention to this – what I’ve called – “highway robbery” from “we the people” which started during the Reagan years and continues to this day. For example, the ONE piece of significant legislation passed in individual 1’s first two years in office was another OBSCENE tax scam which will funnel ANOTHER couple TRILLION dollars from the pockets of America’s middle class taxpayers into the coffers of the top “1%” and a bunch of corporations who weren’t paying taxes in the first place (and, had TRILLIONS “stashed” in places like the Cayman Islands.)

Reagan famously said, “I’m going to cut your taxes and balance the budget.” Well, unless you’re one of the idiots (sorry) who watch Fox “news” you know how absurd that was then and progressively more absurd as of this past tax scam. What’s the saying? “Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.” Well, I haven’t heard the version which points out we’ve been “fooled” FOUR times as of this writing – and, if the House hadn’t been turned “blue” I GUARANTEE you, the republicans would be at it again.

Their promise is that the rich people are going to “trickle down” the HUGE amounts of cash they’re pilfering from the tax rolls (many of them don’t think they should be paying ANY taxes – and, in fact, some of them don’t – especially after this last go round) and we’ve seen OVER and OVER again, what a charade that “promise” is. In this last scam the trickling down went right from their benefactors into the campaign “war chests” of the republicans who passed the bill after being badgered by their donors – who expect a return on their investment. How much did they get? you might ask. Well, for example, Sheldon Adelson – feeling no sense of shame or embarrassment – shelled out $30 MILLION to the republican Senatorial campaign committee as a way to say “thanks” for what was exponentially MORE than that going his way – in just the FIRST year of the scam.

Even individual 1, who stood before adoring crowds – most who will tell you he’s “honest” – while he was LYING straight to their lovely faces as he claimed he would not benefit from the scam and saying “my rich friends are not happy with me” – only, right after signing the bill, retreating to his Florida mansion and telling the patrons (who pay $200,000 for membership) “I just made you all a lot of money” – made MILLIONS on the scam. So much for “honesty,” right? (Of course, anyone without their head in the sand – or their eyes and ears aimed at Fox KNOWS individual 1 is a pathological LIAR.)

This kind of garbage has been going on for over 40 years – it just keeps getting more extreme the longer “we the people” allow it to continue. While rich people have been trying to find creative ways to get RICHER for far longer than the years from Reagan’s “trickle down” nonsense to today, it just keeps getting worse in each new version. Reagan’s “plan” was the original stimulus, in my lifetime, for the out of control deficit spending which has pushed the National Debt past $20 TRILLION. As I said earlier, Reagan promised to balance the budget – which had a deficit – as I remember – somewhere less than $50 BILLION when he took office (I’m thinking it was around $35 BILLION which, true to form, Carter had cut in half after the Nixon/Ford era.)

By the time Reagan left office the ANNUAL deficit was somewhere NORTH of $200 BILLION (which seemed astronomical at the time, at least to me, but today’s republicans make that look like a balanced budget). Of course, Reagan was followed by HW Bush who actually reneged on his promise: “Read my lips, no new taxes” when the deficit ballooned almost to $300 BILLION. That allowed Bill Clinton to become president – to my thinking a conservative democrat – and, surprise, surprise – when he left office there was a SURPLUS of around $250 BILLION per YEAR! Yes, this was around the time of the so-called “dot com crash” and a mild recession (at least compared to the ensuing Bush/Cheney recession President Obama inherited) and I won’t soon forget listening to Dick Cheney say “Ronald Reagan proved deficits don’t matter” as he was putting the first of two tax scams in place. Well, after these TWO tax scams the ANNUAL deficit was around $1.5 TRILLION and the economy was in tatters as Bush/Cheney left town “with their tails between their legs.”

However, true to republican form (and, this thought reminds me of a republican I listened to tonight on the small segment of the “All In” show on MSNBC which I could barely stomach – I’ll try to elaborate later) by the time Barack Obama took the oath of office republicans were BLAMING him, not only for the Bush/Cheney DEFICITS – remember, they were $1.5 TRILLION, jobs were being lost at the rate of 800 THOUSAND per month, and the fear of another DEPRESSION was real – but republicans also were BLAMING Obama for the TARP bailout. And, sadly, our “liberal media allowed them to get away with it.

If you don’t remember, the TARP “bailout,” it was the work of GW Bush and Hank Paulsen, Bush’s Treasury Secretary – and, of course, the former CEO of Goldman Sachs – as they put together a plan to use $700 BILLION middle class tax dollars to allow the Wall Street banks, which created the “Great Recession” via their obscene and dishonest gambling with – and, then LOSING, huge amounts of middle class Americans money. Of course, with the BAILOUT it was the middle class Americans who LOST AGAIN while the Wall Street bankers ARROGANTLY paid out bonuses to the very people who created the problem in the first place – AND, they used TARP money for the bailouts. It was understandable for Americans to be upset, but NOT with Obama. The BAILOUT was totally the work of Paulsen and Bush (and, of course the members of Congress who felt they had no choice but to approve the plan – although, they really did have a choice. But, that’s a story for another day – Actually, President Obama did use TARP money to SAVE General Motors and Chrysler – and the MILLIONS of jobs that support them!)

In fact, it was the BAILOUT which the so-called “Tea Party” used to justify their inception, when in reality, if you were watching their rallies, it was their RACIST reaction to a president who descended from a father from Kenya. (Of course, this led to the “birther movement” which led to individual 1 and here we are today – but, I digress) My point here is the system has been rigged for the rich for as long as I can remember and it was intensified under Reagan and “put on Steroids under Bush/Cheney and then even worse under individual 1. And, of course, now that a republican is in the “White House” deficits, again, “no longer matter.” (except to me and, I believe, my brother-in-law – he lives in Pittsburgh so I’m guessing – I’m in Washington state – yes, it’s on the “left coast”)

The point of all this is to say, this funneling of tax revenue from the middle class to the top “1%” is NOT healthy for the economy in the long run, and individual 1 may be a symptom which proves that point – at least in the eyes of Zucman (and, of course, me – although, again, I’m no economist – although I’m thinking of taking an online class from Paul Krugman) One of Zucman’s fears is this continued (and progressively worse) income inequality will lead to right wing demigods. Well, as my kids would say when in the car “Are we there yet?” Enter individual 1. This group at the top is well funded, it’s much more sophisticated than us “progressives,” it has NO scruples, and it’s fully committed to the philosophy “The end justifies the means.” Those of us paying attention have known this about republicans for years, but it’s gotten to the point where “it’s getting serious.” (I have to wonder when democrats will figure this out???)

There are many wealthy people in America who have studied history and, in particular, Karl Marx. And, while Bernie Sanders is in no way pushing the idea of Marx’ form of Socialism (Sanders believes in “Democratic Socialism – something we’ve had to some degree in America since FDR – it’s just that most democrats are afraid to say so) there are rich people in America who understand what COULD happen if the disparity of wealth in America continues unabated. Marx points out how as the people at the top of his “triangle” (yes, the top “1%”) becomes smaller and those at the bottom (proletariat) becomes larger, well, some kind of revolt becomes inevitable. Right now in America, according to Zucman’s research, less than ONE TENTH of “1%” – meaning 170,000 out of 330,000,000 (330 MILLION) Americans control OVER 20% of the nation’s wealth. The top “1%” controls something like 40% and the BOTTOM 90% controls just over 25% – with a large segment (maybe 30%) at the bottom with virtually NOTHING! As the saying goes, “This is a sad state of affairs.” (But, apparently, NOT to republicans)

To make matters even worse, this group at the top is HIDING something in the neighborhood of $8 TRILLION in off shore accounts which make it even harder for people like Zucman to produce totally accurate data. That’s correct, people like Adelson who can “shovel” several MILLION to their republican stooges to keep this scam afloat just can’t get enough – they have to HIDE BILLIONS in places like the Cayman Islands so they can avoid paying ANY taxes on the money. The tax rate keeps getting chopped down for these people, but it’s NEVER enough. (Doesn’t that make you wonder why the politicians in the republican party keep doing this? I guess the answer is obvious. The question, to me, is why do their voters keep voting for them? Is that STUPID? or what?)

There are democrats who are trying to address this issue, but I have to believe a couple things are likely to happen. (Remember, even the so-called “liberal” media outlets are CONTROLLED by conservative corporations) First, the democrats have a way to “pull defeat from the jaws of victory” so I’m anticipating this scramble of virtually EVERY democrat in the country with any name ID, thinking this is their opportunity to become president, will lead to fighting amongst themselves to be individual 1’s “Twitter target” in 2020 that could become self-defeating. Secondly, I believe it’s likely, as I suggested above, the democrats will get blown away in the messaging “wars” upcoming. (From what I’ve heard, this is already happening on the “digital” front – democrats STILL haven’t figured out “fake news” is real – they need to understand “projection” and soon)

The other day I was listening to MSNBC as I was driving around and the usual “fair and balanced” theme was on full display as I was yelling at my radio because the person who was representing progressives seemed oblivious to the FACTS as stated in the Mueller report and, along with the moderator, was letting the “conservative” – whoever it was – get away with one LIE after another. This happens all the time on MSNBC so I can only imagine what goes on elsewhere. Plus there’s at least a couple of the moderators on MSNBC who I believe may be nearly as narcissistic as our dear leader. Additionally, reports I’ve heard suggest democrats are being outspent on Facebook and other Social Media by 10 to 1. As I stated above, that’s the real haven (along with Fox) for “fake news.” (Or, in the words of Kellyanne Conway, Individual 1’s “alternative facts”)

The first narcissistic moderator who comes to my mind, for me, is Chris Matthews (with Chuck Todd a close second – as you can see, when I tune in the TV – or satellite radio – it’s on MSNBC. And, he apparently sits in the place of royalty at MSNBC – but, to me, he went a long way in legitimizing individual 1 back in the 2016 election cycle – along with MSNBC which gave (and continues to give) individual 1 BILLIONS in free advertising. These TV moderators are part of the top “1%” and I believe it is totally naive to believe they are going to give, for example, some of the more progressive ideas coming from the younger democrats much of a platform – especially when it comes to “taxing the rich.” To me, Matthews is constantly trying to come across as the political expert while he’s exposing himself to moments of pure progressive heresy. No details here, but I’ve written about this in the past if you’re interested – it’s in the archives.

The bottom line here is that Zucman is the brains behind some of the more progressive proposals coming from people like Elizabeth Warren and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez dealing with income inequality and fighting it through the tax code. I’m not sure Ocasio-Cortez’ proposal to increase the marginal tax rate back to 70% on income over $10 MILLION ( per year) was the result of Zucman’s research, but he certainly backed her proposal. When I was in my early working life the top tax rate was 90% and that was put in place during the Republican administration of Dwight Eisenhower. And, by the way, the growth rate in America was stronger before Reagan began the assault on middle class taxpayers – and, Oh by the way, if you’re an individual 1 supporter, middle class income has been stagnant since Reagan took office! Just sayin………………… (And, that won’t change as long as our so-called president – or others of his ilk are in the top office in the land)

I keep waiting for democrats to “step to the plate” and FIGHT BACK! But, as you could tell by going through the archives here, it’s NOT going to happen unless “we the people” MAKE it happen. We MUST show up at the polls in 2020 and make it clear the present level of CORRUPTION is unacceptable. We need to hold BOTH republicans and democrats accountable for a willingness to accept this behavior. As I’ve said, it appears to me the politicians on “both sides of the isle” in Washington DC are operating out of FEAR. The republicans fear being on the end of a mean “tweet” coming from individual 1 – I don’t know why, is there NO honor any more? (hashtag, I like Justin Amash, a republican with guts!) And, the democrats are afraid to do what their obligation to their own oath of office calls for. (IMPEACHMENT hearings)

Their oath (republicans AND democrats) is to defend the constitution. Their oath SHOULD cause them to be in an IMPEACHMENT inquiry NOW. They SHOULD be holding EVERY one of those in individual 1’s realm accountable for their willingness to OBSTRUCT justice by refusing to answer to legally binding subpoenas. People SHOULD be going to jail if they continue to refuse to testify, turn over documents, or whatever the subpoena requires. Our so-called “law and order” so-called president is tearing down our justice system piece by piece. This is how tyrants work and if “we the people” really do want to see this issue of “income inequality” overcome – which is an incredible challenge – to me, like David v Goliath – it will require a democratic party which is not going to live in FEAR of the next election. I’ve been pointing this out for years, the democrats need a “spine” and, based on their lack of will in dealing with the ARROGANCE of individual 1, “we the people” are still waiting.

The bottom line here is if there is ANY chance for “we the people” to see the type of changes one would logically want based on the data Zucman clearly put forth we MUST rely on the members of the democratic party individual 1 will attempt to label as a SOCIALISTS in the next election. And, we will have to rely on people like Matthews NOT giving our so-called president one “inch” of help as he tries to put this label on whatever democrat is facing him in 2020. Is this a “pipe dream?” Probably so, but, as the saying goes, there’s more of us than there are of them – in relation to the middle class v the top “1%.” And, I have to say this again, there are plenty of members of the top “1%” who understand the issue and support fixing this problem – which will require some modification of the tax system to offset years of republicans pilfering middle class tax payers – it’s inevitable. Sooner would be better than later.

To make this happen, individual 1 needs to go – he needs to get his “just rewards” – which means a chance to clear his name in a court of law. I wish him luck. Also, Mitch McConnell and MOST of the republicans in Congress need to go (If there are others, like Amash, that would be awesome) and democrats MUST restart what was once called their 50 state plan. They MUST retake the Senate if ANYTHING progressive is going to get done. And, when I say “progressive” I’m talking about a government which works from the bottom up. A government which honors the reality of what we call the “commons” is/was/will be the work of the blue collar workers of this nation. I’m talking about those who build/built (and should be rebuilding) the infrastructure of the nation which benefits us all.

What republicans have done over the past 40+ years reminds me of what has been done by business people called corporate raiders (like Mitt Romney). People who buy a corporation, come in and put the business in huge debt while selling off its assets, and then leaving the workers as the victims as they declare bankruptcy and move on to their next target. In America, that type of business model has, in many circles, been considered “strategic” and “wise.” The corporate raiders make a lot of money for themselves and their shareholders. The workers are left to “hold the bag.” To me, that’s an appropriate analogy to what has been happening in the “trickle down” world of America since the day Reagan took the oath of office.

Clearly, the “workers” are rebelling and MILLIONS actually believe individual 1 is going to solve this problem. Due to the “alternative facts” they’re being fed on a daily basis by right wing media outlets (and, yes, to some extent by the so-called “liberal media”) many actually still believe individual 1 is working on their behalf. It’s up to the democrats to change that narrative and educate “we the people” as to how to solve this critical problem. To me, the future of America is on the line in the 2020 election. Not only MUST individual 1 be defeated, BUT democrats MUST follow through on the progressive changes, economically, the people like Zucman are demonstrating, with data, are necessary. What’s the saying? “We can’t go on like this.” Well, it’s true, and it’s time for the democratic party to show some guts. (I have to add, I’m not a registered democrat) A few more members of Congress like Justin Amash (republican) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (democrat) would make me much more encouraged about the future of America!

Final Thought: Trust me, I know I have a tendency to ramble. I don’t plan these posts out ahead of time (I know I should – but, essentially, I’m just venting for my own sake – I appreciate that people find and read this) and, the fact you’re still reading, well, thank you. I said, above, I would elaborate on what I heard on the MSNBC “All In” – with Chris Hayes show. (Who, by the way, I consider quite intelligent) As he does, occasionally, Hayes was interviewing a republican (I can’t remember the name, only that he was from Wisconsin) and, as usual, the republican – who was a member of the House – was LYING (over and over again) – I’m sure he would say he was giving us “alternative facts” – as he was rationalizing away the (based on the word of OVER 1000 former prosecutors – both republican and democrat) ILLEGAL behavior of individual 1 in the Mueller Report. It wasn’t clear to me he had actually read the report but the part which really bugged me was that, as usual, the guy was BEYOND rude.

To me, when you agree to come onto someone’s show you are agreeing to answer the questions the moderator puts forth. In this instance this (relatively young) guy simply upped the level of his tone and started spewing the republican talking points – which, by the way, as I just stated, were – if you’ve read Mueller’s report – “alternative facts.” He did NOT allow Mr. Hayes to even ask a question – let alone answer a question. Mr. Hayes was doing everything he could to give the guy an opportunity to actually answer (politely) a question, but he couldn’t because the guy just shouted him down for the entire segment he was on the air. If I knew the guy, I would say it was embarrassing. Not knowing him, it was EXTREMELY rude and disgusting. But, I just have to add here, that’s today’s republican party. LYING (“alternative facts” – if you’re stupid, that means LIES), bullying behavior, and disrespect (rudeness).

If you’re wondering where the “chasm” in American politics came from – well, this was a great example. I believe this type of behavior was initially “instilled” into the republican “game plan” back when Newt Gingrich came up with the idea that the only way for republicans to gain power in the House was through obstruction. They’ve been doing this since the “Contract for (I’ve always said “on”) America back in the early 90’s, Mitch McConnell adopted it in the Senate and used it to OBSTRUCT virtually everything President Obama proposed (700 filibusters then and, now he’s doing it with everything the House proposes as the majority leader of the Senate – come on Kentucky, let’s get rid of this guy), and, with the “election” (with 3 MILLION less votes than his opponent) of individual 1, the OBSTRUCTIVE behavior has evolved to rude BULLYING behavior which has NO connection to facts and has become OBSTRUCTION of Congress and of Justice – IN PLAIN SIGHT! I hope I live long enough to see the day when Americans clearly have rejected this type of behavior and the republican party has either been voted into the history books or reformed into something that would resemble the classic definition of the word conservative as defined by Burke.