If you research revolutions over the last 300 to 400 years you’ll see that every revolt has its own signature. Some were reactions to economic oppression–like the American revolution; some were political because the overwhelming majority of citizens were unhappy with the leadership of the country; some were purely a power grab disguised as a fight for freedoms. But all revolts had one common denominator. CONTROL OF WEALTH/POWER WAS HIGHLY CONCENTRATED IN THE HANDS OF THE VERY FEW. France is a perfect example. The excessive wealth of the nobles/ruling class climaxed in 1789. Peasants were starving while royalty built the Palace at Versailles. We all know how that played out on the guillotine platforms across the country. Well, it’s time to focus on that same scene here in America. Wealth distribution–when run amuck–will always end badly. Today we have a situation where the top 1% of all households control nearly 1/3rd of all US wealth. In 1990 they controlled 23% of all wealth. The top 50% control 2/3rds of all wealth; in 1990 the top 50% controlled 60% of all wealth. The bottom 50% control only 3% of American wealth. In about one generation of the population America has concentrated money and power in a consistently shrinking number of households. What this means is that our country is much more focused on money reasons than the original values and ethics we fought against 250 years ago. No longer is the enemy a foreign power that wants to dominate us. The industrious spirit that drives us has reached almost too much success. If we lived in a perfect world, the concentration of wealth would never cause alarm because the wealthy would gladly share their good fortune with others who are less fortunate. It’s true that our individual innovation deserves to be rewarded but not to the extent that we ignore the growing masses. Revolution is an ugly word with even uglier connotations. Our allies are disturbed when America shudders; but our enemies see the opportunity to pounce. A societal upheaval in America will result in a governmental transition. Think about it. Russia, China, Iran, North Korea….anyone want that kind of submission?
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