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I've become a radical nut. I really don't think I'm a nut but I feel as though circumstances have made my views "radical". The funny thing is that my views haven't changed much since 1990, or so, but comparatively, they are now radical.
During the last 10 years, I have realized that Marxists are right about a few things. I'm no Marxist but the very rich HAVE waged class war since about 1980. They have waged it in a quiet manner and have cleverly used distractions and the ignorance of much of the public. Those statements would have seemed crazy in 1975, or so, but there are now many very bright, learned, experienced intellectuals who agree with those statements. Check out Kevin Phillips, for example. The tables have now tilted SO far in favor of the very rich that they are brazenly buying power and turning the clock back to about 1900, whenever and wherever possible. They have everyone beneath them so confused that many are playing right into their hands by supporting the partial destruction of things that can save them from wage slavery - the tax code, government oversight, organized labor, and individual rights. They are extremely skilled at making others seem like villians and at making economic policies that are directly contrary to the interests of the nation and the great majority of people seem perfectly logical and reasonable. They are now attacking what is just about the last strong plank that maintains a democracy - higher education. They have supported policies that have ensured that it is financially out of reach for all but the wealthy and, in a few years, some of the wealthy might have a hard time financing higher education. In addition, major chairs and professorships at most colleges and universities are funded by.... you guessed it.... major corporations who ensure that those with very conservative Chicago school economic and social views fill the chairs and professorships. They are closing us out.
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