The Future is Now

by William Greider, June 10, 2006, The Nation

"...The strange paradox of our times is that despite America's fabulous wealth, most people's lives are shadowed by economic anxieties and real confinements, the wounds that market ideology has imposed. They fear that much worse is ahead for their children. Reform must re-establish this fundamental principle: The economy exists to support society and people, not the other way around. Only government can liberate them from the harsh rule of the marketplace, the demands imposed by capital and corporations that stunt or stymie the full pursuit of life and liberty in this complex industrial society. This very wealthy country has the capacity to insure that all citizens, regardless of status or skills, have the essential needs to pursue secure, self-directed lives. This starts with the right to health, work, livable incomes and open-ended education, and to participate meaningfully in the decisions that govern their lives. The marketplace has no interest in providing these. It is actively destroying them..."

(emphasis mine)

I have said it before and I appreciate hearing it from others. The purpose of the Economy is to support ALL people and to improve the lot of ALL people, not just the rich and influencial. Further, the purpose of Government is to level the playing field so that capitalism does not prey on citizens. Government is responsible to regulate commerce so that the health, safety, and wellbeing of all citizens is protected. Government is to stand between the consumer and the Capitalistic Economy and see that all, from the CEO to to janitor, have a living wage, reasonable benefits, and a respected place in our society.

The purpose of Government is the wellbeing of the People. Nothing less and nothing more. Anything else is pure tyranny.