Occupy HUNC

I got an email from a friend who told me that he is concerned about losing his job because business is so slow. Since he is in his early sixties he does not think he will work again. His plan is to retire at 62 and turn over his Social Security to a low cost senior housing program, “And just exist.” This conjures visions of 21st Century Apocalyptic Hell for me.

I know at least three other men in their late fifties to early sixties who have lost or may loose jobs. Most have had relationships end and I imagine may have to consider such an existence. Where is the revolution when you need it? Of course, there is the Occupy Wall Street et al movements. This movement, especially the Occupy Oakland division, seems to be more of a field of play for the young and anarchistic. In Oakland last weekend the Occupiers went on a rampage destroying city property, including a 100 year old architect's model of city hall. The motives of some of these protesters/rioters are questionable. If these were right wing demonstrations, ala 1930s Germany, many of the current crop would participate. One thing is clear; neither Democrats nor Republicans are really acting to solve these problems and I think more radical solutions are necessary and Occupy does not appear to be it. They have changed the tenor of the discussion, but then they blow all they have gained with scenes like last weekend.

Progressive Bickering

In Thursday's San Francisco Chronicle, Heather Knight describes the problems the progressive faction in San Francisco has with governing. This group represents various interests including “...labor, tenants, the poor, minorities, immigrants and environmentalists.” In many ways these groups have much in common, along with middle class and soon to be ex middle class people. To wit, they all have to work for a living, vis a vis the top few percent who do not. The Republican party is quite adept at representing these top few. The so called progressive wing is incompetent at representing the vast majority. They allow, and in some ways facilitate, bickering over ethnic, sexual and other identity issues. Since most Americans have an emotional relationship to politics, many of the middle class can not orient themselves to the left wing or progressive ideology because they do not fit into one of the narrow categories that the left portrays themselves as representing. Therefore, many of these voters turn to the Republicans, who in no way act in their interests. But, the Republicans do not characterize the party as one which alienates white middle class citizens. The progressive wing has inordinate influence in the manner in which the Democratic party presents itself. The Democrats need to figure out how to overcome this divisiveness and become the party of the majority of Americans.