Taking advantage of catastrophes

After a while it can get tiresome to read essays by blogger Terrence Heath because he keeps talking about ways the middle class, working class, and the poor are getting screwed over again. This time he explores the term Catastrophic Success. We're more familiar with catastrophic failure, which means a breakdown so complete that recovery is not possible. A success, then, is one in which a catastrophe (like our economy over the last two years) is used to achieve a particular end. In this case it seems the goal is to take wealth out of the hands of middle class and poor and concentrating it in the hands of the rich and increasing economic disparities. In the process it destroys trust in the system.

I don't dispute Heath's analysis, but wonder why the rich find the concentration of wealth and its accompanying loss of hopes and dreams in the poor to be beneficial. If the rest of us are too undereducated and too discouraged won't that lead to a societal breakdown that will destroy the wealth of the rich (as it destroys everyone's wealth)? Or is their aim the corresponding concentration of power? Again, those wielding power over restless masses sound like they have a thrill in causing pain. They've already revealed themselves to be heartless.

In a related essay Heath looks at the devastation the economy and failure to extend unemployment benefits is having to people across the country. The GOP is refusing to renew benefits because they expect that the Dems will get blamed for not doing enough for the working person. The Dems get blamed because they are in charge and should (as the common man thinks) get things done. There's a chance: Dems paint the GOP as the Party of Unemployment. But do Dems have enough moxie to do it?

And another one. The crazies are out there and they're getting stronger. They have the GOP dancing in uniform kick-step to their tune. They are rising up in strong protest to a government that tries to make it a world that works for everyone. And they most assuredly will vote. These crazies could sweep into power if progressives, annoyed at Obama's slow pace, decide to sit out this election. The least we can do: Always Vote. If there is nobody to vote for, then find someone to vote against. Look for the candidate who will do the most good, who wants a country that works for everyone. Settle for the least harm if you must. Always Vote