I wonder

Like the unfolding of one of those spy thriller novels, I can't help wonder what form it will take.

A plane crash? Dramatic and, initially at least, no one to blame for the sad tragedy. Of course there would be an investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board that could drag on for years.

An assassination? What it lacks in subtlety it more than makes up in efficiency and effectiveness. And heaven knows the American people are all too willing to accept lone gunman cover stories.

What about a suicide bomber? Now there's a nice current events twist.

A crazed Islamofascist brings down the young, attractive, and energetic best remaining hope for change in America.

Then there would be a period of unrest, rioting in the streets all across the country.

Strong leadership would be required to restore order, to protect the citizens.

Indeed, the Bush administration's maneuvering to suspend posse comitatus and allow the deployment of military forces in the streets of American cities would seem down right prescient.

And the foresight to contract Halliburton to build detention centers around the country? Sheer brilliance.

But it's only a novel. Thank goodness it can't happen here.

The Power of Ownership

The system is broken. Most Americans understand it's broken. So let's quit wasting time and energy talking about whether or not it's broken. Instead let's get on with the important work of fixing what's broken.

Ah, but can the system be fixed? Are our pleas to those in power to "fix it" going to produce results?

"Please, Senators, could you create some better policies for the poor?"

"Congress, would you please try to create a little more balance between the rich and the poor?"

"Mr. President, sir, could you please stop sending our children to die in a pointless war and instead do something to get a few of our jobs back?"

Guess what. They're not going to do it. It really doesn't matter much whether it's a simple majority of Democrats, or a super majority, or total control. They aren't going to do it because they are a part of the problem. They're all beneficiaries of the way things are. John Edwards dared speak of "two Americas." As a consequence he was ignored and eventually run out of the race.

But even more importantly, even if by some miracle our elected officials did take bold action on these issues, it would not solve the problem. As important they are, the current issues framed by even the most progressive of our public officials are just bandaids.

We need to stop asking for bandaids after the wounds are inflicted. We need to stop being victims. We need to restore power to people. In order to do that we need to take power away from the corporations. The huge inequities of today will be repaired only when human beings make the decisions instead of those seeking only profits for the companies they run.

We need to purge our so democracy of every policy or law that gives more power to one citizen (or corporation) than any other citizen. What's wrong with America comes down to one real issue: Power.

Disowned by the Ownership Society - Naomi Klein