The fundamental economic problem in the United States has less to do with how much money we spend and everything to do with what we spend it on. We spend huge amounts on things that reduce the life force of the nation: tax cuts for the wealthy, corporate subsidies, and war. Meanwhile, we withhold money from things that help people thrive, and thus create more good/produce more money themselves: health, education, and the well being of our communities. America is in a decline because we continue to do things that decrease the wellbeing of our people -- all so that a ridiculously small portion of our population can do better and better. We will not pull out of our decline until and unless we are willing to fundamentally change. We will either continue to fall - and make no mistake about it, our political status quo is a trajectory of decline - or we will consciously and proactively rise. The decision lies in each of our hands.

Jun 10, 2023 · 10:10 AM UTC

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Tax cuts to the very wealthy are given under the canard that those people will then create more jobs and add to the economy. Evidence is clearly otherwise. The 2017 tax cut - where 83 cents of every dollar went into the hands of the wealthiest Individuals and corporations - will never pay for itself. Giving tax cuts to companies already making billions in profit did not make them invest; the money mainly went to stock buybacks etc. When corporatists talk about reducing the deficit, they are only willing to do so on the backs of the middle class and poor. They are never willing to spend money on catching wealthy tax cheats, repealing unfair tax cuts to the very wealthy, or increasing investment in things that actually support the average person in creating more wealth. The problem is not one individual policy here or there. The problem is big picture: a state of aristocracy and corporate entitlement now baked into the cake in America - the very opposite of a free democratic society in which everyone is supposed to have a fair shot. The current system makes a mockery of the very idea of "unalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." As the late Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis said, "We can have democracy in this country, or we can have great wealth concentrated in the hands of a few, but we can't have both." #Disruptthesystem
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Replying to @marwilliamson
It has to do with revenue. We don't tax the top. The bottom can't be entirely responsible for finding the country.
Replying to @marwilliamson
Let's talk about how much the US spends funding Israel, a settler-colonial, apartheid state engaging in attempted genocide. A nation that has universal healthcare, while the US, it's benefactor, does not. Both-siding Israel is supporting Zionist crimes.
We can question the behavior of Israel without joining forces with those who would destroy it. That is the balance most needed now: to take on the conversation in a way that honors both human rights of Palestinians as well as legitimate security concerns of Israel. Both matter.
Replying to @marwilliamson
shut up and go away, loony tunes
Replying to @marwilliamson
Many (not all) Americans already have/had opportunities to learn & earn. Many let those opportunities slip away. Now, you want to guarantee these people, money. Lots of it - in exchange for their vote. That’s a bribe.
Replying to @marwilliamson
It's spending vs investing. Investing in universal healthcare and education and training, R&D and science and infrastructure, all have huge future returns, grow the economy and literally pay for themselves many times over.
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Replying to @marwilliamson
The fundamental economic problem in this country is that we don't educate our children equally & equitably in K-12. The rest is bullshit.
Replying to @marwilliamson
Where are you Marianne while gay people are being attacked by domestic terrorists all over the U.S.?
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