My Own Private Idaho. I mean, Jihad

I'm not famous nor wealthy, so my voice rarely gets heard (except for the odd news media comment I post). But that doesn't make it any less valid. In fact, the talking heads on TV seem out of touch, because they live in that "six-figure bubble" of economic protection, and don't know what it's like living on a quarter of your usual income, the insecurity of an empty savings account, massive debt, and no job. But I do, because I went from one lifestyle to the other. And in my new lifestyle, it is easier to understand how people get to the point of Jihad, because you watch as others make decisions that negatively effect the masses, and you want to do something to help them.

So I have become a statistic. One of the negative ones, (i.e., "unemployed"). I feel like part of the "great unwashed" - a class of citizen below that of politicians, lawyers, CEO's, thieves, and used car salesmen (thief). I don't know about you, but as a late 40's white collar professional, I feel like a dinosaur already, priced out of the market because I have to compete with a twenty-something. And I'm getting bent enough to go demonstrate and get my ass thrown in jail (If I can't get my bailout, at least I can get bailed out). There are 5 million or more of us unemployed folk, and the number is growing. Imagine that! A sector showing “growth”.

But the system has broken down. If we look at the facts, it's clear that we are being screwed by the same system we must use to fix it! THAT will be the biggest challenge for President Obama. Each decision he makes should be considered in the context of “who benefits financially?”, which should have been the same light as George W. Bush (which the system has currently chosen to ignore). It's up to us to hold Obama accountable and be the light (BTW: Can anyone tell me why Bush was given a "by" on this?

Three trillion dollars? We've been ROBBED, America. Remember your American History? We started the Revolutionary War because of "TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION" (although we technically have Representatives), do you feel like they are listening to you? (My Senator is Chris Dodd, and he actually does listen some of the time!) Let’s be clear: It’s always about the money. Notice how you never have any? Why don’t the wealthy offer to share theirs? As an incentive, a system could be legislated to ensure their donated dollars would have a net benefit to them.

I knew the first stimulus would not be enough, and I have been telling everyone to expect another $1T in six months, but it's only been 6 weeks since the first stimulus, and the government is already asking for more. The government and corporate America must be in collusion to steal our wealth. Is our only protest option to not pay taxes? The powers that be are breaking the law (which is another systemic problem - the law no longer serves justice, nor societies best interests' - the law serves wealth), so what are we waiting for? Must we re-don hippy clothing and grow out our hair?

Now that I've had my rant, as I write this in March of '09, I believe we should give Barack some time to correct the corruption, which is systemic. The problem is, it's not enough time to create the five million jobs (or however many are needed, so an experienced guy like me can return to work). Will the system even have a place for honest people?

In the end, we must not "be fooled again" by the usual suspects (leaders), who are often found guilty of some tax law (tax fraud), campaign donation (bribe) or other white collar corruption (CEO Salary). Figure out your issue and make your demonstration sign. So how about one last 'hurrah', in the spirit of our founding fathers, and with the spring weather, head down to D.C. to make the case? Would you join an "American Jobs Action Committee" to do the job of oversight? How much will you suffer before you get off your butt? We'll meet in Washington, and if we can out-do the 'Million Man March" with "Five Million Fanatics For Financial Freedom," we can toss out the bums in Congress, Justice and Treasury, and have a Grand Ol' Tea Party. That is, unless of course, I have a job.


If you check out my other blog, http://fentrosphere.blogspot.com, you may find some challenging ideals. So I challenge you to create your "own private Jihad" on your own blog. Add your voice to the burgeoning cacophony of the blogosphere.