We have all seen the stats and the graphs. I found this short piece by CBS's 60 Minutes very powerful.
Who are the new unemployed? Well these people all look like me and all have had my life. And now have no hope either.
What is going to happen? What will happen in 2 years time when most will still be without work for then 4 years? Election time!
Here is a link to hundreds who have commented on Facebook to a question by NPR on people's unemployment experience. It will give you a feel for the pian and anguish out there.
History reminds us that when the middle class are treated badly enough for long enough, they react. No wonder the Tea Party exists. No wonder many are just scared about immigration. Fear and anger are rising. For the foundations of the American way of life are crumbling.
Many see the Tea Party as an adjunct of the GOP. I am not so sure. I think that this is the first stage of a wave of anger and fear. This video shows that people are still just hanging on. BUT it is also clear that in another year, most will have tipped and will have lost everything and will have nothing to lose. This anger and fear will not go away - it will get bigger.
Dangerous times ahead - for our political system sails above all of this in its own bubble. It feels like France in the 1780's. A bankrupt government and a ruling class that is isolated from the lives of the people.
I am reading Hilary Mantel's novel about the French Revolution. It focuses on a core of people Robespierre, Danton, Marat, Desmoulins - who rise up as middle class folks and get the revolution going - It is Robespierre, the quiet one, who sets the Terror in motion.
Now I am not saying that this is will happen - what I am saying is that when the middle class has nowhere to go - watch out - titanic forces can be unleashed.
As in France back then, I can only see political gridlock that will prevent anything that might help. Do you see a way forward?
