In 1973, the year of my son’s birth, David Rockefeller created the “Trilateral Commission.” It continues to exist today. Its mission statement claimed it was organized to protect America and its allies’ economic dominance. However, today it includes the wealthiest men and women from all over the world.
Known as one of the longest-lasting conspiracy theories, it has been suggested that its true purpose is to control all nations through ownership and control of companies that produce energy, the world’s food supply, and both potable and industrial water supply. Add to that the fact that they already control the world’s largest banks, and the world’s population would become slaves to a few undeservedly wealthy men and women.
The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists recently released what has become known as the “Pandora Papers.” It exposed about 330 politicians from 100 countries who engage in money laundering and offshore money dealings, which are controversial, and probably illegal.
The large number of documents compiled by the ICIJ offer irrefutable evidence that income inequality is a growing condition, which is rapidly becoming an irreversible problem for the entire planet.
The majority of the world’s economy depends upon ‘consumerism.’ My wife and I are among billions of others who simply cannot afford a new car or what can be called ‘luxury items’ any longer. We fear the day we are forced to replace necessary appliances or costly home or vehicle repairs.
Capitalism controls America’s future. Since the end of WWII, large corporations have been allowed to increase their profits without oversight and without paying their fair share of taxes. In 1981, the Reagan administration began reducing the tax rates of both corporations and America’s ‘super-wealthy.’ In 2018, the financially elite Trump administration reduced taxes further for the wealthy. In 2019, our largest corporations, including Walmart and Amazon, paid zero dollars in taxes.
Today, the responsibility for supporting our nation’s economy rests solely on the middle class. Working-class men and women are paying for the lives of luxury enjoyed by 788 billionaires and more than 20.27 million millionaires: a number which grew significantly during the Trump administration. As Warren Buffet once proclaimed: “My secretary pays a higher rate of taxes than I do.”
It’s time for all, and I mean 100 percent of all American voters, to recognize the fact that right-wing politicians are your enemy. They support special interests and don’t give a damn about not only American workers but working men and women around the world.
Trump was not alone in his destruction of democracy and the first amendment in America. His entire party has continued to support his failed policies and lies, although he no longer has any power over the future of our nation.
Op-ed by James Turnage
Featured and Top Image Courtesy of Janeen’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Elwyn York’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
