When Our Government does Harm, First
We are in the midst of a global crisis. Our government; which valued corporations over the rest of us; gave companies a financial windfall with their 2017 Tax Act. It didn’t yield the promised riches for the rest of us (just like the Reagan trickle down economics dried up before it reached the masses). The companies used their corporate socialism gift to buy back stock and expand their businesses off-shore. They didn’t have to prove their need or expend their profits to benefit from the government’s generosity.
Because of disregard for deep-seated inequities, this crisis has forced the government to adopt the largest societal rescue. package in our history- and it’s still flawed. It still isn’t enough. It won’t break this nation, but it will bend us. And, the socialism that the GOP hates, will be required for us to right-size — what ever “right” looks like after “Rona.
The same party promised — for nearly 10 years — to have a better healthcare system than #Obamacare. They lied about Obama’s signature plan, but had not facts to substantiate their lies. They’ve done nothing but try to dismantle #ACA without any alternative. They didn’t like that it was created by Obama. Now, we’re in the midst of the worst health disaster we have seen in our lifetimes, and some in the party have suggested that some of our elders should consider self-sacrifice of their lives to protect the economy. They’ve suggested that they can go to work and if they get sick, it’s worth the sacrifice. They’ve encouraged resisting medical experts and go out and shop and eat at “Bob Evans”. All ages are dying. Those who suggested others die, certainly didn’t lead by example.
Those on the front lines are getting sick and dying — that’s Black and Brown people, mostly. These are people who aren’t receiving adequate access to equitable healthcare. They are often living in environmentally hazardous communities. But,the U.S. Attorney General (a Black man), suggests that laying off the alcohol and smoking is the cure.
People are going to the increasingly over-crowded hospitals, in need of medical attention from the “hoax” (as called by Fox News and their friend, 45). Now, the administration refuses to re-open the Federal medical program, so people — including those recently separated from their job-funded health plans — can get coverage. Pure evil.
No one is deserving of being subjected to a virus or injustice. Not even those incarcerated or those doing their job. Kudos to citizens who are standing up to help others — including those who are incarcerated. Kudos to those standing in the gap, like Jay-Z and Meek Mil, because our governments fail to act.
Some politicians condemn “socialism” or “democratic socialism” because it works to level the playing field in some way. Some strategies are designed to help others — who aren’t wealthy and white. We must admit that American inequity has been designed for some — and at the expense of others.
Those of the medical field operate from a #FirstDoNoHarm philosophy. Insured or not, people will be treated by a system that is committed to save lives, not devalue them.
Unfortunately, it seems as if this administration and other elected officials seek to do harm, FIRST — for profit.
There is a sick pattern of greed and inhumanity in the land. We can point to those who are trying to normalize. it. WE need a change. They need to go.
