Sticking it to the elites
‘When one is losing a game, any option that will harm the winners is a good option’
In several previous columns, I have noted that the greatest threat to democracy - and possibly to humanity in general - is the rampant growth of economic inequality worldwide.
Some of my readers with whom I discuss world affairs, and numerous prominent media advocates for global trade, have pooh- poohed the notion. They have not thought it through. The fact is that the rising tide of globalization has not floated all ships - in fact, the economic boats of the majority of people have sunk. By majority, I mean all those people not among the 0.1 per cent who control 90 per cent of the world’s wealth! One can argue that ‘ on the whole’ we are all better off than we were 25 years ago, but the majority of folks on the low end don’t see it that way.
The recent referendum in the UK is a prime case in point. The obvious fact staring us in the face is that those who perceived themselves as winners ( residents of cities with information- based economies, Scots and Irish), potential winners ( the eternally optimistic young) and the highly educated, voted to remain in the EU. Those who perceived themselves as losers ( residents of cities with a defunct manufacturing or mining economy, rural residents, the elderly, the poorly educated), voted to leave. They were the majority of voters, because their perception of themselves as losers was more important than all the rational arguments advanced by the ‘ remain’ side. Their perception was not wrong.
The inevitable result of gross inequality in societies is revolution. Nothing new here, revolutions from 18th century France to 21st century Syria all had or have the same root cause. Revolutions do not always result in tearing down a society unless brilliant and ruthless demagogues arrive on the scene ( think Robespierre, Lenin, Hitler, Ayatollah Khomeini). They represent a way for the dispossessed, angry and impotent majority to get their revenge. But demagogues really have only one constituency, themselves. Without exception, they ruin the societies who are so ill advised and unlucky to choose them.
And so we come to Donald Trump. The rise of this demagogue is absolutely typical, and his appeal is to those in America who perceive their economic power has evaporated. Can he win the presidency? Smart betters do not discount the possibility.
His main obstacle is that he has needlessly alienated big groups who would otherwise be attracted to his message, the Black and Latino Americans who make up a significant part of the electorate. This was obviously a calculated policy, but it might backfire. Nevertheless, the residents of the rust belt - older white men, the religious right, the poorly educated and the cowboys - are solidly determined to show those rich educated elites who’s boss.
As in the UK, the apparently irrational decision to choose a destructive option is actually quite rational. When one is losing a game, any option that will harm the winners is a good option. All of the arguments against Trump are ‘winners’ arguments. They are missing the point.
The Trump supporters, like the Brexit supporters are not interested in facts. They are interested in sticking it to the elites.
Worthy Matron Irma Maxwell and Associate Patron David Hobson welcomed members and visitors to Laurel Chapter #67 OES, Berwick on June 15.
There will be a Christmas Craft Sale Aug. 6.
Annual reports were received from ways and means, trustees, auditors, publicity, treasurer, secretary and the worthy matron.
The 53rd birthday of Laurel Chapter #67 OES was observed with Sister Irma recognizing the charter members, 12 former worthy matrons and five former worthy patrons.
Installing officer Brother Kirk McLellan and his team installed the following officers for 20162017: Worthy Matron Elizabeth Thompson, Worthy Patron David Hobson, associate Matron Irene Bent, associate Patron Norman Card, secretary Peg Lipski, treasurer Marion Buchan, conductress Mildred Aker, associate conductress Barbara Bent, chaplain Linda Foote, marshal Ruth Bond, organist Gail Cook, Adah Carolyn Galley-Card, Ruth Karen Watson, Esther Marion Robinson, Martha Cheryl Ann Dempsey, Electa Irma Maxwell, warder Penny Parker and sentinel Earl Sanford.