And it goes to the black American experience.

We started as selfish wealthy colonists who over turned our Monarchy. The best "other example" since they overturned the power of the same country is India. But that wasn't the wealthy who made it happen there - disconnect.

When they overturned the power structure three things remained in place -
People as commodities - Slaves/Black Americans
People removal to benefit the expansion of commerce - Natives
People Indentured to support commerce - Indentured Servants . . . Many from what is now Great Britain.

All three allowed for Capitalism to be cemented in our culture. That's why on the face of the I Am A Man Garbage men movement it appears to be a move towards labor/socialism -

But in reality it was a move against the government of that city, state, country to treat all EARNERS equally. To a fair wage for a black man who might have liked to support his family without dependence on social welfare programs.

You have to contrast their desire to make a buck and live independently with the White Male City, State, Country Union employees who COULD support their families.

It was about equal access to capital so they could build wealth. It was about their wives and children being able to rely on the government he paid taxes to - in the event of his death on the job. So - his children had a shot in the US.

People say - well some do - that The Great Gatsby is the great American novel. It's about desire - one being to be a part of the "American Dream". I say - that American Dream of prosperity and affluence - a decent life - it was never ours.

Until a shot rang out . . .

You know - my Aunt and Uncle - when he was recruited by Xerox in the mid 1960's . . . Had to look at (to purchase) and move in at night. Rochester NY . . . It was everywhere.

I can't c/p on my iPad from the NPR site - but there is a piece in there about how whites we're "allowed" to purchase the tract home at around 9K . . . They increased in value to 400/500 K. That became - becomes - handed down wealth, sending kids to college, etc etc

I know too many black folks who didn't grow up in a 'house' - and they've worked very hard to acquire the wealth they do have. It's why I get batty about the 'redistribute the wealth' trope.

From whom and to whom?

Can a black family with a home, a vacation home, maybe a few hundred k in their retirement who are first generation home owners/wealth builders be excused fom that?

Because it seems pretty shitty to take something from people who thumbed their noses at America and beat this country at their own game.

POSTED IN THE AFRICAN AMERICAN GROUP - IF YOUR FIRST POST BACK HERE IS GOING TO BE IN RESPONSE TO THIS THREAD PLEASE STOP BEFORE YOU START - THANKS.

I think - personally - Does not mean you have Stockholm Syndrome.

Since another thread back here was alerted on and hidden (just look at the group for that one - it's high up on the page) -

I thought I would bring it up.

Black DU'ers - do you feel you have Stockholm Syndrome JUST because you aren't hot? In need of ice water and aloe? In need of an emergency room? Having a fever?


Do you think you are a 'simpleton'?

Why is it when you are smart, faster, more efficient, more resilient and able to withstand societal pressures better -

That some folks seem to think it's the other way around? That we are simple feeble minded fools cowering in a corner with a figurative gun to our heads?

Can we discuss?

Because I read something really really disturbing this morning and it needs to be discussed.