Two Americas - anyone else see this Current TV/Vanguard program yet?

[cyberpj]

I love Current TV's Vanguard shows and while I was fairly sure I knew what I was going to see, I have to admit I wasn't prepared for the lower income family's comments during the Republican debate they were watching on TV at the time.

Everything on the show outlined perfectly what's wrong with the system and why these people should not only be Democrats but also protesting with the 99%!

I guess that will remind me to NOT be surprised at the power of right-wing radio, Fox News, and a lack of political education on those who merely accept what they're told. OR that they continue to vote against their own interests without question.

Wow.

Also, the comments (including those of the Starr family members) are interesting; especially since it's the Current TV site where you wouldn't expect many 'get a job', 'sell your stuff' types.

Sigh...........

http://current.com/shows/vanguard/video/
Click on the preview video for TWO FAMILIES

[Warpy]

1. A couple of things should be pointed out

That one percent family is still the hired help. Both spouses are working and while they are extremely high income, their net worth hardly qualifies them to be in the one percent. I would classify them as upper upper middle class. Second, their backgrounds didn't actually qualify them for entry into the one percent. They would not be welcomed at the exclusive clubs and while they might gain access to the parallel infrastructure of private airports and concierge medicine, they will never gain access to the social seasons enjoyed by the plutocrats. The one percent is so by heritage as well as money and they have become so unimaginably rich that it's impossible for most people, documentary producers included, to wrap their heads around.

The contrast between the upper executive class and the class mired in peonage (until they were thrown out of work) was stark enough.

What struck me about the Starr family was the self blame along with the Texas conservatism that prevented them from seeing just why things are the way they are.

[EC]

2. As to the 1%er represented,

I'm just guessing here - but that may have been the very best the producers could do in representing the 1%. Most legacy families wouldn't have anything to do with TV.

[smokey nj]

3. You are absolutely correct. Warren Buffet disowned on of his granddaughters

after she participated in Jamie Johnson's documentary The One Percent.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_One_Percent

[cyberpj]

5. Self blame?

I don't remember noticing that. In what way? Lack of education? Or trusting in a continually advancing situation?

I too thought of image of Texas conservatism but then thought -- weren't they at one time considered Democratic?

Guess I need to educate my own self a bit more.......

[Betsy Ross]

4. I watched until the husband of the poorer family said

that the rich are already paying enough taxes. Watching a Repub debate, he agreed with their talking points. Or did I hear that incorrectly?

[cyberpj]

6. Nope, you heard it right. That's what so astonishing. And how can we re-educate those people?

Or don't we stand a chance in the current media climate?