are we headed to the french revoluation?

[LivingAlmostLarge]

Right now we are heading to a recession in the US. But the discrepancy between the rich and poor keeps growing. With the reversion of Roe vs Wade we are moving backwards. Potentially contraception will be under attack. Obamacare has no teeth without a penalty yet it stays afloat.

I think we are setting up a perfect storm in 30 years where the poor will realize they've been getting screwed and basically we'll fall into a french revolution society of wealth in the hands of only a few. It's already happening. Maybe sooner than 30 years? the income inequality hasn't been seen since the 1930s.

What do you think will happen to the US economy?

[ua_guy]

The writing on the wall says every civilized society eventually fails. I don’t think ours is any different. Will it be “this” or something else? I don’t know. But this little game of Monopoly seems to be coming to an end.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

I don't know how long we can keep the poorest people down without them realizing it. How long until they realize that the federal minimum wage isn't even keeping up with inflation. Hahaha yes $15 is too much in West Viriginia, but if the minimum wage had been tied to inflation like SS then it would be $11/$12. Then how would people argue that if SS is tied to inflation then why can't the minimum wage be raised to inflation?

the poor will just get poorer and die faster (also proven).

[Petunia 100]

I don't know how long we can keep the poorest people down without them realizing it. How long until they realize that the federal minimum wage isn't even keeping up with inflation. Hahaha yes $15 is too much in West Viriginia, but if the minimum wage had been tied to inflation like SS then it would be $11/$12. Then how would people argue that if SS is tied to inflation then why can't the minimum wage be raised to inflation?

the poor will just get poorer and die faster (also proven).

And reproduce at a greater rate, whether they like it or not.

[Drake3287]

I don't know how long we can keep the poorest people down without them realizing it. How long until they realize that the federal minimum wage isn't even keeping up with inflation. Hahaha yes $15 is too much in West Viriginia, but if the minimum wage had been tied to inflation like SS then it would be $11/$12. Then how would people argue that if SS is tied to inflation then why can't the minimum wage be raised to inflation? The poor will just get poorer and die faster (also proven).

Welcome to California! This is EXACTLY what's happening here and those "poorest" people are following Newsom like the Pied Piper. Just today it was announced that California will be giving out $350. to each person making less than $75k a year as part of his inflation rescue plan. And get this, the checks will be out in October, days before the November election. Unfortunately there are enough poor, under educated people that believe this is just wonderful. Free money!

If any state in this country is divided between rich and poor, it's us. I'm just lucky to be considered "rich" because I'm older and bought a house when it was possible.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

Welcome to California! This is EXACTLY what's happening here and those "poorest" people are following Newsom like the Pied Piper. Just today it was announced that California will be giving out $350. to each person making less than $75k a year as part of his inflation rescue plan. And get this, the checks will be out in October, days before the November election. Unfortunately there are enough poor, under educated people that believe this is just wonderful. Free money!

If any state in this country is divided between rich and poor, it's us. I'm just lucky to be considered "rich" because I'm older and bought a house when it was possible.

In most states it's being pied piper for religion not money It's been proven that they vote against their best interest for religion rather than in their own best interest. At least in CA i understand desiring a better life following money. I don't get voting against my best interest to impose my religious beliefs on others.

[corn18]

The difference between France when it had its revolution and the US today is that the poor people can vote. Rich people can fund campaigns and lobby sitting Congress people, but nothing is forcing the poor people to vote for the well funded candidates. If poor people outnumber rich people 9 to 1, then the answer seems obvious. The super majority should vote for candidates that help the poor and punish the rich.

Why isn't that happening?

[disneysteve]

The super majority should vote for candidates that help the poor and punish the rich.

Why isn't that happening?

Because the right does everything they can to suppress those voters. Since the 2020 election, 19 states have passed laws making it harder for minorities and poor people to vote. There has also been a lot of gerrymandering of the maps to weaken the impact of liberal voters in conservative controlled states. Since the Supreme Court is now conservative controlled as well, challenges to any of those efforts are unlikely to succeed.

[rennigade]

Yeesss!!! Another thread that will become politically heated and people can root for their team because they're never wrong.

Id rather not see the economy fail but if it does, so be it. We own guns, land and have access to clean water so we'll do better than most. For those who live in urban sprawl, good luck.

[ua_guy]

Yeesss!!! Another thread that will become politically heated and people can root for their team because they're never wrong.

Keep scrolling.... ........

[Fishindude77]

I don't know where you draw the line to determine who is rich and who is poor, but a good many of the posters on this forum are likely considered rich by many. A huge contributor to wealth inequality is effort inequality. Speaking as a former business owner (rich guy), there is a huge shortage of individuals that are willing to put forth the effort to move into the rich column. They're content to live at the level we call poor in America. Myself and any other business owner will tell you that there is a huge shortage of people needed to fill jobs at all levels. Ask around ... you can't find any help. Business owners would love to have more employees working their way up the ladder and building wealth for themselves.

Just drove by a MacDonalds the other day with a sign in the window advertising $21 / hr, no skills needed, you just need to show up and do your job. At those wages a couple could both work there and pull down $84,000 per year which is a pretty good family income.

What we call the poor in America really isn't poor by world standards at all. With all of the government programs out there many are getting a free roof over their heads, free utilities, free food, free healthcare, etc. If you want to see poor, take a look at the slum areas in Mexico and some of the central and South American countries. Those folks are thankful to get some clean water and a bite to eat. Why do you think we have the immigration issues at our southern border?

I think income inequality in the US is primarily a narrative used by politicians hoping to demonize their opponents and gain votes.
And for those rich folks griping about these matters, what is stopping you from contributing much of your earnings to help the poor?

[kork13]

I'll be honest everyone, the level of political emotion (from all sides) on the boards recently is really becoming off-putting. I'm vocal about trying to keep things calm, rational, and respectful especially while we're discussing politically/socially sensitive topics. I enjoy talking about nearly any topic, and we've had alot of interesting discussions about a wide array of different issues.... but if it can't be done with level heads & a minimum of emotional, toe-the-line, spiteful responses... if we can't use considered reason & logic & rationality to have an intellectual exchange of ideas vs. an emotional shouting match... I'm just not interested in being around it.

Yeah, got it... "Keep scrolling"... Maybe instead, everybody can quit trolling & have some respect for ideas that may not line up with yours. Hear somebody out. Actually consider an idea on its merits, not only through the lens of your personal opinion. There is almost never a single "right" answer, but that's how we're all treating one another, both here & in the public. Echo chambers do nobody any good -- that's what we've had out of D.C. for the last decade or two, and look at all the success that's brought about.

I've been around these boards for a very long time, I really enjoy conversing with you all, and I don't intend to totally abandon the community here.... But it might be time for a break.

james.hendrickson James, I know you're trying to build up and expand our community here... All the best in that effort. I hope you can find a way to keep the boards meaningful and beneficial for folks without too many people feeling burned by hot-heads & getting turned off.

[james.hendrickson]

I'll be honest everyone, the level of political emotion (from all sides) on the boards recently is really becoming off-putting. I'm vocal about trying to keep things calm, rational, and respectful especially while we're discussing politically/socially sensitive topics. I enjoy talking about nearly any topic, and we've had alot of interesting discussions about a wide array of different issues.... but if it can't be done with level heads & a minimum of emotional, toe-the-line, spiteful responses... if we can't use considered reason & logic & rationality to have an intellectual exchange of ideas vs. an emotional shouting match... I'm just not interested in being around it.

Yeah, got it... "Keep scrolling"... Maybe instead, everybody can quit trolling & have some respect for ideas that may not line up with yours. Hear somebody out. Actually consider an idea on its merits, not only through the lens of your personal opinion. There is almost never a single "right" answer, but that's how we're all treating one another, both here & in the public. Echo chambers do nobody any good -- that's what we've had out of D.C. for the last decade or two, and look at all the success that's brought about.

I've been around these boards for a very long time, I really enjoy conversing with you all, and I don't intend to totally abandon the community here.... But it might be time for a break.

james.hendrickson James, I know you're trying to build up and expand our community here... All the best in that effort. I hope you can find a way to keep the boards meaningful and beneficial for folks without too many people feeling burned by hot-heads & getting turned off.

Kork13 - tracking this and I'm hearing you.

[james.hendrickson]

All - the mods took a vote here. We are closing controversial posts to give everyone a chance to cool off.