For visual representation of the current inequality of concentrated wealth…

2010 Comparison Average Household Net Worth:

http://chenangogreens.org/home/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=484&Itemid=70

I get the Unca Scrooge stuff but too many big words, might have to call my
lawyer….

“What about a mass movement based on the “each one teach one” principle, except work it at the community level with qualified citizens volunteering to organize “teach-in parties” in their neighborhoods?  Maybe churches would be places to start—but from the beginning separated from all religious influence, evangelism or indoctrination.’ - ‘Difficult, I know.  But impossible?  Maybe not.’

-”qualified citizens volunteering to organize ‘teach-in parties in their neighborhoods.”

-

You’re writing of “restarting civilization”.  Pol Pot killed 3-5 million people precisely in that manner.

gerard,

You stymie me.  How you do not see your words as thoroughly insulting is a mystery. 

Your basic premise is quite simple.  You reason that those who fail to see the world as you do are fundamentally flawed.  Those who come to an issue from an entirely different, but equally legitimate, direction have no sense of what’s good for them.  There exists a group of elite thinkers, you included, who obviously know best.

Do you understand why most Americans find this type of elitism unpalatable?  Why only 8% of Americans identify themselves as “Progressive”?

Middle America is made up of some of the most compassionate, level-headed, common sense individuals your country produces.  It seems to me you could endeavor to listen.

-

On another subject: If you live near a university I would implore you to seek out Afghan students and ask them how they feel about America’s presence in Afghanistan.  Weigh those views against the views of the many journalists and posters found here on TruthDig.  I think you’ll be shocked.

This fundamental compendium needs to be much simplified (vocabulary and concepts) and much more widely circulated.  The people who need it won’t even be able to read it.  The gap between the literate and the illiterate in this country is a major reason for our self-destruction. Can’t people like Truthdig editors and supporters figure out some ways to bridge this sad gap and prevent those who suffer from lack of education (and don’t realize it) from self-destructing by voting against policies that would hugely benefit themselves simply because they don’t understand what is going on, and are so close to desperation that they fear any change at all because it “might make things worse for them?

What about a mass movement based on the “each one teach one” principle, except work it at the community level with qualified citizens volunteering to organize “teach-in parties” in their neighborhoods?  Maybe churches would be places to start—but from the beginning separated from all religious influence, evangelism or indoctrination.
Difficult, I know.  But impossible?  Maybe not.

Juan Cole huh?...