By Tom KandoThis is the second half of an analysis of the mendacious arguments used by ultra-conservatives such as columnist Charles Krauthammer (see his “Wisconsin GOP sees the debt and crosses the Rubicon,” Sacramento Bee, February 25, 2011):
1. Falsehood: Krauthammer and his acolytes define the problem as a “deficit” and “debt” problem, and the solution as “entitlement reform.” They have successfully brainwashed the populace into accepting this definition.
Truth: Yes, there is a deficit problem, but no, the solution is not “entitlement reform.” “Entitlement reform” is a euphemism to take away the rights gained by the people over the past century. The solution is to raise taxes on millionaires (about 3 million of them in the US).
2. Falsehood: The solution to the deficit problem is also “Tax Reform.”
Truth: by “tax reform,” Republicans mean tax cuts for the rich, for example reducing the top tax rate from 35 % to 29%.
3. Falsehood: Public Unions are a privileged special interest group.
Truth: Their wealth and influence pale in comparison with those of business and corporations. Business enjoys a vast advantage in campaign financing through its PACs, and in its influence upon public opinion. As Rachel Maddow noted recently, 70% of major political contributors are private businesses.
4. Falsehood: Republicans in Wisconsin and elsewhere just want a requirement that unions be re-certified every year, and that dues become voluntary.
Truth: This will mean the death of unions. Unions - for example the National Educational Association - are the last remaining bastion against the full take-over of the government by private corporate interests.
Clearly, Krauthammer is a spokesman for and a member of the Kleptocracy. The Sacramento Bee, desperate to avoid going under as its readership evaporates, thinks that presenting such crypto-fascist views represents “balance.” But the balance we find in the media is increasingly a balance between the Right and the Extreme Right. As Rachel Maddow said, year after year this country keeps moving further to the right.
The US has always had the potential to be either good or evil. It is now in danger of fulfilling its potential for evil. This often happens to countries on their way down.
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