Social Upheaval, How Close Are We?

By: Michael_T_Bucci

Many authors who have contributed to The Market Oracle have expressed concern - some overtly and some in passing - about the possibility of social upheavals in the US caused by economic dislocations and what impact these events would have on the markets. How close are we? An excellent synopsis by Mr Andre Damon of the current status of economic conditions extant in the US and the world on the eve of the G20

conference contains a prescient conclusion: "These different factors set the stage for the inevitable eruption of open social conflict." Having written elsewhere this same conclusion and finding it raised by political writers both on the Left and Right using identical economic and social data and yardsticks, I firmly believe that open conflict MAY BE UPON US and needs only a small (or large, I believe) catalyst to erupt. Hopefully, this won't occur.

Regrettably, the American far-right has hijacked both the minds of workers who would otherwise galvanize behind self-defensive and pro-social agendas, and of Republican moderates and centrists; while the Democrats, Progressives and Left-leaners remain mesmerized and paralyzed in a residual stupor of Obamania (frozen in denial). President Barrack Obama serves the purpose (knowingly or unknowingly) of neutralizing the center- to left-coalitions whereby the Bush agenda would and did continue without dissent; his administration, however, now is being drowned by assaults from the far-right (paraphrasing Berlin mayor Klaus Wowereit's comments about the NPD) who are "daring to do things that endanger our democracy".

Many of these agenda-setters (along with gunners at Obama rallies) are seeking majority rule in 2010 when they should be sought for aiding and abetting insurrection and endangering the life of a President. Republican moderates and centrists did not stop this momentum, but instead allowed extremists to control their party and vie for future control of America in what seems a "by any means possible" manner. These are critical times for this Democracy.

In Britain, the Conservative Party is as confident as the Republican Party of victory next year. Whereas the far-right hijacked Republicanism some years ago and is now reaping a constituent base from years of media propaganda, Christian alliances, hate mongers and TV and radio demagogues, I warn the British to watch against a similar fate to their party system from any Tory leadership under concealed orchestration by the BNP. The tides of nationalism and xenophobia are rising throughout the West, as many realize. The "Internationalist" of any school of thought (including free-market economics) is an enemy.

Fascism is no friend of free markets and free global trade.

The threat to the Dollar and America's possible (more probable) default to its debtors (China) is one that the US military might be employed to surmount; but if the entire global system deflates, collapses and is bled of solutions, Mr Damon's warning of domestic "open social conflict" could become open world conflict. The present levels of hatred and anger now existing in America - and little recognized or registered by those outside the US - are created, fanned and exacerbated ones.

Given this charged atmosphere of anger, hate and potential violence that has infected too many Americans against Government, the Federal Reserve, Democrats, fictitiously labeled "Socialists" and social welfare programs, we are at risk of experiencing a controlled, scripted and programmed "Revolution" - not by the Left, but by the Right.

Simple human psychology and sociology will warn that these strong collective impulses if not defused or contained will seek destructive outlets and, failing that, find self-destructive ones. A greater danger ensues when such outlets are prescribed by the very agents who created the crisis and the hysteria; and who, by design, will benefit by it. This moment seems imminent. America will only destroy itself by choosing this path of destroying others.

A cynic (one side of me) said: It is easier for a pauper to starve for a day than for a rich man to spare a dime. But when the dime becomes worthless and the two become equals, I wonder who will survive and who won't?

Of course, everyone has a right to survive. And both the poor and the rich have a right to live. But no one should starve.

And things shouldn't have to come to this, but may.

And perhaps, all in all, this too will pass.

By Michael T Bucci

Michael T Bucci is a retired public relations executive from New Jersey presently residing in New England. His essays have appeared at Market Oracle and Global Research. He is the author of nine books on practical spirituality including White Book: Cerithous .

© 2009 Copyright Michael T Bucci - All Rights Reserved Disclaimer: The above is a matter of opinion provided for general information purposes only and is not intended as investment advice. Information and analysis above are derived from sources and utilising methods believed to be reliable, but we cannot accept responsibility for any losses you may incur as a result of this analysis. Individuals should consult with their personal financial advisors.

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