Financial Fools Day

In the reading the news of the G-20 summit one thing that crossed my mind; why are the Europeans in the streets protesting and Americans are sitting home? We once revolted against tyranny and injustice. We gave freedom to those of different ways and religions. We, during the period of the revolutionary war united to stop the domination of the English Monarchy. Where is our sense of principle in standing up for justice, fairness and equality? I ask myself why are we not angry and why do we still tolerate the likes of Rush Limbaugh and Bill O’Reilly who promote fear, hatred and prejudice? Why are we not angry at all the politicians who still claim giving tax breaks to the elite wealthy few is a good idea for this nation?

To be frank, the United States financial system started this mess and many European nations were not as hard as hit. So why are the Europeans so angry and why are they united in a continental protest rally? Disturbingly, here in the states there is still a sentimentality and admiration for the elite rich. We coddle the rich and give them excuses for their corruption while many struggling people stand in unemployment lines. Many are the blaming of the poor who were seduced by money and banker, investor and lender schemes. Today in England, they pronounced it Financial Fool’s Day and so should I for I don’t just think it is the financiers who are fools; I believe everyone invested is a fool.

We are all fools as we continue to follow along in the belief that taking from the poor and giving to the rich is an ideal economic strategy. We are fools to believe that in a land of me, myself and I the desecration of another has no impact on our personal lives. We are fools to believe we are socially responsible when we fail to invest in our neighbor’s health and well-being. We are fools to believe that not investing in education we will still remain an economic power. We are fools to believe that blaming and criticizing one another for their financial behavior helps the situation. We are fools to continue to support corporations aimed at exploiting consumers. We are fools to believe we are good citizens when we judge others.

Now I do not advocate some protester’s call to abolish money and all capitalists. That would be very unwise, but I do think there should be a greater call for accountably and if arrests are warranted for corruption. This is a time in history that requires we do not sit home and watch from the safety of our living rooms or from the anonymity of our computers. If we truly want to call ourselves the United States, then I believe we should get united.