Class warfare

Republicans and conservatives are quick to throw about allegations of "Class warfare" whenever a liberal proposes that maybe we should be concerned about growing income inequality, wage stagnation or even universal health care. Nevermind the fact that these are legitimate issues that threaten the long term health and stability of not only our economy and our democracy. We're not to discuss them, to do so is impolite. We shouldn't point out obvious facts because it makes rich people uncomfortable.

What about when the shoe is on the other foot? How about when the rich stand on the floor of the Chicago Mercantile and refer to the working and middle-class as "losers" over the corporate airwaves? Is that not the very definition of class warfare?

If you haven't yet seen this clip from CNBC and contributor Rick Santelli take a second and watch,



Rick Santelli is standing on the floor of one of the great symbols of American wealthy elities, the Chicago Mercantile. He is speaking as a contributor to the General Electric owned CNBC, a network that is essentially nothing more than an infomercial for the great instiutions of American wealth. His audience on the floor are the foot soldiers of the financial elite - not to mention relatively wealthy themselves. These are the very people who drove the American economy right off of a cliff. The same people who are cheering as we dump trillions into the financial sector to rescue the American financial system from their recklessness and gree. And there stands Santelli, ranting about the "losers" whom Obama and the Democrats are trying to help stay in their homes.

It's really quite a scene when you think about it. Our financial elites railing against average Americans who are simply trying to hold onto their small piece of the American dream. To keep their heads just above water. To stave off financial ruin. If that isn't the very definition of class warfare then I don't know what is.

The temerity of Santelli and his Band of Brooks Brothers. To stand there and tell working and middle-class Americans, "No, none for you" after all of the handouts to rescue Santelli's buddies from their own misdeeds and greed is nothing if not declaring war on the American middle-class.