I have permission from Mr. Welsh to repost any of his material after a couple days have passed since he originally posted it.

Seven Rules for Running a Real Left-Wing Government

by Ian Welsh

So, we have had a right-wing coup in Brazil. In Venezuela, the left still controls the Presidency, but has lost control of parliament. In Argentina, the right has won the election.

OK, so it appears the two duopoly political parties are going to make some kind of "compromise" on the health care issue which will include "bailing out" the insurance corporations.

4th of July. Fireworks. Hotdogs, parades, veterans, flags, songs, parties, illusions, delusions.

Go ahead and party Americans. You are the king of the world, the purveyors of righteousness and democracy. The "exceptional nation" gets to throw down it's hair and tell the world, "look at us! we're free! and you're NOT!!"

Here's what we're dealing with regarding the United States of America national political system of government.

What happens when the banks literally own everything?
No, I'm not asking this as a theoretical exercise. Nor am I being excessively pessimistic.
I'm speaking of a scenario that will happen if current trends continues.

First time I went to Las Vegas, me and a college friend drove down there from Olympia, WA on the way to Oklahoma City via Palm Springs, CA (but I've never been to Spain). I remember we decided to stand around and study the craps tables for awhile until we figured out how to play. After deciding we had learned enough to lose money, we placed our bets. Two bucks, on red. The dealer took a quick look at our bets and plainly stated, "no action".

Two bucks, no action.

"At what stage between one and nine, did this become something other than the tale of a slave?"
Robert Nozick

I read an article by Peter Koenig last night, "Slavehood 2017". It's a good rant. I'm seeing more of the alternative writers I've discovered and followed over the years, plus new ones, going on good rants, rants AGAINST THE POWER, telling it like it is, not circling the edges with political bullshit.

After the fifth online article I read today claiming how Donald Trump has been "turned (by the deep state), persuaded (by the deep state), has had a change of heart", etc., I decided to go on a rant. Confucius say, "rants are good for the soul".

Who benefits most - Rich people.

Who benefits least or not at all - everyone else.

Conclusion:

"Democracy cannot function without an informed public."
Thomas Jefferson