Extreme inequality is obscene

"The country needs and, unless I mistake its temper, the country demands bold, persistent experimentation. It is common sense to take a method and try it: If it fails, admit it frankly and try another.

But above all, try something. The millions who are in want will not stand by silently forever while the things to satisfy their needs are within easy reach.

We need enthusiasm, imagination, and the ability to face facts, even unpleasant ones, bravely. We need to correct, by drastic means if necessary, the faults in our economic system from which we now suffer. We need the courage of the young. Yours is not the task of making your way in the world; but the task of remaking the world, which you will find before you. May every one of us be granted the courage, the faith, and the vision to give the best that is in us to that remaking!"

- Franklin Delano Roosevelt - 32nd President of the United States.

Disparity is the way of life; manner of the world; and, characteristic of the cosmos. Each species in this world of ours and every individual life form within the species are different from one another in parity. The same applies to the universe - perfect in order and arrangement though it may seem.

In other words, everything that is born or evolved is unequal. Cosmos itself has evolved that way; and that accounts for the wondrousness of our universe.

Inequality is the law of genesis. Hence, mankind is no exception to this universal truth. Inequality between men gives man the opportunity to be noble.

However, in this modern age; in which human beings have divided themselves into nations; choosing to govern themselves within such nations; affirming equality between man and man; should social and economic impurity of the vulgar kind, be permitted? Inequality between men has existed throughout time and will continue to be present in this world. Nevertheless, the presence of extreme inequality is obscene. It degrades democracy. It breeds jealousy; generates hatred; originates envy; propagates ill will.

Democracy

Democracy is the system of governance of our country. Democracy is the practice or principles of social equality. Democracy is the noblest form of government we have yet evolved. Democracy is not only a political system; but is also an ideal, an aspiration; really, intimately, connected to and dependent upon a picture of what it is to be human - of what it is a human should be to be fully human.

Equality and freedom have, both been identified as important characteristics of democracy since ancient times. These principles are enshrined in our constitution and reflected in all citizens being equal before the law; and have equal access to legislative processes.

But, does this egalitarianism extend to the economics of our inhabitants?

If the people of a nation are divided into segments based on the level of their household affluence; we can broadly classify them as the economically disadvantaged class, the middle class, and the economically advanced class.

In any country, the middle class leads a moderately healthy lifestyle and are the guardians of culture, tradition, and values. Thus, they carry the burden of responsibility, and the destiny, of the nation. In the early fifties, eighty percent of this country constituted the middle class. Earnings were more or less even, and within a decent range that permitted comfort but not greed.

Want was by far at levels forgiveable. The rich were magnanimous. People, in general, were happy and contented. Today, the middle class may have reduced by half, and the other half most likely have joined the ranks of the first of the three classifications. Who then is responsible for this calamity?

We expect our country to be a healthier, more equitable and sustainable country that engages effectively and peacefully with global partners.

Democracy has vested in us an opportunity to harness the country's abundant resources in ways that will make our economy more equitable, green, and secure. Have we used this opportunity to its fullest potential? It is visibly apparent for all to see that we have failed in our mission.

What then are the causes for the defeat of this goal? It is easy to blame our elected representatives. Yet, if one looks deeper, who elects them? We, the people of this country have been the original cause for our predicament.

Values

In a country that was eighty percent middle class; supposedly with basic education and knowledge; with values stronger than steel; we the people, when given the opportunity, have chosen the wrong kind of men and women and vested them with the destiny of this nation. Did we then lack intelligence in spite of the fact that we were supposedly learned and erudite? If not, where does the cause lie? Democracy gives a choice to the people to select persons based upon their capabilities and integrity. If people choose the wrong kind to entrust their affairs, the problem is not with democracy but with the people.

When human beings act, impelled and motivated by greed, fear, jealousy, or anger, when choosing their representative; then democracy fails.

The corrupt, and the crooked, stand to gain. When ethical leadership is neither encouraged nor rewarded, democracy fails. When a nation's people are or become attuned to organized greed, freebies, and awe; democracy becomes disorganized and power concentrates among economic, financial, and political elites and utilized for their personal benefit. Unless the relative economic roles of the people, the market, and the state are re-balanced; social and economic instability will eventually takeover, harming long-term economic growth and welfare.

"Whenever the people are well informed," an optimistic Thomas Jefferson wrote, "they can be trusted with their own government."

Sure - but what if the people have no clue about most things that eventually affect their lives, livelihood, and to boot are steeped in ignorance? Most of the big challenges facing us today - from inadequate incomes, erosion of values, disease, to growth of inequality in incomes - revolve around the wrong decisions we took.

If we - We, the People - are going to make smart decisions on what to do about these issues, we need to have at least a rough understanding of the basic problems; and the problem is, we don't have a clue - at least the vast majority of us.

If this be the case, how can we be trusted to change things for the betterment of our lives.

How can we take on the huge challenges we face - if we are so poorly informed - about matters that affects every aspect of our life? In short, the answer: we cannot be trusted.

Unless we make some big changes; changes in how we mould the younger generation; in how the media describe, without bias, events that occur; in how teachers explain themselves to the students; in how money functions in politics; we are sure to witness extreme inequality - howsoever obscene it might be.

See you this day next week. Until then, keep thinking; keep laughing.

Life is mostly about these two activities.

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