Posted by Tina
The book by Fred Siegel is called “The Revolt Against the Masses: How Liberalism Has Undermined the Middle Class”. Siegel posits a theory that the middle class is shrinking because the most radical elements of the left have “a fundamental contempt for for the middle class, for commerce, and thus for most of the American culture”. The quote is from an article in The Washington Examiner by Noemie Emery. Questioning Obama’s dramatic loss support of late, Emery asserts the books premise explains it perfectly:
From this angle, the road to perdition (and/or Obama) was paved around 1920, when the best and the brightest, depressed by the Great War and the funk that came after, decided all was not well in the world and the nation, and the great middle class was to blame. In rant after rant, book after book, play after play, H.G. Wells, George Bernard Shaw, Sinclair Lewis, and the editors of The Nation and The New Republic heaped scorn on the bourgeoisie and on business as peasants unworthy of those who would lead them and who always knew better than they.
“In the 1920s … what looked like freedom and progress to most white Americans was an affront to liberals and intellectuals,” as Siegel tells us. He quotes Malcolm Cowley as saying much later, “It wasn’t the depression that got me. It was the boom.”
The role of the leader was not to lead and/or shape public opinion but to govern against it, fighting the crassness that governs the herd. They loved Roosevelt and Kennedy for their glamor and privilege, but those with the middle-class taint — such as the failed merchant from Independence, Mo., named Harry Truman — came in for a roasting. Their prototype candidate was Adlai Stevenson, who explained his two losses to Dwight Eisenhower by saying the voters were too dim to get him. Until Obama came by.
Mr. Siegel may be on to something. Barack Obama has nearly decimated the middle class and has done great harm to middle class business in America. The values that have long been held by the middle class are being sneered at, maligned, and undermined through extreme liberal influence in our schools. This book might be worth reading; he certainly has wrapped his arms around the extremists of the Democrat Party.
You would be hard pressed to find a group the Left doesn’t target (not in a good way).
LOL that’s true Toby.
We may have to ask Websters to redefine what is meant by tolerance in America.
It’s been known for almost 100 years that you will never destroy America until you destroy the middle class.
Welcome to the culmination of over 100 years of hard work from the progressive left that began when they got Woodrow Wilson elected. Remember him? He was the former Princeton University president the Democrats got elected as president.
He is also the guy began the long journey of taking over the education system by the left. Hey, you got to give them credit. After all, 1010 years later many Americans think Communism is a great form of government. Why else would New Yorkers elect a proud Communist as their mayor?
Not to mention the fact that after 100 years of proof, that communism (i.e. progressivism) destroys man’s ability self sufficient and free.
The biggest proof is the fact that 92 million Americans are unemployed, and American’s have lost their ability to live a life that is free from the government intruding upon every aspect of our life without recourse. Something by the way, our Founding Fathers fought a revolution against King George over.
Gate: “Why else would New Yorkers elect a proud Communist as their mayor?”
Because they haven’t. Have you read the parts of the Bible about bearing false witness lately, preacher-man?
The news is reporting Midwest propane prices almost doubled in the last couple of days.
Jan. 24th $4.30
Jan. 20th $2.55
Last Winter $1.74
Next week could hit $5.00
That’s a major hit to the middle class wallets, especially those living in the global warming caused freeze zones.
Cause blamed on farmers using it to dry out wet crops, a pipeline shut down for repairs and the US exported a record amount in 2013.
Truckers driving extra hours to deliver to the hard hit freeze zone states. Hope there’s not another accident on those icy roads like the train accident full of oil a couple of weeks ago.
If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck….
The Communist Party Hails De Blasio and Obama
By Paul Kengor
For a long time, the communist left has used the word “progressive” to cloak its agenda. This phenomenon is hardly new. It has gone on since at least the 1930s, not long after the American Communist Party was founded in Chicago.
I know this well, having written at length on the subject. You might have thought this strategy died with the USSR, when we won the Cold War and once defeated communism. Unfortunately, thanks to the left’s takeover of education and media, it continues unabated, and is moving full steam ahead in Barack Obama’s fundamentally transformed America, where the far left seems invigorated unlike ever before. The communist left has sudden new energy in the “progressive” mayoral victory of Bill De Blasio, the New York mayor who once raised money for the Nicaraguan communists and honeymooned in Castro’s Cuba.
Handy evidence of how communists continue to exploit the “progressive” label isn’t hard to find. It’s always just a click away at the website of People’s World, the house organ of Communist Party USA and successor publication to the Daily Worker (which throughout its existence received Kremlin oversight and funding). People’s World is very shrewd in the words it chooses to use, and not use.
Predictably, People’s World is thrilled with New Yorkers electing Bill De Blasio. The CPUSA mouthpiece isn’t silent in its enthusiasm, though it is carefully avoiding the “c” word (communism) in favor of the “p” word (progressivism). In this, it is not unlike Bill De Blasio himself. Notably, too, People’s World links De Blasio’s “forward” success and “change” vision with Barack Obama’s “progress” (as does De Blasio). Witness two fresh articles:
Continued..
http://www.americanthinker.com/2014/01/m-communist_party_hails_de_blasio_and_obama.html
Bill de Blasio’s Communist Pals:
“When the New York Times revealed that New York City Democratic mayoral candidate Bill de Blasio had been an enthusiastic supporter of Nicaragua’s communist Sandinista regime, old arguments from the 1980s were suddenly rekindled, with renewed debate over the nature of that regime. The left once again emerged from the woodwork to insist that the Sandinistas were never bad guys (or even communists) — quite the contrary. The Times quickly published letters-to-the-editor whitewashing the Sandinistas’ tyranny, and one Times’ blogger went so far as to publish a post declaring: “Whatever their failings, the Sandinistas did not impose a repressive regime on their impoverished Central American nation. There was no mass jailing of opponents nor mass execution of opposing soldiers.”
Continued..
http://www.frontpagemag.com/2013/paul-kengor-and-spyridon-mitsotakis/bill-de-blasios-communist-pals/
Muslim Member of De Blasio Team Receives Communist Party Award:
“Zakiyah Ansari has it all.
The Muslim woman is on Bill de Blasio’s transition team because of her fierce opposition to quality education and charter schools. That fits with the Bill de Blasio “Public Schools Uber Alles” agenda. She has a ‘down the line’ De Blasio agenda complete with more Pre-K, less testing of teachers and students and turning a blind eye to broken schools.
And that’s not the only agenda that Zakiyah Ansar has in common with Red Bill.
According to an article on the CPUSA News, People’s World, Zakiyah Ansari, a member of New York City Mayor Bill de-Blasio’s transition team, received an award at the CPUSA Christmas fundraiser in New York City in December:
Joelle Fishman, host of the event and chair of CPUSA’s Political Action Commission, introduced the honorees. “I am very honored and excited to be here today at the Better World Awards to share your celebration of the great election victory in New York that has captured the attention of the entire country,” said Fishman.
“This election is a victory over racism. It is a victory over stop and frisk. It is a victory over 20 years of direct Wall St. rule. But it is only a beginning. To realize the possibilities, everyone here has an important part to play going forward.”
CPUSA stands for Communist Party of the United States. Finally Communism comes to New York City.”
http://www.frontpagemag.com/2014/dgreenfield/muslim-member-of-de-blasio-team-receives-communist-party-award/
Chris it isn’t necessary to actually carry an official card of the communist party to think, act, or legislate like one. In fact since the fifties the plan in America has always been covert. The new mayor fits the bill. Your poor education leaves you without an experience of your own American heritage or you would be able to see it.
Tina, my education allows me to tell the difference between a communist, a state socialist, a free market socialist, a Marxist, a Leninist, a Trotskyite, a fascist, etc…
Someone who routinely uses all of these terms interchangeably has no grounds to demean my education as “poor.” You simply don’t know what you’re talking about.
Peggy: “Cause blamed on farmers using it to dry out wet crops, a pipeline shut down for repairs and the US exported a record amount in 2013.”
You can add to that list the President’s war on coal:
The East Coast has relied heavily on coal, especially for winter electricity and heat. The presidents polices have blunted and stopped coal production. Coal powered plants produced 30% of our energy use in the US.
On top of that even with the boom in natural gas the extreme cold has brought shortages and higher prices.
The seasoned firewood has been used up. They are facing a serious crisis and there is absolutely no excuse for its being this bad or this expensive.
Chris: “my education allows me to tell the difference between a communist, a state socialist, a free market socialist, a Marxist, a Leninist, a Trotskyite, a fascist, etc…”
Oh goodie, you know all about the definitions. I’ve seen little evidence that you are able to apply what you have learned to developing situations or people.
“Someone who routinely uses all of these terms interchangeably”
I use them interchangeably because I am often describing tendencies and directions rather than actual states. Also, in many respects, they are interchangeable in that they all place power in the state to one degree or another over individual freedom/power. Like I have said, you really don’t seem to have an appreciation of your own heritage as an American. I blame your poor/biased education for that. Sadly, because your education is lacking, you often do not know what you are talking about. Worse you don’t seem open to learning anything that doesn’t fit the programming.
Tina, just because I disagree with you does not mean I am not aware or appreciative of my heritage as an American. Your constant claims that I have been poorly educated are extremely unfounded and unnecessary. I’m going to ask that you cut it out.
I would be happy to, Chris, and I will…as soon as you knock off hurling insults at me and our guests.
I have given fair warning and adopted the practice of meeting attitude for attitude. Many decades passed during which the conservative side of the political spectrum remained polite and attempted to keep conflicting opinion and the exchange of ideas on a friendly footing. The left has not now, nor has it ever, confined itself in such manner…no more!
I question your education to challenge your thinking. Your comments here suggest you see no influence of Marx in our nation or your party…none. Socialism is a word you would prefer to avoid as if in practice it is just the natural order acceptable to everyone.
Are you really that unaware that people who love/prefer communism are steadfast in wanting to shape (transform) our government and culture…as well as our educational system?
Are you likewise unaware that this is in conflict with our constitution and your American heritage?
Oh well.
There’s a good chance that some of our readers would be interested in what David Horowitz thinks about communism and the Democrat Party. His perspective is unique since he was raised by communists in America and was himself a Marxist and part of the radical elements on college campuses in the sixties. He understands this ideological war for the heart and soul of America in a way that most people can’t imagine.
Breitbart:
I urge everyone read Horowitz whenever you can. You can find his writings and the writings of others who share a love of freedom and individuality at David Horowitz Freedom Center and at Frontpage Magazine.
Tina: “Your comments here suggest you see no influence of Marx in our nation or your party…none.”
There’s a middle ground between “no influence” and calling everyone to the left of Sarah Palin a Marxist. Martin Luther King, Jr. admitted that Marx had a lot of influence on his thinking, yet he was not a Marxist. Of course Marx’s ideas had a lot of impact on the progressive movement and the modern Democratic Party–there’s no denying that. But that doesn’t make it accurate to virtually all Democrats as “Marxists.” If Obama looks like an extreme leftist to you, that’s because you live in a country without a strong left wing. To the rest of the world, Obama is clearly a moderate center-leftist.
“Socialism is a word you would prefer to avoid as if in practice it is just the natural order acceptable to everyone. ”
I actually brought up the word “socialist” to this discussion, so I don’t think I avoid it. I just think you overuse it to the point where it loses all meaning. Yes, our country has a blend of socialism and capitalism, and has for a very long time. I take issue with using the term “socialist” as a catch-all insult.
David Horowitz is freaking insane:
“But the right, Horowitz pointed out, has failed to acknowledge that reality. On Obamacare, for example, Horowitz railed against the language used by the left: “single-payer.” Instead, he said, “it is communism,” pointing out that it was state ownership of the means of production.”
This is simply a lie. Obamacare is not “state ownership of the means of production,” and that is a fact. You’re proving my point.
““Leftism is a crypto-religion,” he explained. “They see themselves as a savior. People who believe that redemption will take place in this life and I will be a part of it, that’s Hitler. That’s Mao…That’s the American left.””
Godwin alert. Horowitz automatically loses the debate by comparing his opponents to Hitler.
“Third, Horowitz said that the left was characterized by “alienation from this country… What weakens America is actually good.” Horowitz cited the Obama administration’s eager withdrawal from Iraq as evidence of that proposition:”
Since there was no “eager withdrawal from Iraq,” Horowitz simply doesn’t know what he’s talking about. Yes, in public Obama took credit for getting our guys out of Iraq (which Bush told us wold be done in a much shorter time, by the way), but in private he was trying to negotiate to get us to stay longer.
“He also slammed the Obama administration with regard to Benghazi: “Benghazi is the most shameful act in the history of the American presidency.””
Drivel. Pure drivel.
It bears repeating:
“‘Leftism is a crypto-religion,’ he explained. “They see themselves as a savior. People who believe that redemption will take place in this life and I will be a part of it, that’s Hitler. That’s Mao…That’s the American left.”
This is quintessential Horowitz and, while it might not be quite insane, it is entirely unreasonable.
We are not going to expend vast resources on an interminable occupation of the Middle East. That too is unreasonable … and kinda totalitarian, if you think about it.
And his inablity to distinguish between communism and socialism make the man … still … an ignoramus.
Libby You, your party, already HAVE spent “vast resources on an interminable occupation of the Middle East.
You don’t get to pretend democrats wouldn’t do that anymore.
And that’s rich…Horowitz, a former communist (socialist), unable to distinguish.
Chris: “But that doesn’t make it accurate to virtually all Democrats as “Marxists.”
Come on Chris. Your side loves generalized/extreme labels and use them all the time.
The policies that your party push are Marxist rather than capitalist. There is good reason to use the label as a descriptor.
“If Obama looks like an extreme leftist to you, that’s because you live in a country without a strong left wing. To the rest of the world, Obama is clearly a moderate center-leftist.”
All the more reason to warn people of the direction of his policies…away from freedom…away from personal decisions and choices…toward mandates and control by central government. These are policies that have made the rest of the world undesirable and extreme.
”
Jan 26, 2014
8:22 pm
#13 Chris :
Tina: “Your comments here suggest you see no influence of Marx in our nation or your party…none.”
There’s a middle ground between “no influence” and calling everyone to the left of Sarah Palin a Marxist. Martin Luther King, Jr. admitted that Marx had a lot of influence on his thinking, yet he was not a Marxist. Of course Marx’s ideas had a lot of impact on the progressive movement and the modern Democratic Party–there’s no denying that. But that doesn’t make it accurate to virtually all Democrats as “Marxists.” If Obama looks like an extreme leftist to you, that’s because you live in a country without a strong left wing. To the rest of the world, Obama is clearly a moderate center-leftist.
“Socialism is a word you would prefer to avoid as if in practice it is just the natural order acceptable to everyone. ”
I actually brought up the word “socialist” to this discussion, so I don’t think I avoid it. I just think you overuse it to the point where it loses all meaning. Yes, our country has a blend of socialism and capitalism, and has for a very long time. I take issue with using the term “socialist” as a catch-all insult.
David Horowitz is freaking insane:
“But the right, Horowitz pointed out, has failed to acknowledge that reality. On Obamacare, for example, Horowitz railed against the language used by the left: “single-payer.” Instead, he said, “it is communism,” pointing out that it was state ownership of the means of production.”
But single payer…which is the acknowledged goal and the word Horowitz used does mean exactly that…absolute control is state ownership whether or not it is officially taken over. this is why there is virtually no difference between socialism Nazi style and socialism Marxist style. Both put absolute control in the hands of central governmetn elites.
“Horowitz automatically loses the debate by comparing his opponents to Hitler.”
You aren’t very good at this are you? How many in your party “just want to make a difference”…the saviors mentality and longing? This notion that the planet can be “saved” by government policy or that government can save people from every hurt and problem with intervention is exactly like Hitlers psychotic dictatorial thinking.
“…but in private he was trying to negotiate to get us to stay longer.”
Did a bang up job too.
“Drivel. Pure drivel.”
So insignificant that the extremely ambitious Hillary Clinton reluctantly averred that Benghazi was the most “regrettable” event of her time as Secretary of State.
This has to be the most galling thing she has ever had to do…but what difference does it now make that she regrets?
Tina: “And that’s rich…Horowitz, a former communist (socialist), unable to distinguish.”
This is a case of “once an extremist, always an extremist.” Horowitz uses the same tactics as a far-righty that he used as a far-lefty. He doesn’t care about the truth, he cares about pushing his agenda. Just because that agenda has changed, doesn’t mean his tactics have. And just because he’s a former commie doesn’t mean he’s right to lump words together in order to make Americans dumber. If anything, growing up in the environment he did seems to have made him ultra-paranoid.
“But single payer…which is the acknowledged goal and the word Horowitz used does mean exactly that…absolute control is state ownership whether or not it is officially taken over.”
No, single payer is not ownership of the means of production. You need to look up those words and find out what they mean, because you’re using them wrong.
Do you believe the NHS is a communist healthcare program? Was Winston Churchhill a communist?
“this is why there is virtually no difference between socialism Nazi style and socialism Marxist style.”
There’s a huge difference. You’re proving my point.
“You aren’t very good at this are you? How many in your party “just want to make a difference”…the saviors mentality and longing? This notion that the planet can be “saved” by government policy or that government can save people from every hurt and problem with intervention is exactly like Hitlers psychotic dictatorial thinking.”
You’re saying that universal healthcare, pioneered by vehement Nazi-fighter Winston Churchill, is “exactly like Hitlers [sic] psychotic dictatorial thinking,” and I’M the one who’s “not very good at this?”
Jesus. Take a logic class.
“Did a bang up job too.”
So Obama’s wrong for pulling us out of Iraq AND he’s wrong for trying to stay in Iraq AND he’s wrong for not succeeding in trying to stay in Iraq. Got it. Moral of the story: Obama is wrong no matter what he does, even if it’s something you said he should have done five minutes ago.
“So insignificant that the extremely ambitious Hillary Clinton reluctantly averred that Benghazi was the most “regrettable” event of her time as Secretary of State.”
Yes. It is a regrettable event and Hilary Clinton could have done more to stop it by providing more security. How that justifies Horowitz’ absurd statement that “Benghazi is the most shameful act in the history of the American presidency” is a mystery. I’ve already shown you other examples of preventable embassy attacks where many more people died. If we look beyond, we have Benghazi competing with the Indian Removal Act, Watergate, Japanese internment, and invading a country under false pretenses for “shameful acts,” and that’s the short list. If Horowitz is referring to some “cover-up,” that’s already been debunked.
Horowitz is just ranting. It’s like speaking in tongues. It doesn’t really mean anything, but it sure gets the congregation excited.