Last night, GOP candidate Willard Mitt Romney delivered what many believed to be a general election speech after winning the New Hampshire primary and setting his sights on South Carolina. But out of all of the grandiose statements made in his teleprompter-assisted speech, Romney's most outrageous and insulting words came with a reference to the 'politics of envy'. Once again validating his love for the wealthy, and proving just how out of touch with reality he is, the presidential hopeful failed to realize that the majority in this country aren't jealous of the rich -- they are simply tired of a select few controlling a disproportionate amount of our money. It is beyond arrogant and insensitive to think that people seeking fairness and an even economic playing field are envious. And believe me Mr. Romney, they will remember come this November.
There's a growing movement afoot in this country. As someone who studied the teachings of Dr. King and who works to organize campaigns around various civil rights issues, I know first-hand that movements just don't emerge out of a vacuum. Even prior to the one galvanizing element which may appear to ignite it, any massive cause is almost always triggered by several events bubbling underneath the surface. For those like Romney who would like to pretend that income inequality and wealth disparity aren't pivotal issues, they better start paying attention to what the majority -- the 99% --- have been chanting in cities and towns all across this country.
Last November, voters in Ohio defeated oppressive dictatorial legislation when they repealed Senate Bill 5. Essentially blocking public sector strikes, diminishing bargaining rights for some 360,000 public employees and stripping away overall union abilities, SB5 was one of the most regressive measures created in our lifetime. But proving their numbers and their own sheer power, the people delivered a resounding rejection to a bill that infringed on their rights as hard-working Americans.
In Wisconsin, we watched a similar battle play out as Republican Gov. Scott Walker imposed a massive setback to public union and collective bargaining rights. After months of pushback, we now await signature totals in a recall effort by citizens tired of politicians not representing their interests. And it was precisely that frustration, that sense of injustice that also drove people from around the country -- and eventually around the world -- to occupy the streets and demand more opportunities for the majority. Sacrificing their own comfort to camp out in parks, demand that the 1% pay their fair share in taxes and most importantly, change the conversation to highlight the massive economic disparity in existence, the Occupy Wall St. protesters have galvanized into an entity that no presidential candidate can ignore.
Time magazine named 'the protester' as it's 2011 person of the year. In the U.S. alone, I saw disenchanted Americans come to my Jobs & Justice rally in Washington, and I went down to Occupy Wall St. in NY to witness mostly young people organizing a platform towards equality for their generation and beyond. Whether it was in Wisconsin, Ohio or any number of smaller fought battles across the nation, there is an undeniable momentum in the air. Emerging out of dissatisfaction with the status quo and the notion that only a tiny minority can control a disproportionate amount of the wealth, this drive for equality has reached the stage of a massive movement. And it's a movement that will not tolerate being dehumanized, nor will it tolerate people like Willard Mitt Romney turning their legitimate concerns into banter.
Romney, the people are not jealous of your mansions or boats. They are simply tired of income inequality, and tired of course of your condescending tone.
Follow Rev. Al Sharpton on Twitter: www.twitter.com/TheRevAl
Joe Peyronnin: Romney: The Politics of Envy
On Saturdays I used to open the window and listen to your message that came out over the loudspeakers. Watching people stopped in the streets listening to your inspirational and uplifting message.
Some of them try to frame us as something other then strong, hard working, caring people. You help bring self-esteem and self-love to those of us who have been beaten down into believing the stereotypes used to enslave our spirit and oppress our souls.
We are so proud of you and thankful. You've inspired me to be a volunteer and activist by setting the example. Real sneaky how that worked out Rev Al for a busy gal like me.
You give a voice to those who have none and I salute you.
The top 10% already pay 68% of all taxes, while the bottom 50% pay 3% and 47% pay nothing. A Gallup poll found that 60% of Americans believe their tax rate is fair and 37% thought it was excessive. Fairness depends upon who is paying the taxes!
There is class envy in this country which has been influenced by the left and the President. Ridiculing the wealthy...those that ultimately help to create jobs, those that give more back to society than any other group should not be characterized by being "fed up".
Public union supporters like Sharpton, fail to acknowledge that there is disgust by the private sector that a group that uses taxpayer money to fund and influence their own candidates that become part of the union team provide the excessive pensions, benefits and early retirement entitlements that have caused the fiscal disparity in many states.
Wisconsin eliminated a 360 billion dollar deficit, saved over 3000 public union jobs, nearly 400 Milwaukee city jobs, reduced taxes and gave control back to the communities because of the responsible legislation that Scott Walker passed.
In Wisconsin we have more equality because Act 10 has allowed the individual the responsibility of bargaining for their wages and their jobs, incompetent teachers are no longer protected by the union, the WEA trust insurance company that ripped off millions of dollars from taxpayers was exposed and school districts are saving money by working with different health care providers.
In the end everyone wants fairness and equality, but class warefare and envy should not be used by politicians as talking points to create divisiveness at the expense of improving our economy.
And the "misery loves company" political arguments against unions, decent wages and benefits for public servants is what creates the divisiveness. These shallow assaults may work in the short term, but they won't win the day because too many people will be shortchanged and they will rise up. That's why unions were formed in the first place...
I'm so sick of hearing all the rabble about the "1%" & the "99%." Whiners & complainers all.
I am neither rich nor poor. I do well for myself. If the "99%" w/which I do not identify would quit making the decisions that keep them in the place they're dissatisfied with, & do something DIFFERENT with their lives (make DIFFERENT decisions!) then they just might find a tad more contentment in their lives.
I was just in Wisconsin I didn't meet anyone like you as I knocked doors, everyone I met was fed up, wonderful and supportive, I love Wisconsin.
I am doing well, but I do know lots of wealthy people because of the nature of my business. One thing they have in common is that they don't think like you do.
Especially those whose parents worked union jobs that paid well enough to get them through college and access to a quality public education.
The envy is from those of you right wing private sector crybabies that want all the comforts of Public service and none of the sacrifices like taxes. Always looking at what someone else has and getting paid and afraid to ask for what you think you're worth. Ask the people of Texas how the cut in Police and firefighters is working out for them.
That is the envy. The envy of the self righteous who hate that some people of color and other Public servants have more job security then they do. That is a dream. Certain people always looked down on public servants. Kind of hard to do now and instead of respecting them for a change they double down on hatefulness. I bet you CHEERED when people lost their jobs and now homes. Shame on YOU! You can go fishing with Scott Walker.
You are right. I have several guardian angels, and I know their names.
One is “Integrity” the other is “Hard work” also his cousin “Honesty” and his brother in-law “Treat others with respect” and let’s not forget their grand uncle “Love your neighbor” I bet you will find something wrong with that. All that brought peace and contentment in my life.
In the Christian Greek Scriptures, the verb kau•kha′o•mai, translated “take pride, exult, boast,” is used in both a negative and a positive sense. Paul says, for example, that we may “exult, based on hope of the glory of God.” He also recommends: “He that boasts, let him boast in God.” (Romans 5:2; 2 Corinthians 10:17) This means taking pride in God as our Father, a sentiment that may lead us to exult over his good name and reputation.
What about pride in personal achievements? Take, for example, the delight parents might feel when their child does well in school. Such an achievement is a source of appropriate satisfaction. When writing to fellow Christians in Thessalonica, Paul revealed that he too rejoiced over accomplishments: “We are obligated to give God thanks always for you, brothers, as it is fitting, because your faith is growing exceedingly and the love of each and all of you is increasing one toward the other. As a result we ourselves take pride in you among the congregations of God because of your endurance and faith in all your persecutions and the tribulations that you are bearing.” (2 Thessalonians 1:3, 4) Yes, the natural tendency is to feel delight at the achievements of loved ones. Thus, it is not improper to want to maintain our personal reputation, to succeed, and to be happy with such success.
You're absolutely right Rev. Al but this is something they keep ignoring. While the elite play around and manipulate...business as usual....a movement of disgusted and disillusioned people are forming across the country. Eventually it will reach the boiling point and erupt. I'm sure it will come as a complete surprise to these "privileged people" so wealthy and so full of their own egos that they can't see it coming!
its 2009 profits came to a whooping $10 BILLION.
BOEING received a $30 Billion contract from the Pentagon to build 179 airborne tankers. Boeing also received $124 Million refund from the IRS.
"If you are doing for others, there will be no time for jealousy or envy. Your joy will be great as you watch those you serve succeed. "
Mitt's interpretation of the above: "I believe the middle class is envious, because I always pander to the wealthy 1%."
Ideassoul
Ideassoul
I came from a different country with $20. I earned my money, worked hard for it. And now I have to handed over to some lazy person? What is wrong with you people? I don't see you handing your money to someone who is not diserving?
I'm sure at one time many of them thought those less fortunate were "lazy" and would'nt need public assitance if they got off their behinds and worked. It isn't that simple...and beware: pride goeth before a fall....it could happen to you!
1-Sold soda in the Circus. 2-Pin Boy in Bowling Ally. 3- packing house. 4- Machinist helper. 5- Master Machinist. 6-Boiler Maker. 7- Foreman.
This does not denote laziness. I found work, any work, menial work. And I worked my way up. There are opportunities out there. You have to look for them, they don’t come to you. I did not feel anyone owes me anything.
My four Daughters started cleaning houses, they worked themselves to better careers.
Two are Hospital Administrators. One is a Nurse, and one has her own house cleaning business employing other people. Should not I be Proud?
The Top 10 Percent of Income Earners Paid 71 Percent of Federal Income tax in 2007.
The bottom 50 percent paid only 3 percent. More than one-third of U.S. earners paid no federal income tax at all.
"The problem with socialism is that one day you run out of other peoples money."
Taxes we Pay
Accounts Receivable Tax
Building Permit Tax
CDL license Tax
Cigarette Tax
City Tax
Corporate Income Tax
County Tax
Dog License Tax
Excise Taxes
Federal Income Tax
Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)
Fishing License Tax
Food License Tax
Fuel Permit Tax
Gasoline Tax (currently 44.75 cents per gallon)
Gross Receipts Tax
Hunting License Tax
Inheritance Tax
Inventory Tax
IRS Interest Charges IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax)
Liquor Tax
Luxury Taxes
Marriage License Tax
Medicare Tax
Personal Property Tax
Property Tax
Real Estate Tax
Service Charge Tax
Social Security Tax
Road Usage Tax
Recreational Vehicle Tax
Sales Tax
School Tax
State Income Tax
State Unemployment Tax (SUTA)
Telephone Federal Excise Tax
Telephone Federal Universal Service Fee Tax
Telephone Federal, State and Local Surcharge Taxes
Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge Tax
Telephone Recurring and Nonrecurring Charges Tax
Telephone State and Local Tax
Telephone Usage Charge Tax
Utility Taxes
Vehicle License Registration Tax
Vehicle Sales Tax
Watercraft Registration Tax
Well Permit Tax
Workers Compensation Tax
Everyone is hit by at least a few of these taxes. They take a huge amount from middle incomes, but are trivial to millionaires.
Go to rural India to see poverty. Poverty hardly exists in the US.