Mean is part of divide and conquer, to set the working classes, the regular people against one another so they can't see, can't get organized as people united by their common interests and rise up against the ruling class. From ancient times to today, it's the universal tactic for the few ruling over the many. Goes directly against democracy, works to destroy democracy and heads for the rule of the few, in our case, the ultra-wealthy. Like paying to change land laws in Nebraska so the outsider, Bill Gates, can buy up hundreds of thousands of acres of farmland, enough to support hundreds of farm families, now displaced. Like the land in Scotland being 75% owned by wealthy, foreign landlords, leaving the people of Scotland without land in their own, supposedly, country.
That reminds me of what a longtime civil servant in Ohio's state government told me probably about 20 years ago. Having worked under both Democratic and Republican administrations, he said: "The Democrats are incompetent, but the Republicans are just mean."
The meanness is a lot more overt nowadays. Maybe that's useful for helping people identify who's against them.
With regard to Joe Sommers comment: He is spot on—-here in CA Pete Wilson was mean and stupid-only Republican that was not was Arnold Schwartzneger —made him the target of the right wing. Finally, I grew up in a Republican family but my father was always kind to those who had less then we did (which was not very much), many times I saw him buy food for others…..the republicans (lower case intended) of today would be despised by those of 30 years ago.
It's the same meaness that the Romans entertained when they crucified Jesus. History repeats itself as it is written. The excessive greed brings projection about the needy going to steal their golden toilets or like King Louie the Sixteenth of France
I can only imagine what my dear Mollie Ivins would do with today's politicians. The former guy (choke on his name) opened the Pandora's Box of bigotry, racism, "Christian" nationalism, xenophobia, and all things anti-demoractic, and now people feel free to be the disgusting people they were all along. I can only hope that whatever state we are in at election time next year doesn't result in widespread violence. The increasing number of threats against public officials doesn't leave me feeling positive.
Try to finish... Whether a different race, a different socio-economic class, or a different religion? I think it's basically fear, which breeds hatred and envy.
Mean has been around since the Garden of Eden, hence “mean as a snake.” The problem is the snakes grew legs and formed PACs.
"One bright Sunday mornin
In the shadows of the steeple
By the relief office
I seen my people.
As they stood there hungry
I stood there whistlin
This land was made for you and me." Woody
Jim,
Your Lowdown articles make my day and they are always right on target. Keep them coming.
Eliot Coleman
Mean is part of divide and conquer, to set the working classes, the regular people against one another so they can't see, can't get organized as people united by their common interests and rise up against the ruling class. From ancient times to today, it's the universal tactic for the few ruling over the many. Goes directly against democracy, works to destroy democracy and heads for the rule of the few, in our case, the ultra-wealthy. Like paying to change land laws in Nebraska so the outsider, Bill Gates, can buy up hundreds of thousands of acres of farmland, enough to support hundreds of farm families, now displaced. Like the land in Scotland being 75% owned by wealthy, foreign landlords, leaving the people of Scotland without land in their own, supposedly, country.
SOOO VERY CORRECT LYNN!!!
"The cruelty is the point."
That reminds me of what a longtime civil servant in Ohio's state government told me probably about 20 years ago. Having worked under both Democratic and Republican administrations, he said: "The Democrats are incompetent, but the Republicans are just mean."
The meanness is a lot more overt nowadays. Maybe that's useful for helping people identify who's against them.
Thank you AGAIN Woody Guthrie for songs of enlightenment, union, and protest!
Love Woody... 👍
It feels overwhelming at times…which is what they want dammit.
With regard to Joe Sommers comment: He is spot on—-here in CA Pete Wilson was mean and stupid-only Republican that was not was Arnold Schwartzneger —made him the target of the right wing. Finally, I grew up in a Republican family but my father was always kind to those who had less then we did (which was not very much), many times I saw him buy food for others…..the republicans (lower case intended) of today would be despised by those of 30 years ago.
It is so sad that we still have the same nastiness . I am concerned for our country.
It's the same meaness that the Romans entertained when they crucified Jesus. History repeats itself as it is written. The excessive greed brings projection about the needy going to steal their golden toilets or like King Louie the Sixteenth of France
Now that's what I call "Hitting the nail on the head"..thank you Jim Hightower...
I can only imagine what my dear Mollie Ivins would do with today's politicians. The former guy (choke on his name) opened the Pandora's Box of bigotry, racism, "Christian" nationalism, xenophobia, and all things anti-demoractic, and now people feel free to be the disgusting people they were all along. I can only hope that whatever state we are in at election time next year doesn't result in widespread violence. The increasing number of threats against public officials doesn't leave me feeling positive.
On the nose, sir. What makes them mean? Is it the fear of losing influence? Is it the fear of those they consider "different?" Wh
Try to finish... Whether a different race, a different socio-economic class, or a different religion? I think it's basically fear, which breeds hatred and envy.
Yes. I think it is 'fear' mostly of BEING different.
I have talked long about living in the US. Scared people....not too surprising really.
Also check out the Austin Lounge Lizards version--Jesus Love Me.
I've always been a fan of Woody, and Pete Seeger. I wll share Woody's Anthem with my chorus. That was started by Pete.