We are the 99% is one of the most prominent messages of the Occupy Wall Street movement. It is true that the top 1% of the population have inordinate power and wealth when compared to the rest. It is beyond evident that this inequality exists and one has to be delusional to not see it. However, the notion that this is a new phenomenon or that there is a sudden increase in wealth inequality because of Bush's policies or Cheney's evil grin is not based on historic facts. In People's History, Howard Zinn writes that in 1687 the top 1% owned 25% of all wealth and the number went up to 44% in 1770. History shows that the wealthy have always been wealthy. The system has been rigged from the beginning.
No comments:
Post a Comment