Manipulation

Robert Reich

The shut-down of our government, and the extremism that lies behind it, is a direct result of America's surging inequality. When almost all the gains of economic growth go to a small group at the top, most Americans -- working harder than ever just to keep what they have -- become anxious and angry. That fear and anger is easily used by demagogues, bankrolled by a handful of billionaires, to distract attention from what's really happening -- and put blame instead on the poor, who are accused of being "takers," and on government, which is accused of encouraging idleness. So food-stamp funding is slashed, red state governors and legislators refuse to expand Medicaid, and many in the middle see the Affordable Care Act as a giveaway to those who don't deserve it. Meanwhile, tax loopholes for the rich become steadily larger.

It has happened before in history: Economic fear and anxiety are directed at scapegoats, while a handful of super rich pour money into big lies that entrench their privileged position. The savage inequality America is experiencing is pulling us apart, and giving the purveyors of hate exactly what they want.