When did we lose track? When did we suddenly decide one day that we are sheep, not people, and let those in charge blatantly lie to us? At what point did those in charge decide to start lying to us? I know I've addressed this issue before, but I have a couple more tidbits of "interesting," ideas to help this concern along... for you see, the United States Government has been misleading the people for quite some time. Through Capitalism, America has become a nation of greed and power. Through Capitalism, good people have been hurt. And, while many members of the media talk about America's right to be a 'Capitalist,' society, what they are really trying to refer to (I hope), is free enterprise. But, there's a huge distinction between a Capitalism and free enterprise, and it begins with the corruption of entire nations. Let's begin with an old, "conspiracy," that is not quite such a "conspiracy," as some people might believe:

Flouride. What's that you say? What does Flouride have to do with anything in politics and scandals? Well, I'll let you read the article for yourself. In fact, I encourage you to not just follow the links I've posted, but do your own research - at home or in a library. The sum total explanation is this: Flouride is a toxic waste product, that many scientific studies and EPA standards have validated is poisonous. In fact, one of the EPA reports I've linked to, confirms the facts I am presenting to you now. So, why is it in water? The aluminum industry is huge. In fact, it's so huge, that it has been a major, economic driving force since the post World War II era, when, for many years, the toxic dumping of toxic waste byproducts from aluminum manufacturing were legally deposited in landfills. However, around the mid-70's or so, based on the poisons found in the bloodstreams of millions, the EPA began to set landfill standards - including the refusal of dumping toxic chemicals in oceans, lakes, streams and landfills. Flouride was then a problem that one of the largest textile industries in the world had to deal with. And, thank goodness to Capitalism and money, they were able to buy their way into the water streams of every household and mouth of every person in this country and dispose of it through human ingestion.

Now, let's look at the FCC, television and commercials. You spend time watching your television, enjoying your shows about beautiful people in perfect bodies, with great teeth, a full head of hair and nice, thin waist-lines. This is quickly and FREQUENTLY interrupted by a series of commercials that do what? They tell you how IMPERFECT and UGLY you really are. They point out your bad teeth and the toothpaste you need, the Rogaine or hair coloring products you need for your head, the diet pills and excercise machines for your fat, the face creams and anti-aging products for your skin, and so on and so on. In other words, Hollywood, much like the American Dental Association (ADA), was offered a big, fat check for LYING to you. Hollywood tells you who's ugly, and who's not. Hollywood tells you what's popular and acceptable, and what's not. This marketing strategy is amongst the most corrupt and vile forms of subliminal messaging that is possible, today. Trust me, if you go to take advertising and marketing in college for four or five years, you'll get to see first hand how they mold you into working for the Capitalist markets. But, given these two examples, what has this got to do with Capitalism?

Mind you, I could have chosen from a myriad of tens of thousands of examples. However, I specifically chose two areas of our common, every-day life that we tend to take for granted. I did this, because you need understand, that Government "lies," are not limited to what takes place in "Congress." Forget Congress. The laws they have already passed, the agencies already in place and the people supporting Congress are the biggest threat to our lives. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - an agency set up by our Government and paid for through tax-payer dollars to regulate the safety of the environment and us, has passed regulations to dump toxic waste into the drinking water and do so under the guise: it's good for you! Remember the advertisements for cigarettes long, long ago? If you have a sore throat - smoke! It REALLY works! In fact, the cigarettes you smoke work so well that they'll numb your throat through the systematic destruction of the cells, providing you long-term relief. Hey, what about the ADA? It is a government established agency designed to regulate the administration of dental services, and along with the FDA, toothpastes, mouthwashes, etc. Go look at your tube of toothpaste right now. No - really, I'll wait. Go get it and come back........ (musical interlude)........... got it? Okay - now read the back: Warning: Harmful or fatal if swallowed - contact the poison control center immediately! [Sure - yours will be a variant of this - but you get the gist]. TOOTHPASTE WILL KILL YOU? Yes. Why? Flouride (amongst one or two other chemicals also contained in some toothpastes). But, that's not really the big one - the big one is a chemical whose initials are SLS. This is an industrial grade, silicon scrubbing agent that is abrasive and designed NOT to remove the plaque from your teeth, but the enamel. Don't believe me? Go ahead - you look this one up.

The point? The point is: The government is lying. And, when the government lies, WE THE PEOPLE SUFFER. I've been saying this for a while, but wanted to point out a couple small parts of your life here: the toothpaste you HAVE to buy to whiten your teeth so you can look like the perfect man or woman from your favorite, unrealistic reality show, is filled with none other than: Toxic waste and chemicals designed to make you need the services of a dentist. Capitalism people. Capitalism is NOT free enterprise. If you'd take a moment, there is a very well written article on Capitalism that was done in 2006, before the Obama era, that clearly outlines some of the major points of Capitalism. An overtly philisophical article was written in 1996 and detailed the failure of these two processes as functional together. The truth, which you will rarely find in many on-line articles and texts out there is this: Capitalism, by its sheer nature and definition, is a political structure that when, the leaders of an economy influence the decisions of a government - it becomes Capitalism. In the case of Democracy, Capitalism is the tip of an iceberg which will eventually sink the Titanic. Capitalism not only represents a minority few, but it represents those who want money. Its selfish greed is self-destructive and will inevitably destroy itself in sheer, Marxist Socialism style when arrogance marches headfirst into the arms of destruction.

Examples of Capitalism in Democracy:

Laws that are passed that do not include the voters, the interest of the voters or the interest of the welfare of the majority. Let's take for example the laws that were lifted from pharmaceuticals permitting them to advertise on television, and within a few years, the price of prescriptions 800% and people who needed prescriptions to survive, died. What about laws that permit the poisoning of our drinking water and the sale of toothpaste to children that contains poisonous chemicals like Titanium Dioxide? What about laws that govern the prices of our food, our oil, what we can and cannot buy, and so on? The truth is - I could detail some very disturbing facts for you about how our entire political structure has been commanded for many, many years now by Capitalist leaders (ie. DuPont - the leaders in Titanium Dioxide production), whose sole goal is money. But, if you don't already know this - by the computer you sit in front of, the number of televisions in your home, the cars in your garage, the size and mortgage of your home, the name brand on the clothes you wear, the cartoon/commercially driven to purchase toys in your child's room and the slew of other, obvious facts all around you- then I'm afraid you are the one I spoke of when I first wrote this article and asked: when did we trade being people - for being sheep?

This is just not wolves in sheep’s clothing. At least the wolves eat the sheep for the reasons of survival. This would be the equivalent of the shepard selling out his own sheep and leading them to the wolves in trade for a pocket of gold and all the wool he could want, shear free! This is NOT free enterprise.

So, what is free enterprise? Free enterprise is exactly what it says: a competition market where anyone can compete against one another. This is what creates good pricing – not the government giving sole rights for ISBN licensing to Bowker, LLC., so they can charge people whatever they want and control the market. Free enterprise allows people to build a better mouse trap and offer it on an open market, not create 3 credit bureaus with all their flaws and corruption to dictate the terms of an individual’s life. In an article by Robert J. Samuelson with the Washington Post, he attributes Capitalism’s ability to survive to its diversity and America as a whole. However, I would counter this and say that he is in fact, incorrect. Capitalism has not thrived based on a system of diversity. Anyone who invests at the upper echelons of the stock market knows this – because they know that companies such as Viacom, DuPont and others, are the parent/umbrella corporations for a vast array of companies below them, and in fact, there is little diversity in our current economy. Additionally, I would support this with the every-growing siege on America by Capitalism:

If Capitalism could thrive based solely upon its diversity – then why pay off government agencies (who have a dictatorial authority over the people through the enforcement of laws vs. the threat of prison and death) - to pass laws that permit the poisoning of our water? Why develop a nation of TV-brained imbeciles who don’t recognize the harm of constantly being told how bad they are, and then buy the anti-depressant from the next commercial to get their “pill fix?” Or, perhaps this is the Diversity that Mr. Samuelson refers to – even if he doesn’t realize it. Perhaps Mr. Samuelson’s references to “entrepreneurial culture,” and “work ethic,” as Capitalism’s building blocks are truly the masquerade upon which it keeps its victims as easy targets. No – there is NO free enterprise. Free enterprise is gone. I cannot go put up a stand on a corner in the middle of town, or outside my house, and sell my vegetables.

Why not? Taxation, regulation, ordinances, fees, licensing, permits, applications, limitations, infringements upon minority groups, and a slew of other nonsensical laws that the Federal Government – a body that was designed to represent the people and defend this country – had no business passing. If this were a free enterprise, I could build a car tomorrow and sell it. You say – sure you can – go ahead. You say, just fill out the forms, pay the fees, apply for the licenses, pay for your own advertising – and you’re good to go.

Really? Are you sure about that? What about the competitive clauses that I alone may not face as a small guy – but if I were to try and build, say 10 million cars – that would forbid me that right? Need a better example? Try looking up what Walmart has not only done to small business, but the added regulations Walmart has helped “encourage” in towns across America, in Federal and State Legislation, that kill those small businesses. In fact, many of those same laws have eventually come back to bite Walmart, hard, until it exerts itself upon our political leaders and forces through laws for its own special interest and success. Again – when government crosses over into free enterprise - it is no longer free. Greece had the perfect example:

However, when the media and many others discuss the infringement on Capitalism by the Government’s march toward socialism, they are missing the mark entirely. Capitalism is the point in which free enterprise gives way to Socialism when it gets a boost from the politicians of the day who suddenly pass laws defending companies like Amtrak, because they are also invested in that company and have to protect their own interests. In the book: Corruption, Capitalism and Democracy, from Routledge Taylor and Francis Group, they discuss how the collusion between elitist politicians and elitist financially wealthy “capitalists,” (those who believe that the economy should dictate the laws – or He who has the gold “makes” the rules), are furthering the expansion of capitalist practive and market practice at the expense of democratic practice and public values.

So: Capitalism = free enterprise taking political control of the masses for its own, selfish gain; and in Democracy = the end of freedom. Thus, Capitalism = The end of freedom. But, you’re free, aren’t you? You can decide not to watch their shows, buy their “stuff,” and be independent, can’t you? HAHAHA – go ahead and try. The rules the government puts into place requires you to subscribe to the whims of Capitalism to keep it thriving. However, the greed on top never gets enough, the elitists get too fat, and the people just get poorer until there’s no more to give. This leads to rebellion and war (The Boston Tea Party for anyone interested in an example). Welcome to Free America. You’re free to shop and spend – and they’ll tell you to – a lot. It will be all around you; your iron will shall be shattered. Your beliefs shall be made frail upon your social condition. Your fear and hatred of your fellow man shall be made manifest by the infringement not upon your person – but your “stuff,” and how much it will cost you (or in a lawsuit – how much you’ll gain).  

But, what do you take with you from all of this?

Either you’re at home now, or you’ll be going home soon. And, you’ll need gas to drive your car. You’ll believe that you need 10 cops to every 1 person just to keep you safe on your journey. You’ll buy the food at the store that they make available, poisons or not. You’ll trust the FDA, the EPA, the ADA, the AMA and any other board that’s “government,” backed, because the government is SO honest – but regardless – you have to eat.

For this entry I submit to you: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Samuel Clemens (aka Mark Twain). I submit to you also, that there was an underlying reasoning behind Mr. Clemens producing literature under an alias: he was making a political statement the likes of which was unheard of during his time. You see, for me, Tom Sawyer whitewashing the alley fence is more than just imagery of kids playing tom foolery pranks on one another, but a reflection of the Government and its people. So - let me set the scene for you (characters adjusted to today's political climate):

• The fence is America: "...compared the insignificant whitewashed streak with the far-reaching continent of unwhitewashed fence.."
• Tom Sawyer is The new, up and coming Government: The one sent to "cover up," the fence, leaving Tom feeling sad: "...He surveyed the fence, and all gladness left him and a deep melancholy settled down upon his spirit...."
• Old Missis is the enforcer: "...She say she spec’ Mars Tom gwine to ax me to whitewash, an’ so she tole me go ‘long an’ ‘tend to my own business...."
• Jim is the poorer working class/Ben the wealthier: "...Jim never got back with a bucket of water under an hour – and even then somebody generally had to go after him.."
• Aunt Polly is the courts/regulating agencies: "...retiring from the field with a slipper in her hand and triumph in her eye..."

First - remember that Tom Sawyer was produced in 1876, during a time when Hayes was elected President through a very "sketchy" resolution, the National Convention had both parties absolutely divided and slinging mud at one another, slavery was disenfranchised, but black Americans were not yet given freedom and America, recovering from Civil War, was still in a state of turmoil. The problems that existed between parties and regions of peoples were not resolved, but instead, were being "glossed" over. Mark Twain saw the beginning of something disastrous occurring (where I also believe that Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn both represent a portion of the two, separate parties as well). So - with that said (knowing that Clemens did not get to know the disastrous, financially corrupted government of today) - let's see how Tom Sawyer has brought us forward to today's governmental body:

America is in trouble. We can either FIX the problems, or just whitewash over it - which is what we've done. For example, taxes and penalties are called: fees. High unemployment is called change. And, corrupt officials are called our 'best' hope. So, here comes Tom Sawyer ('ol Uncle Sam), lookin' at that Looooonnnngggg fence, realizing just how big of a job this is for just one person (or the handful of governmental agents), and finds himself overwhelmed. Then along comes Jim (the people). The people are the ones who aren't 'eager' to have to rush to bring up the water from the well - it'll get there. They don't care about 'corporate' deadlines or policies - they're just doin' what they're told, because 'ol misses said so. (We all do what we're told we have to do: work - pay taxes. Work - pay taxes). And, Jim's afraid of 'ol misses, cause if'n he don't do what he was tolds to do, 'ol misses is gonna whoop him up something fierce! Hey - wear your seatbelt, cross in cross-walks, don't slander authority!!

But Tom (uncle sam), doesn't like doing the work. And, when they ask for Jim's help he says: No - it's your job - and even if I'd wanted to do your job for you - I'd be in trouble for not doing my own work. But Tom's crafty, you see.... You want freedom? You want protection? You want money to purchase - and Jim says: YES! (to seeing a bandaged toe and letting Tom go down to the river for him). What happens? Well, Aunt Polly, the Courts and regulating agencies comes along and whaps the people out of the way to scold Uncle Sam and get him back to work! He has to "cover up," the underlying problems of America. Then comes along young Ben, and unlike Jim, Ben was eager for new "stuff" and new "things." So, after a bit, Tom hornswaggles the young lad into doing the worked, convinced that it's something he WANTS to do - but - in exchange for his apple. And, this went on and on until Tom went from poor - to the rich kid on the block.

Now - let's play this out in more 'modern,' terms. Sure - there's money - if you consider "IOU's," (which is what American paper/coin currency is worth - an IOU), wealth. But, you see - to have the "privilege," to work - NOT getting the things we have to do in our own homes and lives done, we gotta pay. An apple here, a kite there.... TAXES. Tom made something that was INVALUABLE (paper money), valuable, by learning that the value of an object or task is based upon the difficulty in attaining that object or completing that task. Soon - corporate greed - not in private enterprise, but through government and taxes, creates corrupted officials. It's not just the money - but the authority the government craves. And, if we want things like: FOOD, WATER, AIR, POWER, SHELTER - the BASIC necessities of life - we have to be willing to give up. But, what happens when we give up our apple?

We're hungry. Whitewashing the fence bought me this fake money that has no reward in it and I'm still hungry. So - in turn, the boys play the same game that Tom did (the start of capitalist America), taking from one another. But, Tom's no fool - he's in on EVERY piece of action by eventually saying: hey - I'll let you whitewash this fence for a fee - but in turn - you gotta pay me another fee to let someone else whitewash YOUR fence, and let me charge THEM a fee. And, like blind sheep who are told by the wolf that the grass is greener on the other side - we did it. We kept doing it. Until, eventually, we have doctors and lawyers who charge $200 per hour and up. TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS PER HOUR!?!? That makes NO sense!! But, you see - their worth is based on the 'difficulty,' to attain that position. And, unlike the 'older' days, now - only those who have more to give are permitted this privilege. But, because they gave more, they in turn need to charge more. And this DEADLY cycle continues.

Where's ol misses? Well, the enforcers still require the people to follow the rules and need authority. But, Uncle Sam (Tom), has gained control of the authority. So, they too, must give up to Uncle Sam in turn for a piece of that authority - and the birth of law enforcement and the end of freedom falls like a deadly, silent shadow, blanketing the whole of this country. Uncle Sam's still getting his fence whitewashed - still covering up the REAL problems in America - but he's using 'ol misses (aka the cops, fbi, et. al.) to do it for him he has gotten so lazy.

     There is a false belief that Capitalism begets Democracy. This belief is based on the principals that growing nations (currently, what we see as Asian, third world countries such as singapore, and even larger countries such as russia), will create a 'middle class,' whereby the class system will demand greater freedoms and rights leading to a Democracy. While this may appear, at face value to hold some validity, in practice, it is not a reasonable belief. Democracy has never been based on a class system. The foundations of Democracy rely entirely on a representation of the masses, from rich to poor. Democratic decisions which favor one class over the other, or garnish the votes of one class over the other, do not represent the principals of Democracy.

1. It is contracts made with American Companies that undercut the American payroll to offer a far, lower rate to the overseas people (such as call center help for Dell, or loan callback agents with First Union Bank); whereby the companies offering overseas jobs qualify as the grant winners of monies that come from tax-payer dollars. 
2. Other countries such as England and France which exist in a capitalist-type economy don't have a Democracy, but operate under Kings, Queens and a parliamental system.

      In the beginning of the USA, maybe it appears as if Democracy's roots were embedded in the principals of a trade/barter system. However, do not forget that it was greed and selfishness that brought us to this country, took the land away from its native inhabitants, and then relied on slavery and endentured servitude to lay the foundation for American economics. Democracy is doomed to fail in the presence of Capitalism. This happens when the private corporations of America mold the lawmaking process and when the Government no longer represents the masses or protects their interests, but creates punishments that lead to the wealth of the Government. For example, the seat belt law: This law does not affect anyone else. A person is not a better or worse driver or a greater or lesser risk to others because they do or do not wear, a seatbelt (the argument, everytime against those who disagree with me - is busses; especially, schoolbusses). The law is nothing more than the Government abusing its power to increase income. Yes, I know the argument that it is far more expensive for the taxpayers when a person is hurt without a seatbelt and more resources have to be spent transporting that person. What I don't buy in that story, is why 16 cop cars arrived for one person hitting another, one ambulence, two tow trucks, and 10 of the 16 officers standing around and doing nothing for the entirety of the accident. Money is wasted and it is a Capitalist-type law. When the government makes laws that support the 3 credit reporting bureaus and checksystems as methods to control an individual's life (their job, ability to have shelter, food, transportation and many, other factors); and leave it in the hands of private enterprise, thereby endorsing that we [the people of America], are to answer to private corporations who thrive on their lust for wealth, then the money makes the rules - and America Government is now acting, Capitalist.

      It is a growing concern, nationwide, that our Government is moving farther and farther away from the people. That their political campaigns are skewed and poorly done, that it's become obvious that they are merely for show, to hide the truth behind them. No true Democracy can survive, for those who seek wealth, seek power. They know that power will further endorse their wealth. Thus, those who have gotten into positions of political power in this country are either corrupted, or will be soon.... The two opposites do not make for very good bedfellows.