BAD MEDICINEIn your November 25 editorial, you ask, "Why is the establishment so afraid" of the Occupy movement, and answer: because, allegedly, ". . . the organized political power structure is hanging on only by the tips of their . . . fingertips." And, that ". . . they can't handle the truth." Well, it might not be "as simple as that."
I support Occupy. But their weakest aspect recalls conventional medicine: regarding symptoms as the actual disease. In this case, that the criminality of banks, corporations, Wall Street, and the power structure is said to be the problem, as opposed to the symptom of it.
What's the problem? The ancient and deep manipulation of human society by what is variously called the "ruling class," "power elite," "global elite," "Illuminati," etc. This cabal is not a modern phenomenon, but very old. The troubles identified by Occupy are effects.
For example, that credit/interest-bearing debt is an elite construct for enslavement; that "good jobs" equal is wage slavery; and that our constitution is flawed by the stipulation that Congress has the power to borrow our own money — no one questions this Trojan-horse provision.
So, if we attempt to regulate the criminality of banks, corporations, and Wall Street, as Occupy suggests, but leave them in place, the mechanisms of theft remain. The system is fundamentally a wealth-stealing scam.
It is possible that the establishment attacks Occupy to lend credence to an inadequate revolt that could take a bite out of crime, yet will allow it to fester, or just to discourage dissidence in general.
PETER TOCCI
LEOMINSTER
SMALL WONDER
Catherine Tumber's book (see "Thinking Small," November 18) reveals yet another threat to our communities by big business, and by big-box stores. I would hope this book reaches the threatened communities who have these stores on their doorstep. Her book is far-reaching and reveals the trouble that is in our future if we continue along our current path. She offers the kind of information that small cities and large and small communities alike should publicize to their citizens. It's very thoughtful and right on target.
SUSAN BERRY
FROM THEPHONENIX.COM