"The problem is us," says Jim Hightower, bestselling author, former editor of the Texas Observer, and America's #1 populist. The problem is progressives, weak-willed Democrats, and others who have forgotten that our politics is meant to serve the people. We've allowed conservative demagogues like Glenn Beck and Sarah Palin to seize the title of "populist" from the left.
Hightower joined Laura in studio recently to talk about the economy, populism, the Supreme Court and Citizens United, and more.
I am 90 years old, striving hard to achieve #91….As I look back into the l930s we had many “squiak boxea” which is what the likes of Paliln and Beck are today…only they are much more vociferous due to our vastly improved communications systems….I agree with what Albert Einstein (1879-1955) is reputed to have said, “Two things are infinite; the universe and human stupidity, and I’m not sure about the universe.” Human stupidity is rampant today as, in my opinion, in the clingers and followers of Beck and Palin…Not to worry unless an Alolph HItlier rises up which can happen in a quagmire of stupidity….Our main worry today are the powerful corporations, especially BP right now who was/is in a position to bring serious ruin upon this planet……..Respectrully submitted, John Schaut, Bradenton FL 34205
By John Schaut on May 18th, 2010 at 1:28 pm
Saw Hightown on the Bill Moyer´s Report…he was on the last Moyer´s report. Enjoyed that program and this too. Twenty years ago, Pres Reagean said when all this de-regulation started…everything goes….well, thank you…here is the mess in 2010.
By davidperi on May 18th, 2010 at 2:43 pm
I agree with Albert Einstein (1879-1955), to wit: “Two things are infinite: The universe and human stupidity, and I’m not sure about the universe.”…..In my opinion, the followers of Beck and Palin fall squarely into human stupidity…They and their ilk are not our problem…Our problems lie within the realm of the mega-corporations who have the obvious power to plunge Earth into an endless quagmire of destruction, e.g. BP and its wanton oil spill into the Gulf of Mexico…….I am 90 years old, trying hard to make it to #91, driven to survive longer solely out of curiosity over what’s to happen next….I remember well the “squawk boxes” of the 1930s who cried out their irrational advocacies, only they didn’t have the communications coverage we have today…They came to naught–as will the ilks of:Palin and Beck, despite today’s communicatiions advantages…So, screw them and go head-long for the BPs………Respectfully submitted, John Schaut, Bradenton FL, 34209….
By John Schaut on May 18th, 2010 at 4:09 pm
I appreciate Jim Hightower’s optimism and vision for constructive change. He points out areas of agreement with Tea Partiers, for ezample. I certainly hope voters get the facts and are not purveyors of slogans! Education should be OUR job.
By Mary K. Lund on May 20th, 2010 at 5:05 pm