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appalachiablue

(41,131 posts)
Thu Apr 16, 2015, 06:38 PM Apr 2015

'WHEN DOES THE GREED STOP?' Lion of the Senate, Sen. Edward Kennedy on AMERICAN WAGES.

Last edited Sun Apr 19, 2015, 08:21 AM - Edit history (1)

Senator Edward M. Kennedy, (D-MA), Jan. 27, 2007 attacks RERUBLICANS for STALLING A MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE for TWO YEARS.

The TPP, TRANS PACIFIC PARTNERSHIP currently in fast track involves trade and commerce partners in Asia Pacific nations with child labor abuses and wages as low as 59 cents or less. How this agreement will benefit American workers and families is unclear and imperative to continuing negotiations.


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'WHEN DOES THE GREED STOP?' Lion of the Senate, Sen. Edward Kennedy on AMERICAN WAGES. (Original Post) appalachiablue Apr 2015 OP
Carlin said it "These people dont care about you" NoJusticeNoPeace Apr 2015 #1
The sorry God's truth it is- appalachiablue Apr 2015 #2
Applies to all politicians, maybe not Bernie but all the rest probably NoJusticeNoPeace Apr 2015 #3
That is the destructive system now, yes and the taste of extreme wealth, power & greed has appalachiablue Apr 2015 #11
Plato and Rosa Parks! The problem of elite wealth & power was recognized in ancient times appalachiablue Apr 2015 #17
"the other group will not harm us unless they have to" = BS. Both harm us, quite ND-Dem Apr 2015 #27
We're "The Little People" to the titans of Corporatocracy. 99th_Monkey Apr 2015 #5
We've been made that way, not that we're inherently less but that they are more greedy & selfish- appalachiablue Apr 2015 #8
You and what army? -nt- 99th_Monkey Apr 2015 #9
There is no accounting for the strength of the human spirit~ appalachiablue Apr 2015 #10
I have faith in the Human Spirit 99th_Monkey Apr 2015 #12
...and I think you are a flaming optimist! nt Bigmack Apr 2015 #22
Your assessment is completely sensible to me, I have many of the same concerns esp. appalachiablue Apr 2015 #38
The right is in the process of erecting the machinery hifiguy Apr 2015 #23
+1 Courage friends. appalachiablue Apr 2015 #25
And we are eminently disposable. hifiguy Apr 2015 #24
The glue factories. And will they be operated by robots, probably, much more efficient. appalachiablue Apr 2015 #39
Ted was the quintessential liberal. RIP big guy. AtomicKitten Apr 2015 #4
The Lion of the Senate. May we have more like him, this country really needs it. appalachiablue Apr 2015 #6
Bobby Kennedy had so much promise. Ditto for JFK, Jr. AtomicKitten Apr 2015 #7
To us it's a bygone era but in the long span of history it's a small period of time, although appalachiablue Apr 2015 #15
MOTHER JONES, (1837-1930) born in Ireland, American labor leader like no other. appalachiablue Apr 2015 #13
What a woman, highest praise and appreciation for one we are unlikely to ever see grace this mother earth Apr 2015 #26
Well said, all of it. Incomparable woman, with enough early adversities to kill off most of us appalachiablue Apr 2015 #31
I agree on all counts, appalachiablue, and it makes me smile to read your words, as I too have mother earth Apr 2015 #37
MARY HARRIS 'MOTHER' JONES (1837-1930) Irish born US labor leader. appalachiablue Apr 2015 #14
ERNEST HEMINGWAY ON COURAGE~ appalachiablue Apr 2015 #16
When the American citizenry is savvy enough to reject Skidmore Apr 2015 #18
When does the greed stop? When the greedy turn inward. Dont call me Shirley Apr 2015 #19
why don't you just say "when jesus returns to earth"? same time frame. In fact, ND-Dem Apr 2015 #30
The corporate monarchs are working diligently to keep us from forming change units. Dont call me Shirley Apr 2015 #35
People must become informed & unite, then they will start dealing with the power & inequality. appalachiablue Apr 2015 #41
Greed kills, slowly like decay and rot that's at the Top now. K & R appalachiablue Apr 2015 #20
Greed NEVER stops. hifiguy Apr 2015 #21
K & R, applachiablue, K & R... mother earth Apr 2015 #28
The last "real" Democrat I've seen as of recent CountAllVotes Apr 2015 #29
We do need more Lions like Ted Kennedy. Bernie and Warren are doing great, but in 30 years appalachiablue Apr 2015 #40
By definition greed does not stop rock Apr 2015 #32
Agree... AuntPatsy Apr 2015 #33
75% of TPP's trade is with Canada and Mexico. Vietnam and Malaysia wil do fine under WTO rules pampango Apr 2015 #34
"GROWING UP" young Edward M. Kennedy on the shoulders of big brother John F. Kennedy appalachiablue Apr 2015 #36

NoJusticeNoPeace

(5,018 posts)
3. Applies to all politicians, maybe not Bernie but all the rest probably
Thu Apr 16, 2015, 06:43 PM
Apr 2015

problem is one group is actively working to overtly harm us

the other group will not harm us unless they have to

appalachiablue

(41,131 posts)
11. That is the destructive system now, yes and the taste of extreme wealth, power & greed has
Thu Apr 16, 2015, 08:02 PM
Apr 2015

impacted many but not all. I remember another, better era of elected leaders, mainly due to strong regulation of business, progressive taxes and a large informed, educated and active public in a time before Free Market Junk Economics and GLOBALIZATION.

That's all been altered, diminished intentionally for three decades, like teeth (with no 'oversight') that haven't been brushed in 3 years, they begin to ROT. (Pardon the analogy). And the ROT is at the TOP, where it always is, the place where the wealth pools, collects in the capitalist system unchecked, just as it was in the First Gilded Age of the 19th century with the likes of JAY GOULD and others.

JAY GOULD was the ruthless, manipulative and craven millionaire Financier and Railroad tycoon who said,

"I can hire one half of the working class to kill the other half" (for jobs)

reportedly commented about a possible strike (stop work) by his railroad workers over labor issues. Gould was very wealthy but died a friendless man in 1892. His gothic monstrosity estate in New York state is one of the most ghoulish and forlorn homes I've ever seen. I believe I read that it was not 'a happy home'.

appalachiablue

(41,131 posts)
17. Plato and Rosa Parks! The problem of elite wealth & power was recognized in ancient times
Fri Apr 17, 2015, 04:12 PM
Apr 2015

by Plato and fought for centuries including in the 20th century by activists like Rosa Parks and others.

Concentrated wealth and power in the hands of a few as old as the ancients was despised because of the same dangers of undemocratic and oligarchic economic-political systems like exist in the US now and elsewhere. Challenges to alter wealth at the top are difficult but have succeeded in the modern past, foremost in the US during the Progressive Era, the New Deal of FDR, the Civil Rights and other 20th cent. movements, clearly.

Preventing corrupted power requires constant vigilance, insuring controls and regulations on business and power by an uncorrupted government and an informed, active populace. Without this there develops dysfunction, economic and social discord which is what we're seeing now - the breakdown and loss of security and rights for the majority of people and workers. It's difficult to fight inequality and out of control, anti-populist states but the alternative is further decline and misery, and as one determined, famous woman said,

~"THE ONY TIRED I WAS, WAS TIRED OF GIVING IN", ~ Rosa Parks.

~"GOOD PEOPLE DO NOT NEED LAWS TO TELL THEM TO ACT RESPONSIBLY, WHILE BAD PEOPLE WILL FIND A WAY AROUND THE LAWS"~ Plato.



-PLATO,
(c. 424-348 BCE) Plato was an Athens born ancient Greek philosopher and mathematician in Classical Greece. Along with his teacher SOCRATES and Plato's most famous student ARISTOTLE, Plato laid the foundation of Western philosophy and science.
SEE: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plato
https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTXcWNIXNm8BS2S7uhjAUT5L9qsAlRH-FEsQEHtB4gDLbjtH-py
-----------

-ROSA PARKS
(1913-2005) Tuskegee, Alabama born African American activist involved in the Montgomery, AL Bus Boycott of 1955 and courageous, pioneer member of the American Civil Rights movement.






SEE: http://www.achievement.org/autodoc/page/par0int-1

 

ND-Dem

(4,571 posts)
27. "the other group will not harm us unless they have to" = BS. Both harm us, quite
Sat Apr 18, 2015, 01:21 PM
Apr 2015

actively.

Ron Wyden (D, WA State, purported liberal) is pushing fast track & reportedly close to cutting a deal to get it

appalachiablue

(41,131 posts)
8. We've been made that way, not that we're inherently less but that they are more greedy & selfish-
Thu Apr 16, 2015, 06:56 PM
Apr 2015

Not all, there are very decent, successful people in business. Our deformed culture and value systems recruit, foster, reward and perpetuate the more undesirable ones. It's all human made, but doesn't have to determine all societies and economies. *GREED KILLS, but...

It CAN Be Stopped Courage People!

 

99th_Monkey

(19,326 posts)
12. I have faith in the Human Spirit
Thu Apr 16, 2015, 08:23 PM
Apr 2015

But I have no faith in US Officialdom: It's a corrupt den of vipers (with a handful of notable
exceptions), 99% owned and operated by our 'private sector partners' i.e. 1% Greed-Heads
gorging on grandma's life savings, workers pensions, etc. via Wall St. with the blessing of
Congre$$.

But I do know what you mean. The well-known fact that our very survival as a nation, and
a species even, hinges on us completely waking up, like now, or maybe tomorrow; but next
year could well be too late.

Yes, somehow (with a little luck) some semblance of the human spirit will survive, even if it's
the worst of the lot, you know, the greed-heads with all the guns and money and power.

Just my somber assessment, for what it's worth.

appalachiablue

(41,131 posts)
38. Your assessment is completely sensible to me, I have many of the same concerns esp.
Sat Apr 18, 2015, 10:15 PM
Apr 2015

about the power of the Rot at the Top and our great disadvantage now. I don't delude myself, just trying to maintain strength for the younger ones who don't know what they're in for. It's enough to make you want to lay down and give up. But not for a good while and not without a lot of effort. As trite as it sounds, there's always darkness before the dawn. Hang in there, -

 

hifiguy

(33,688 posts)
23. The right is in the process of erecting the machinery
Sat Apr 18, 2015, 01:00 PM
Apr 2015

to facilitate a mass die-off of the "undesirables" over the next 20-30 years. It will be "passive" in that it will be the result of neglect and the destruction of all public services for the poor and a significant part of the middle class. Do not doubt this for a second.

 

AtomicKitten

(46,585 posts)
7. Bobby Kennedy had so much promise. Ditto for JFK, Jr.
Thu Apr 16, 2015, 06:53 PM
Apr 2015

It's a bygone era, and that makes me really sad.

appalachiablue

(41,131 posts)
15. To us it's a bygone era but in the long span of history it's a small period of time, although
Fri Apr 17, 2015, 10:27 AM
Apr 2015

that's small comfort for the loss of these major leaders and MLK Jr. and what could have been. We'd likely be in a different US now. What a thought. In the late 80s I saw Ted Kennedy Sr. at a WH Conference on the Handicapped in DC. Disabled WWII Veteran Harold Russell (in the film, 'The Best Years of Our Lives') and Rep. Tony Coelho of CA talked, and when Teddy Jr. spoke the Senator, his dad stood up in the audience and waved. I Remember it like yesterday.

In the last 25 years we don't seem to be raising many of their kind- the influence of Reagan, Milton Freidman, the free market and business has been strong, looking like there's no end but there has to be. And the beginnings of a turn against that ideology has started. Our financial system is very top heavy, comprised of consolidated big banks, largely unregulated and fragile so it's said. That's very bad for us if there's another economic problem as some think will happen.

How matters will move away from the entrenched system is unclear but in the meantime it's hopeful to see young legislators like Rep. Joe Kennedy III (b.1980) who took Barney Frank's seat on the scene.

SEE: http://kennedy.house.gov/



appalachiablue

(41,131 posts)
13. MOTHER JONES, (1837-1930) born in Ireland, American labor leader like no other.
Thu Apr 16, 2015, 09:59 PM
Apr 2015

~ "PRAY FOR THE DEAD AND FIGHT LIKE HELL FOR THE LIVING"~ Mother Jones.

''She was the Walking Wrath of God", Sinclair Lewis. To the workers she was "The Miner's Angel".



MARY HARRIS 'Mother' JONES was born in IRELAND in 1837 and immigrated to North America when young to escape the famine. In Chicago she married in 1867 and had four children. But all her children and her husband died in a yellow fever epidemic.

Several years later Mary returned to Chicago to start again but with the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 she lost everything. After that Mary travelled through the US during a time of rapid Industrialization and the GILDED AGE of wealth visiting town after town and supporting workers and their rights. In Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Colorado Mary assisted miners, who called her 'THE MINER'S ANGEL' and the UMW (United Mine Workers).

Mother Jones' was concerned for the plight of many American children who were poor, abused, overworked and maimed in mills and factories. From the textile mills of Pennsylvania in 1903 she led a group of 100 Mill children in THE CHILDREN'S MARCH to New York City, "to show the millionaires our grievances".

From New York City Mother Jones walked on with the children to President Theodore Roosevelt's Oyster Bay Long Island, NY home, Sagamore Hill to discuss the conditions of child labor stating that,

"NO CHILD WILL BE SACRIFICED ON THE ALTAR OF PROFIT"...

more...

http://www.aflcio.org/About/Our-History/Key-People-in-Labor-History/Mother-Jones-1837-1930

mother earth

(6,002 posts)
26. What a woman, highest praise and appreciation for one we are unlikely to ever see grace this
Sat Apr 18, 2015, 01:19 PM
Apr 2015

planet again. She was an incredible force, paving the way for labor laws. There's no one alive today that is her match, nor will there ever likely be again.

appalachiablue

(41,131 posts)
31. Well said, all of it. Incomparable woman, with enough early adversities to kill off most of us
Sat Apr 18, 2015, 02:06 PM
Apr 2015

these days, sorry to say- What an inspiration, courage and real hardiness, especially being but 5' tall!
I'm sure these attributes existed in many of our forbearers, or we wouldn't be here, that's for sure. Some of my female ancestors- grandmothers and aunts had 6-10 children (lived), and they lived to old age, were healthy, lean and scrappy with few comforts except song & music on occasion. Yet as tough as they were I don't know that any could come close to Mary Harris Mother Jones,- one of a kind, maybe once a century.

Mother Jones' life and work should be taught to all children; studied and appreciated in this country instead of hidden. Actually, in addition to Rosa Parks and others, I'd like to see her on currency, and schools and memorials dedicated to her- esp. in our Capital. Maybe here are some, I must check.
A few years ago I visited TR's home on Long Island, Sagamore Hill where she walked with The Children's March, amazing.

Her work with miners in PA, WV, CO, as 'The Miner's Angel' which she supposedly scoffed at- the 'angel' part- is known and appreciated by many still. That's my origin as well, coal country, deep, and although I've been away the memories remain. -Appa
-----
*As little kids we found many of these beautiful WILDFLOWERS while exploring woods and streams; our mother knew all the names. I was so excited to find them- natural beauty of the earth.
*FLOWERS: http://www.appalachiantrail.org/about-the-trail/plants-wildlife/wildflowers

mother earth

(6,002 posts)
37. I agree on all counts, appalachiablue, and it makes me smile to read your words, as I too have
Sat Apr 18, 2015, 07:40 PM
Apr 2015

a deep appreciation for her, without her things would've turned out far differently, and she did everything during a time when women had little to no rights. Heck, she did it during a time when men didn't have labor rights and were being exploited, never mind the children. Seems we still fight the same demons.

Her feisty spunk is legendary, she's totally deserving of every manner of accolades and honors we should bestow, I'd love to see her face on currency, and more. We owe her a great deal.

appalachiablue

(41,131 posts)
14. MARY HARRIS 'MOTHER' JONES (1837-1930) Irish born US labor leader.
Thu Apr 16, 2015, 10:40 PM
Apr 2015

~ "I ASKED A MAN IN PRISON ONCE HOW HE HAPPENED TO BE THERE AND HE SAID HE HAD STOLEN A PAIR OF SHOES. I TOLD HIM IF HE HAD STOLEN A RAILROAD HE WOULD BE A UNITED STATES SENATOR".~--Mother Jones



Skidmore

(37,364 posts)
18. When the American citizenry is savvy enough to reject
Fri Apr 17, 2015, 04:20 PM
Apr 2015

the role of consumer and decide that they don't need it all and need it now. General strike and voting.

Dont call me Shirley

(10,998 posts)
19. When does the greed stop? When the greedy turn inward.
Fri Apr 17, 2015, 04:27 PM
Apr 2015

Courage is self-honesty to your core. This enables insight. Then Truth.

 

ND-Dem

(4,571 posts)
30. why don't you just say "when jesus returns to earth"? same time frame. In fact,
Sat Apr 18, 2015, 01:56 PM
Apr 2015

greed doesn't stop unless people band together to force the issue.

that's the only way anything ever changes.

Dont call me Shirley

(10,998 posts)
35. The corporate monarchs are working diligently to keep us from forming change units.
Sat Apr 18, 2015, 04:44 PM
Apr 2015

I'm a hopeless optimist, although. The masses of humanity will awaken.

appalachiablue

(41,131 posts)
41. People must become informed & unite, then they will start dealing with the power & inequality.
Mon Apr 20, 2015, 08:33 AM
Apr 2015

The lack of information & ability to organize effectively concerns me the most now, but it is changing in small ways and has to increase.

 

hifiguy

(33,688 posts)
21. Greed NEVER stops.
Sat Apr 18, 2015, 12:57 PM
Apr 2015

It is the most pernicious and destructive addiction there is. Greed is stopped only with force, sad to say.

CountAllVotes

(20,868 posts)
29. The last "real" Democrat I've seen as of recent
Sat Apr 18, 2015, 01:46 PM
Apr 2015

Too bad he has passed away.

I miss this man, our advocate!

We need another Ted Kennedy ASAP to save a dying America IMO.

& recommend!!

appalachiablue

(41,131 posts)
40. We do need more Lions like Ted Kennedy. Bernie and Warren are doing great, but in 30 years
Sun Apr 19, 2015, 08:38 AM
Apr 2015

of Reaganism business and greed have eclipsed government service, people and country, as is clear.

rock

(13,218 posts)
32. By definition greed does not stop
Sat Apr 18, 2015, 03:49 PM
Apr 2015

Some amount will satisfy want or desire. No amount will satisfy greed. That's what greed is.

pampango

(24,692 posts)
34. 75% of TPP's trade is with Canada and Mexico. Vietnam and Malaysia wil do fine under WTO rules
Sat Apr 18, 2015, 04:33 PM
Apr 2015

trading with the US since WTO rules have no environmental or labor right rules.

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