Toni Morrison totally nails it. We are citizens, not merely taxpayers.

[peacebird]

"I applaud with enthusiasm this gathering of leaders, thinkers, activists, and artists, each and all committed to strategies of and for social progress.

The Progressive Agenda to Combat Income Inequality identifies the pillars upon which healthy social structures can be built. Each pillar is designed to improve, even save, the lives of vulnerable populations. Addressing everything from financial traps to failing schools to jobs to methods for strengthening families and communities, each pillar of support enhances the lives of the poor and middle class, which in turn benefits the whole society.

The solutions are not mysterious, not unknown, nor are the means by which to achieve them. We know what they are and how to apply them. There is simply, and too often, no will to organize and enact the agenda. But indifference and inaction stops here. With New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio's insistence and foresight, along with the dedication and passion of serious progressives, vital changes in our cities and towns will surface.

Remember when we used to be called "citizens"? There were levels of citizenship, certainly, but we were citizens nonetheless. "I am an American citizen" was our proud boast. Then, following World War II, the prosperous decades began, and we were called "consumers." The American consumer wants; the American consumer needs -- and consume we did. Items that were once luxuries became necessities, and, unlike our great-grandparents, we were ashamed to have only one pair of shoes or one Sunday dress. Being a consumer is not without pleasure or comfort. Yet now we are identified by a brand-new label, one that floods political speech, pundit themes, and media headlines: "taxpayer." It seems that that definition is all we are."
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/toni-morrison/the-new-progressive-agenda-a-return-to-citizenship_b_7265416.html

[woo me with science]

1. "Worker" is what I hear us called now.

And our corporate media no longer calls our politicians "representatives," but "leaders."

It's way past time to take our government back from these antidemocratic, authoritarian corporate criminals.

[peacebird]

2. Agree, which is why I will be WORKing tirelessly to get Bernie Sanders elected!

[Enthusiast]

3. Maybe they no longer call them representatives because of this:

[Fred Sanders]

4. Citizens seem not to care much to vote. Are you a citizen if you do not vote? Or part of the problem?

Is it possible to Vote Shame folks into voting........ because I will try anything.

Rather than waste millions trying to convince so-called "citizens" to vote for Democratic Party candidates, like the person who lost to a ripe for the picking McConnell - by refusing to support her own President, as I recall - how about sinking a few bucks into telling folks to fucking vote - or stop bitching about the governement that just got elected, without their participation or interest?

The only thing folks seem to pay attention to these days is anything that outrages them.

What is more outrageous than not casting a vote in this nation that your nation protects with blood and treasure.....in other lands?

"VOTE - or STFU" is on a bumper sticker I have for purchase.

I am not proud of it..... but WTF...39% turnout in a national general election?

[NuttyFluffers]

5. words matter, as we've learned from newt gingrich.

she is absolutely right. change the label, change the framework, change the identity, change the motivation, change the world.