Today’s world is being transformed by an unelected, unauthorized, supreme presence. All change is inherently disconcerting : this one appears alarming.

Once castes and societal classes around the world were held in check by monarchs, dictators or tribal chiefs; but recent titular topplings have sundered nations and left continents in chaos. Modern innovations; TV, smart phones and Facebook, have unveiled life styles of the western world to poor undeveloped communities that now demand similar experiences. And they want them now!

The United States, until now, a bastion of civility by global standards, is also facing a triage of previously unheralded voting segments: 1) Unassimilated, boisterous immigrants, 2) Entrenched but threatened burghers and, 3) The Privileged few.

At the bottom are those fleeing economic, racial and/or political oppression. They seek food, water, shelter, education and safety. The “government” is the only source to whom they look for succor. Having no economic or political clout, they accept without question whatever the political class tells them. Their primary information source is the church, TV sound bites, bumper stickers and campaign promises.

The second group, was previously known as the ‘middle class’. These newly disaffected skilled workers historically found security in factories, farms, construction, retailing etc. They believed by working hard, saving money, obeying laws and stressing the importance of education that they and their children could achieve a higher standard of living. This educated middle class was deemed essential for democracy’s success. But that lofty goal no longer seems assured. The result is anxiety unknown in recent years. These folks are angry at their present lot and they blame Washington. They thrash about seeking answers while struggling to appear ‘politically correct’. Their primary news source, Television, has been hijacked and replaced by unfiltered social media.

At the top are the Über-wealthy, insulated from fear, deprivation and anxieties, convinced they will outlive their cash. They appoint and control the political class to guarantee their privileges persist. By working assiduously through legal and accounting gimmickry they avoid sharing their good fortune with the lower classes. They do not read the news: they create it.

There is no longer a distinction between the stated (often deceptive) positions espoused by Republicans, Democrats, Independents, Liberals, Conservatives or Progressives on issues that matter to the two bottom classes.

America’s political wannabes in this election cycle have yet to recognize this tectonic shift in attitude and emotion. Their paid advisors have failed to adopt strategies that satisfy the demands of the majority. Until they do, America too faces a maelstrom of disorder. Thus far, the two major political parties each seem hell bent on pandering to one group – Democrats to the immigrants, Republicans to the privileged few.

Ignored so far is the largest group – the threatened burghers

This current crop of political aspirants has maladroitly stepped into this mood of national discontent seemingly unaware that their constituent base has abandoned them. Continuing on this path can only lead to destruction of both parties and the growth of either and oligarchy or plutocracy. (Similar but equally scary.)

Adding to this confused state are a number of widely held dictums which seem ingrained into the American psyche but which muddy the political terrain, including:

• All men are created equal – Tell a kid born in Camden, Watts or East St. Louis that his chance of future success is equal to that of someone born in Scarsdale, Greenwich or Santa Barbara and you will be guilty of deliberate deception. Some become leaders, others follow, as in all of nature.
• American voters are smart – No, they are not. In mathematics, 29 nations and other jurisdictions outperformed the United States by a statistically significant margin, up from 23 three years ago, reports Education Week. In science, 22 education systems scored above the U.S. average, up from 18 in 2009. In reading, 19 other locales scored higher than U.S. students – a jump from nine in 2009, when the last assessment was performed. The results are reflected in today’s elected officials. Voters must become better informed on the positions their candidate espouses. Perhaps a minimal understanding of right and wrong and a capacity to read and count?

• Religious freedoms and attendant rituals must be preserved – Organized religions are a scourge upon the world. How many wars, past and present, have been precipitated by religious zealots? ‘My God is truer than your god.’ ‘Only believers go to heaven.’ ‘Praise God and you will be saved.’ Saved from what? Most of the poverty, crime and homelessness is centered in the minority communities.  Religious fervor should not be a litmus test for a political vote. There is a reason Thomas Jefferson advocated separation of church and state.

Unfortunately, where once the educated middle class was the dominant force in an election, it has delegated that role to the growing and uneducated bottom segment. America no longer has a representative democracy. The middle class has been silenced but is just now becoming active. The potential for an uprising is increasing and a dictator claiming to be benign is on the march.

But beware – ‘to the victor belong the spoils’. And the spoils in this case are the vassals. Let’s not join the chaos and upheavals of the rest of the world.

You are welcome.

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