As usual, this is another great podcast. Thank you, Ms. Vega.
The podcast addresses so many important issues that are culturally, socially and economically layered, compounded by systematic policies.
The "life" and "happiness" components in the Declaration of Independence are aspirational. It is a declaration of political principles and a statement of reasons for breaking away from British rule; it is not a legally binding instrument of law. While it has played a significant role in shaping American legal and political thought, it does not have the same legal force as the Constitution or the Bill of Rights.
This is further compounded by capitalism, the secular economic religion in the US that dictates so many elements of how we live. And this economic strategy often clashes with the political principles/goals we have. Some economists and philosophers believe that any economic intervention impedes the "free hand" of capitalism. And to do so contradicts how capitalism can function. A social safety net, for some, is understood of the unwanted hand of the government.
But as you accurately identify, capitalism clashes with so many other principles that we value, specifically life and happiness. Many have come to embrace the idea that the aspirational components noted in the Declaration of Independence are for a "lucky few." And let the floor bottom-out naturally as it is a direct product of unimpeded capitalism. The system isn't broken, the failure lies on specific individuals. Those who are unable to survive are deemed socially deficient, casting them as burdens and outcasts. It's a social darwinism that ignores the embedded systemic shortcomings of capitalism.
And many understand the shortcomings to be intentional by design.
This prompts me to recall the efforts undertaken in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. It was largely people who organized to work and provide the necessary resources to help those who needed basic necessities to live and survive. FEMA and the US administration under the first Trump administration failed to provide the ample support that was necessary. The policies and conditions under US colonialism made the relief effort evermore difficult, a topic you nicely covered on The Takeaway. This is an example of how systems are not created to benefit people.
I wish people would mind their own business sometimes and just be better to each other. We have started having Thursday nite covered dished dinners. We have tried to get a license to close our street for a few hours, and we are all working on it. Just talking to each other has been a huge diff. 🤷
This is spot-on. I feel I've been so busy with work that I don't have time to actualize this. I am wondering what I can do to help create that floor, and part of that is connecting in my community. I would like to encourage local politicians to model what Kat Abughazelah, who is running for the IL 9th, is doing with mutual aid to help the community with her campaigning instead of spending tons on ads. She's pretty savvy with social media, and she has a food pantry in her campaign office.
As usual, this is another great podcast. Thank you, Ms. Vega.
The podcast addresses so many important issues that are culturally, socially and economically layered, compounded by systematic policies.
The "life" and "happiness" components in the Declaration of Independence are aspirational. It is a declaration of political principles and a statement of reasons for breaking away from British rule; it is not a legally binding instrument of law. While it has played a significant role in shaping American legal and political thought, it does not have the same legal force as the Constitution or the Bill of Rights.
This is further compounded by capitalism, the secular economic religion in the US that dictates so many elements of how we live. And this economic strategy often clashes with the political principles/goals we have. Some economists and philosophers believe that any economic intervention impedes the "free hand" of capitalism. And to do so contradicts how capitalism can function. A social safety net, for some, is understood of the unwanted hand of the government.
But as you accurately identify, capitalism clashes with so many other principles that we value, specifically life and happiness. Many have come to embrace the idea that the aspirational components noted in the Declaration of Independence are for a "lucky few." And let the floor bottom-out naturally as it is a direct product of unimpeded capitalism. The system isn't broken, the failure lies on specific individuals. Those who are unable to survive are deemed socially deficient, casting them as burdens and outcasts. It's a social darwinism that ignores the embedded systemic shortcomings of capitalism.
And many understand the shortcomings to be intentional by design.
This prompts me to recall the efforts undertaken in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. It was largely people who organized to work and provide the necessary resources to help those who needed basic necessities to live and survive. FEMA and the US administration under the first Trump administration failed to provide the ample support that was necessary. The policies and conditions under US colonialism made the relief effort evermore difficult, a topic you nicely covered on The Takeaway. This is an example of how systems are not created to benefit people.
I wish people would mind their own business sometimes and just be better to each other. We have started having Thursday nite covered dished dinners. We have tried to get a license to close our street for a few hours, and we are all working on it. Just talking to each other has been a huge diff. 🤷
This is spot-on. I feel I've been so busy with work that I don't have time to actualize this. I am wondering what I can do to help create that floor, and part of that is connecting in my community. I would like to encourage local politicians to model what Kat Abughazelah, who is running for the IL 9th, is doing with mutual aid to help the community with her campaigning instead of spending tons on ads. She's pretty savvy with social media, and she has a food pantry in her campaign office.