TAMMY DUCKWORTH   (U.S. Senate, Illinois)

It turns out that many of today’s billionaires are selfish, lonely men fantasizing about how they will survive the end times they have played a part in creating.

By Sonali Kolhatkar

 Independent Media Institute

 This article was produced by Economy for All, a project of the Independent Media Institute.

In mid-September, for just a few days, Indian industrialist Gautam Adani entered the ranks of the top three richest people on earth as per Bloomberg’s Billionaires Index. It was the first time an Indian, or, for that matter, an Asian, had enjoyed such a distinction. South Asians in my circle of family and friends felt excited at the prospect that a man who looked like us had entered such rarefied ranks.

Adani was deemed the second richest person, even richer than Amazon founder Jeff Bezos! A Times of India profile fawningly quoted him relaying his thought process in the early days of his rags-to-riches story. “‘Dreams were infinite but finances finite,’ he says with engaging frankness,” according to the profile. There was no mention of the serious accusations he faces of corruption and diverting money into offshore tax havens, or of the entire website, AdaniWatch, devoted to investigating his dirty deeds.

Adani made his money, in part, by investing in digital services, leading one economist to say, “Wherever there is a futuristic business in India, I think… [Adani] has a stronghold.”

The moment of pride that Indians felt in such an achievement by one of their own was short-lived. Quickly Adani slipped from second richest to third richest, and, as of this writing, is in the number four slot on a list dominated by people who have made money from the digital technology revolution.

In fact, ranking multibillionaires is a meaningless exercise that obscures the absurdity of their wealth. This year alone, a number of tech billionaires on Bloomberg’s list lost hundreds of billions of dollars as the gains they made during the early years of the pandemic were wiped out because of a volatile stock market. But, as Whizy Kim of Vox points out, whether or not they’re losing money or giving it away—as Bezos’ ex-wife MacKenzie Scott has been doing—their wealth remains insanely high, and most are worth more today than before the COVID-19 pandemic.

What are they doing with all this wealth?

It turns out that many are quietly plotting their own survival against our demise. Douglas Rushkoff, podcaster, founder of the Laboratory for Digital Humanism, and fellow at the Institute for the Future, has written a book about this bizarre phenomenon, Survival of the Richest: Escape Fantasies of the Tech Billionaires.

In an interview, Rushkoff explains that billionaires worry about the end of humanity just like the rest of us. They fear catastrophic climate change or the next pandemic. And, they know their money will likely be of little value when civilizations decline. “How do I maintain control over my Navy Seal security guards once my money is worthless?” is a question that Rushkoff says many of the world’s wealthiest people want to know the answer to.

He knows they ask such questions because he was invited to give private lectures by those who think his expertise in digital technology gives him unique insight into the future. But Rushkoff was quietly studying them instead and has few flattering things to say about these wielders of economic power.

“How is it that the wealthiest and most powerful people I’d ever been in the same room with see themselves as utterly powerless to affect the future?” he asks. It seems as though “the best they can do is prepare for the inevitable calamity and then just, you know, hang on for dear life.”

Rushkoff explores this tech billionaire “mindset” that he says has resulted in a generation of people who are “almost comedic monsters, who really mean to leave us all behind.” Adani is a perfect example of this, having invested in the very fossil fuels that are destroying our planet. He has large holdings in Australia’s coal mining industry and has sparked a massive grassroots movement intent on stopping him.

The admiration that some Indians feel for Adani’s ascension on Bloomberg’s list of billionaires is based on an assumption of cleverness. Surely, he must be one of the smartest people in the world in order to be one of the richest? Elon Musk, the world’s wealthiest man by far (with twice as much wealth as Bezos), has enjoyed such a reputation for years.

Those who are invested in the idea of merit-based capitalism can justify the unimaginable wealth of the world’s richest people only by assuming they are intelligent enough to deserve it.

This is a façade. Rather than smarts, the wealthiest people on the planet appear to be rather small-minded idiot savants who share a common disdain for the rest of us.

After being around tech billionaires in private, Rushkoff concludes that they are invested in “this notion that they really can, like puppeteers, kind of control society from one level above,” and that this approach is “different than the era of Alexander the Great, or Caesar.” If the question that vexes them most of all is how, in a disastrous future, will they control the guards they hire to protect their hoardings, then our economic system is a farce.

“Even if we call them genius technologists, most of them were plucked from college when they were freshmen,” says Rushkoff. “They came up with some idea in their dorm room before they’d taken history, or economics, or ethics, or philosophy” classes, and so they lack the wisdom needed to oversee their own perverse amounts of wealth.

Having spent time with many tech billionaires, Rushkoff worries that “their education about the future comes from zombie movies and science fiction shows.”

Billionaires are not simply drawing their wealth from a vacuum. According to data from the World Economic Forum, “the world’s richest have captured a disproportionate share of global wealth over recent decades.” This means that, if you were rich to begin with a decade or two ago, you are likely to have seen your wealth multiply by a greater amount than middle-class or lower-income people.

Not only are tech billionaires undeserving of their wealth, but they also are fleecing the rest of us—and fantasizing about hoarding that wealth in the worst-case scenarios while the rest of humanity struggles to survive.

The danger is that if society valorizes such (mostly) men, we are in danger of internalizing their childish, selfish mindset and giving up on solving the climate crisis or building resiliency on a mass scale.

Instead of relating to them, we ought to feel sorry for a group of people so cut off from humanity that their vision of the future is a very lonely one.

“Let’s look at these tech-bro billionaire lunatics. Let’s laugh at what they’re doing… so they look small rather than big,” says Rushkoff. He thinks it is critical to adopt the perspective that “the disaster they’re so afraid of looks entirely manageable by more reasonable people who are willing just to help each other out.”

 

THREE WOMEN TO CELEBRATE during Hispanic Heritage Month and MAKE SURE WE ELECT TO CONGRESS in November.

For DR. YADIRA CARAVEO (CO – 08), becoming a pediatrician, an accomplished state legislator, and a successful advocate for children all started with her parents’ dream.  They came to Colorado from Mexico with little education or money looking for a better life – but knew that hard work and caring for others are values that build strong communities and family.

Dr. Caraveo knew from an early age that she wanted to help people as a doctor. After attending public schools and completing her undergraduate education, she continued on to medical school at the University of Colorado and became the first physician in her family. Even before she finished her medical training, Dr. Caraveo helped organize her fellow medical residents for better working conditions, becoming a union representative with SEIU. Dr. Caraveo has worked with the ​​Union of Concerned Scientists to enlist doctors across the country in the fight against climate change, and President Obama recognized her as a Champion of Change for her efforts.

Dr. Caraveo proudly serves a Latino community whose families are often unable to find providers who speak their language and understand their culture. She quickly understood that the best way to help the most people is through the community, state, and national movements that advocate for the needs of the underserved, and so she ran for the Colorado General Assembly in 2018 and won. Despite a heavy workload advocating for Coloradans at the state capitol, Dr. Caraveo still works as a pediatrician, and even added extra weekend hours in order to see her patients while the legislature is in session during the week.

As a pediatrician in a community where 65% of her patients’ families are on Medicaid, Dr. Caraveo is deeply committed to expanding access to affordable quality health care. In Congress, she will continue her commitment to the families she sees every day in Colorado, building on her work to lower health care costs, address the high cost of housing, combat climate change, fight for reproductive justice, and stop Republicans from taking away Americans’ right to vote. As a pediatrician, a state legislator, and the daughter of immigrants, she will bring invaluable lived experience to Washington.

Dr. Caraveo is running for Colorado’s 8th Congressional District, newly created due to the state’s population gains in the past decade. Colorado has never before elected a Latina to Congress, and Dr. Caraveo has what it takes to make history as the first. More than 38% of residents in this new district identify as Hispanic, and her years of service and deep ties make her the best candidate to give this community a powerful new voice in Washington. Let’s show Dr. Yadira Caraveo our full support and help elect this champion for Coloradans to Congress in this must-win new district.

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Illinois state REP. DELIA RAMIRIZ  ( IL- 03), a lifelong Chicagoan, is an experienced social service administrator, community organizer, and policy advocate running for Congress to give her community a powerful new voice in Washington. The daughter of immigrants, Ramirez is the first Guatemalan American to serve in the Illinois General Assembly. She has dedicated her career to fighting for solutions to complex issues like housing, education, and criminal justice. Ramirez, a graduate of Northeastern Illinois University, has served as the founding executive director of the Center for Changing Lives, board chair for both the Latin United Community Housing Association and Logan Square Neighborhood Association. In 2018, Ramirez was elected to represent her home community in the Illinois House of Representatives, and now serves as assistant majority leader. She lives in Chicago with her husband, Boris and her golden retriever, Lola. 

Ramirez has an outstanding record of delivering for the Illinois families she serves, and she is running to be their tireless champion in Congress. In the Illinois House, Ramirez’s legislative priorities have included housing, health care, and child welfare. Making housing a top priority in the state, her leadership has led to the expansion of homeless prevention programs and $200 million in capital investments to build affordable housing. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she has filed and passed emergency housing legislation to protect those at risk of losing their homes by expanding eviction protections, as well as providing rental assistance and mortgage release. She was the lead sponsor of legislation to expand Medicaid coverage to include seniors ages 65 and over regardless of their immigration status, making Illinois the first state in the nation to provide health care coverage to undocumented seniors. A fierce advocate for child welfare, she has led the work of the Task Force on Children of Incarcerated Parents. Ramirez is an experienced leader and a skilled legislator who is ready to fight for policies that help grow our economy, create more good-paying jobs, and move our country forward at this critical juncture.  

Ramirez is running for Illinois’ newly redrawn 3rd Congressional District. No Midwestern state has ever before elected a Latina to Congress, and Ramirez has what it takes to make history as the first. “I’m rooted and ready,” she has said. Ramirez is the best candidate to win the competitive race for this open seat and to fight for her community and defend our democracy in Congress. Let’s show Delia Ramirez our full support and help elect this champion for Illinois women and families to Congress in this must-win newly redrawn district.

 

ANDREA SALINAS (OR – 06) is a state representative, former congressional aide, and mother running to represent Oregon’s 6th Congressional District. Salinas’ father is a Mexican immigrant and Vietnam war veteran, and she credits him with teaching her what it means to fight for your kids and for a better life. Salinas was the first person in her family to graduate from a four-year university, after which she began her career in politics. She worked as a congressional staffer for over a decade and then became an advocate for unions, environmental groups, and reproductive rights. She has served as a state representative for three terms, taking on several leadership roles, including House majority whip and chair of the House Health Care Committee. Salinas' experience sets her apart as the best candidate to represent Oregon's 6th Congressional District.

Salinas is a dedicated reproductive rights champion who has fought tenaciously to advance justice and opportunity across Oregon for the past two decades. She has experience successfully delivering progressive victories, from her time as a congressional aide to her time in the Oregon State Legislature. Salinas helped Oregon pass the strongest reproductive rights law in the country, ensuring that Oregonians can access the full suite of reproductive health care, regardless of race, ethnicity, documentation status, or zip code. She comes from a union family and knows the struggles working families face, which is why she stood up for worker’s rights in the Oregon State Legislature. Salinas is ready to continue her successful advocacy for unions and working families, for the environment, and for affordable health care in Congress.

Salinas won the Democratic nomination for Oregon’s 6th Congressional District, a newly drawn seat after Oregon gained another seat in the House of Representatives. She is poised to become the first Latina elected to Congress in Oregon. Salinas will face off against Republican Mike Erickson. We know this distinguished leader has what it takes to win this newly drawn seat. Let’s throw our full support behind her to ensure this historic candidate is elected.

HELP FOR DOING JUST THAT...................

AARP          Make Your Vote Count

How, where and when you can vote is changing in much of the country, with many states adopting new voting rules, redrawing congressional and state legislative districts and working out whether to retain or scrap policies introduced in 2020 to make voting easier amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Our state guides tell you how to register, whether you can vote early or by mail, key deadlines to know and much more. Click or tap on your state to learn how to cast your ballot in the 2022 primary and general elections. We’ll update these guides as rules and procedures change, so check back for updates.

https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/government-elections/info-2022/state-voting-guides/?cmp=RDRCT-ELECTIONGUIDES-02032022

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Ballotpedia                    Be Informed

Ballotpedia is the digital encyclopedia of American politics and elections. Our goal is to inform people about politics by providing accurate and objective information about politics at all levels of government. We are firmly committed to neutrality in our content.

https://ballotpedia.org/Main_Page

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Common Cause                 Demand A Democracy That Works For Us

Every eligible American should take the responsibility and right to vote seriously.  We want an equal voice in deciding the future for our families, our communities, and our country.

https://www.commoncause.org/

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 I am afraid it has come down to the lesser of two evils in many cases. We know very well what Republicans want to do to voting rights, reproductive rights, social security, to efforts to save our planet, and to protect laws that help the rich get richer and the poor get poorer - to name a few on their dastardly agenda. I say "vote blue no matter who". The other choice means the destruction of our democracy and the destruction of our planet - all for corporate greed.

Ease of access to personalized health care is essential for those of every background. But some disparities make it even more difficult for members of the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) community, especially when it comes to substance abuse treatment. BIPOC individuals often face unique challenges when seeking help from the medical community for mental health issues and addiction. Being aware of these challenges BIPOC individuals face and addressing systemic obstacles is essential for ensuring everyone who needs mental health and substance abuse treatment has fair access to effective treatment options.

How Addiction Impacts BIPOC Community

Addiction and mental health are topics not often discussed in BIPOC communities. This creates yet another barrier for those who would seek substance abuse treatment. Both mental health and addiction post impact BIPOC individuals in unique ways.

BIPOC Mental Health Needs Left Unaddressed

Most ethnic or racial minority groups experience similar mental health conditions like the white community. However, they are far less likely to receive mental health treatment. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration recently disclosed the results of research which indicated only about 30% of Hispanic and Black people receive the mental health services they need. More alarming was that only a little over 20% of Asian people got the mental health services they needed.

Lack of Cultural Understanding by Counselors and Health Care Providers Leads to Mis- or Under-diagnoses

To build trust, respect, and understanding, health care must be culturally aware. As the US becomes even more diverse, the lack of cultural competency in the health care sector grows. This leads to problems with diagnosis and even negative health outcomes for members of ethnically and racially diverse populations. There are a few primary factors contributing to the BIPOC community receiving lower-quality health care. These include:

• Patient and provider language differences
• Mental illness stigma among minority groups
• Cultural differences in how symptoms are discussed and presented
• Lack of culturally competent health care providers and BIPOC mental health providers

Racism and BIPOC Mental Health

People of color are often treated differently just because of the color of their skin. Many deal with fear on a daily basis. They are traumatized from seeing numerous viral videos of police altercations and interactions involving men and women of color. These are just a few of the issues that plague American communities of color. The situation is exacerbated by the lack of access to proper mental health care.

The lack of culturally appropriate care may potentially result in worse outcomes than those who fail to seek help, to begin with. Not only do we need to make sure people of color have access to adequate mental health care, but it’s also imperative that health professionals be culturally equipped, non-judgmental, empathetic, and understanding of the cultural needs of patients. This is necessary to ensure proper diagnosis of BIPOC mental health conditions so individual needs can be addressed and treated.

Common Barriers to Addiction Treatment for People of Color

Withdrawal from drugs and alcohol can pose life-threatening conditions for people who do not have access to quality treatment or a social safety net. Risk factors are increased for people of non-white racial and ethnic backgrounds. They share common risk factors such as early exposure to drug and alcohol use, co-occurring mental illness, and a family history of substance abuse. Just as alarming is the fact that BIPOC communities, particularly those from low-income families, experience disparities in access to addiction treatment when compared to their white counterparts. Some of the most common factors that influence this disparity include:

• Racial bias
• Stigma in BIPOC communities
• Inadequate finances and/or lack of health insurance
• Disproportionate criminalization of drug and alcohol use in BIPOC communities

The lack of access to mental health and addiction treatment services affects whole communities. To read the complete addiction in the BIPOC community article please click on the link.

by Charles Avila