Reply #15: I hear Joe Bageant Loud and Clear [View All]

[Wiley50]

I'm a fan having read all of his essays at Dissonantvoice.org in the six months since I read the first. I've also exchanged email with him. He sounds educated because he is (as am I). But, that has no bearing of his knowledge of this subject. He is a long time, free lance magazine writer and currently a highly paid magazine editor at a major organization.

But that doesn't mean he knows not of what he speaks. Those of us who are natives of the great unwashed working class and who have made our life within it, hear him loud and clear.

I grew up in Columbia, TN, a virtual mirror image of Winchester, Va. I'm telling you folks, he paints a photographically accurate picture of working class America. He describes it to a tee. I live in it as well. It ain't pretty, but it's the kind of gut level honest those of you who have never experienced it may never see. Much less truly understand.

But, it is our ONLY HOPE for success as a party. It is rightfully the Democratic Party's base, but has been stolen by Madison Avenue Repukes who have sold them a preppy/Harvard/Yale blue blood who talks a mean down home schtick. Only because we haven't offered an authentic alternative. Once the Sheeples( as I've seen them called here) see the two side by side, They can tell the difference. My town folks may be uneducated, but they ain't stupid.

Joe Bageant shines a searchlight on the political blind spot of the Democratic Party. Promise (but then deliver) universal health care, decent jobs with living wages, the opportunity of higher education and a better standard of living and they will forget all about God, Guns and Gays and chase the Money changers from the temple with pitchforks, if necessary.

Ignoring Joe Bageant is probably fatal to this party.