Malcolm X said: “One of the first things, I think, young people, especially nowadays, should learn how to do is: see for yourself and listen for yourself and think for yourself. Then you can come to an intelligent decision for yourself.” All ages apply here. View President Donald Trump’s domestic policies through this lens.
First some background is in order. In the United States, 10 percent of the population owns 77 percent of the wealth and are owners of all facets of the means of production. Their weight on the economy helps to unduly influence the political and social life of the nation.
Their worldview spans from conservative to liberal or from an unfettered free market complete with less laws and regulations to those with more.
Trump, like those he represents wants the free market to reign unfettered with minimum interference from government. Three of Trump’s main priorities are more jobs, the repeal and replacement of Obamacare and tax reform. What are their effects on every day black people?
Blacks are the last hired and first fired. We have the lowest paying jobs between blacks and whites. Our unemployment rate is about twice as high as whites, regardless of who is president.
The U.S. Congressional Budget correctly revealed to us that Obamacare beats Trumpcare. Black people, because of our overall lower economic status and healthcare disparities render more illnesses. Still many flaws exist under Obamacare mainly due to its dependence on the free market.
Tax reform means the rich pay even less than their fair share of taxes from their profits and wealth.
This is what we need to do: Demand quotas and a timetable for blacks. Make $15 an hour a minimum wage now.
Demand public jobs creation. Provide unemployment insurance until work is found. Demand free healthcare for all. Demand a heavily leveled graduated income tax on the wealthy and big businesses. Eliminate taxes on the working class and the small farmer.
The struggle continues 365 days a year. Put people before profits, Republicans, and Democrats.
Dr. Ken Morgan is a long time local, national, and international activist and scholar.