Our National Nightmare Decimating Dreams
Trump and Company finding new ways to torch King's dream and the American Dream
We can’t seem to wake from this current national nightmare. Nearly 60 years ago this week, the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. invited us to dream at the Lincoln Memorial’s steps. It’s a dream which some of us had been deluded into thinking would come true soon.
After all, President Barack Obama was elected. Marriage equality became reality. LGBTQ+ people could serve in the military without fear. None of the latter eradicated homophobia, racism or any other -isms, but some of us got ahead of ourselves.
White privilege blinded a segment of Americans to reality. Some young people growing up in a different time were unaware of their elders’ deep-seated homophobia, prejudice, racism, and sexism.
Other young people were fully aware of their elders’ thoughts and beliefs—and subscribed to them. Still others dismissed them as relics. Donald Trump became their loudest mouthpiece. Trump’s birther crusade shattered the illusion that Obama’s election rendered our nation post-racial. Even so, the historical moment, which Bayard Rustin created, didn’t happen in vain.
Although we walk through the shadows of Bull Connors reincarnated, we must keep walking toward the face of the evil in defiance. We must surround our undocumented neighbors hiding in churches or sitting in hospital beds with love and protection. We must find hope in resistance and fight for King’s dream.
We must unleash our outrage toward a tyrannical administration calling for merit-based immigration but allowing Customs & Border Patrol officers to become inebriated with influence and power. Democracy and the true American Dream are being decimated by a diabolical despot wannabe and a satanic minion, Stephen Miller.
Miller’s maniacal obsession with torturing immigrants knows no bounds. He’s not satisfied with deterring “illegal” immigrants by separating children from their parents and then caging them. But, let’s not forget Trump is aiding and abetting these crimes against humanity and the American Dream.
Miller and the Trump administration are proving their cruelty and depravity know no bounds. And, this regime’s alternative fact approach to history would be astounding, but the novelty’s worn off. US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Acting Director Ken Cuccinelli’s rewriting Emma Lazarus’ poem featured on the Statue of Liberty is beyond the pale.
“Give me your tired and your poor who can stand on their own two feet and who will not become a public charge,” Cuccinelli said, during a CNN interview.
Mother Jones discovered a Cuccinelli family tree on Ancestry.com. The detailed family tree provided a snapshot of Dominick Cuccinelli—possibly Director Cuccinelli’s great-grandfather. USCIS would neither confirm or deny to whom the account belonged. A Ken Cuccinelli Sr. and Jr. both reportedly added to the family between November 2018 and July 2019.
“Dominick Cuccinelli, a son of Dominic Cucciniello, was born in 1910 in New Jersey, but only barely. Ken Cuccinelli Jr.’s grandfather was conceived in Italy and then born in a home in Hoboken, according to an email from Ken Sr. that Ken Jr. posted to Facebook in 2011. Dominick was a US citizen by birthright and went on to complete five grades of school. In 1940, he was an unemployed truck driver who had been looking for work for five weeks. He had worked a total of 16 weeks the year before, earning $350 in total. (The average income in the United States that year was $1,368.) Still, his situation was not unusual in the wake of the Great Depression, when unemployment averaged 18 percent throughout the 1930s.”
Cuccinelli’s great-grandfather could’ve easily been deemed a “public charge” risk. The cruelty is particularly punctuated by the hypocrisy like so many of this administration’s shenanigans. Perhaps, Cuccinelli didn’t think his ancestor’s story was relevant.
After all, Dominick Cuccinelli was a European immigrant. Ken has insinuated the Statue of Liberty was only gifted to the United States to welcome European immigrants. That’s just ahistorical nonsense. French abolitionist Edouard de Laboulaye inspired his nation’s wondrous gesture. It seems one feature speaks to the liberation of slaves.
“When Laboulaye's Statue of 'Liberty Enlightening the World' was completed, it not only represented democracy but also symbolized American independence and the end of all types of servitude and oppression. A broken shackle and chain lie at the Statue's right foot. The chain disappears beneath the draperies, only to reappear in front of her left foot, its end link broken,” according to the National Park Service.
Of course, we’re clear the Emancipation Proclamation never secured complete liberation for once enslaved Africans and their descendants. It’s why #BlackLivesMatter. This administration has been sending a clear message from Day One—only White lives matter.
We must fight to realize King’s deferred dream. We can’t let this administration destroy his dream or the American dream.
White House advisor and immigration policy architect Stephen Miller.
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Rev. Jason Carson Wilson
Politically Pastoral, a media outlet founded by Rev. Jason Carson Wilson, focused on the intersection of faith, politics, and society as well as advocacy for marginalized communities.
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U.S. Consumers Show Remarkable Resilience Amid Economic Pressures
Despite a challenging economic environment marked by inflation, interest rate increases, and global uncertainty, U.S. consumers are demonstrating a level of resilience that continues to surprise economists and financial institutions alike. Recent reports from major banks suggest that Americans are not only coping but adapting their financial behaviors in ways that indicate both caution and confidence in their long-term stability. Consumers Hold Steady Despite Inflation Inflation has remained a dominant concern for households across the country. Food prices, gas, and housing costs have consistently outpaced wage growth in many areas, placing a significant strain on family budgets. Yet, banks note that the overall demand for consumer spending remains relatively stable. “Despite the persistent economic pressures, our data shows that Americans are maintaining their spending patterns, particularly on essential goods and services,” said a senior analyst at a leading U.S. bank. “There’s evidence that consumers are becoming more strategic with their finances, shifting priorities without drastically reducing their overall consumption.” One key observation is that Americans are adjusting discretionary spending rather than cutting back entirely. Luxury purchases and non-essential items have seen slower growth, while essentials such as groceries, healthcare, and housing-related expenses continue to receive priority. This shift suggests a deliberate effort by consumers to manage the impact of higher prices without completely altering their lifestyles. Credit and Lending Trends Reflect Cautious Optimism Banks are also closely monitoring credit usage and borrowing trends as indicators of consumer resilience. Surprisingly, credit card spending has remained relatively robust, even as interest rates rise. Many consumers are using credit strategically, balancing the need for immediate purchases with a careful eye on debt management. Mortgage and auto loans provide another lens into consumer confidence. While higher interest rates have cooled some parts of the housing market, mortgage applications remain steady in certain regions, reflecting ongoing demand for homeownership. Similarly, auto loan activity indicates that consumers continue to invest in necessary purchases, even amid cost pressures. Banks interpret these trends as signs that Americans are not retreating from financial obligations but are instead prioritizing debt repayment and financial planning. This careful balance of spending and saving underscores a sophisticated approach to navigating economic uncertainty. Savings and Emergency Funds Provide a Safety Net Another factor contributing to consumer resilience is the growth in savings and emergency funds in recent years. While the pandemic initially drove a surge in savings rates, many Americans have maintained disciplined financial habits. Even as inflation erodes some purchasing power, households with adequate reserves are better positioned to weather unexpected expenses or economic shocks. Financial experts highlight that maintaining an emergency fund is crucial in uncertain times. “Households with liquid savings are far more resilient to sudden changes in the economy,” said a personal finance advisor. “This cushion allows consumers to continue spending on essentials without resorting to high-interest debt, which helps stabilize the broader economy.” Regional Differences and Demographic Insights It’s important to note that consumer resilience is not uniform across all demographics and regions. Coastal cities, where living costs are higher, have shown different spending patterns compared to smaller towns and rural areas. Younger consumers, particularly millennials and Gen Z, are adopting more flexible financial strategies, including side hustles, budgeting apps, and investment diversification. Meanwhile, older generations tend to focus on preserving wealth and reducing debt. Banks report that this intergenerational variation in financial behavior contributes to the overall picture of resilience, as each group adapts strategies suited to their circumstances. The Role of Technology and Financial Literacy Technology has played a pivotal role in empowering consumers to manage their finances more effectively. Online banking, budgeting tools, and investment apps provide Americans with real-time insights into spending, savings, and investment opportunities. Banks note that financial literacy initiatives, combined with digital tools, have strengthened consumers’ ability to make informed choices under economic pressure. By leveraging technology, consumers can identify areas for savings, avoid unnecessary debt, and optimize investment returns. This proactive approach reflects a population that is not passively enduring economic challenges but actively seeking solutions to maintain financial health. Economic Outlook and Consumer Confidence Looking ahead, economists caution that pressures such as inflation, global supply chain disruptions, and potential interest rate adjustments could continue to influence household finances. Yet, banks remain optimistic about consumer resilience. “Even in the face of economic headwinds, American consumers are demonstrating remarkable adaptability,” said a spokesperson for a major financial institution. “Their ability to prioritize spending, manage debt, and maintain savings is a testament to financial discipline and confidence in the future.” Consumer sentiment surveys support this outlook, with many Americans expressing cautious optimism about their personal finances. While worries about the broader economy remain, households report confidence in their ability to navigate ongoing challenges. Conclusion The resilience of U.S. consumers underscores a critical strength in the American economy. By adapting spending habits, strategically managing debt, and leveraging savings and technology, households are maintaining financial stability despite ongoing pressures. Banks’ reports highlight that this resilience is not just a short-term trend but a reflection of thoughtful financial behavior and adaptive strategies. As the economic landscape continues to evolve, consumer resilience will remain a key driver of economic stability, offering hope that even in challenging times, Americans can sustain confidence, consumption, and growth.
By Muhammad Hassanabout 19 hours ago in The Swamp
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