Service and Sacrifice
Reflections on Memorial Day weekend
Blackstone co-founder, CEO, and chairman Stephen A. Schwarzman has stated that he will support Donald Trump in the 2024 election. With this weekend being Memorial Day, this news made me think of whether or not the billionaire class understand the sacrifice made by American servicemen in defense of the United States and democracy.
Too many ultra-rich are untethered to America. They are laissez-faire about democracy because they have the resources to relocate anywhere and live well (or so they believe).
With their security guaranteed, the government becomes a vessel to preserve vast wealth and the billionaire class’ endless resources to elect candidates that protect the wealth. They feel immune and ultimately don’t care that the U.S. is on the precipice of multiple crises.
In actuality, they are wrong. The absence of American democracy is likely *more* dangerous to them and their wealth. Property rights mean little in authoritarian regimes and instability is bad for business. It must be their ego that blinds them to the threats to their own interest.
Part of the American dream is that anyone can go from humble origins to being a billionaire. That is the story for many of today’s wealthy. However, it seems they have lost sight of the fact that their success is in large part attributable to this unique nation and the rights and privileges it affords.
On this Memorial Day weekend, I reflect on these blessings purchased with the sacrifices of patriots. Let us remember and honor their sacrifice by redoubling our efforts to preserve democracy and secure opportunity, equality, and rights and freedoms for ALL.
The ultra rich can do and live however they want. This morning I was talking to someone about pensions. They don’t have one and they don’t know anyone who does have one. I am retired from a state job in Florida. I am very lucky that I have a pension. My dad had one. He worked as a furrier back in the 1950’s. He had a union. Maybe that’s why he had a pension. My mom worked for a college in Brooklyn and had a pension. My friends working for the transit authority had pensions as did teachers. This CEO of Blackstone wants to support Trump. He doesn’t have to worry about a pension or how he is going to support himself. Most Republicans are wealthy and feel this way. Pensions are becoming a thing of the past. Republicans support this and it’s sad. How are people suppose to support themselves in retirement? And they want to do away with social security too? We need leaders who are going to bring these pensions back. Who are going to help the middle class. I can’t understand why Republicans want to destroy a system that has worked for so many years. And believe me. They are doing this!!!
My father fled Estonia and immigrated to America as a Displaced Person after World War II. I was beyond fortunate to be born here. Many of my parents' relatives were never heard from again. Today I read that Russia has removed buoys from the Narva River that demarcate the boundary between Estonia and Russia. Trump is an aspiring dictator who idolizes Putin and his dictatorship of Russia.. We are at grave risk of losing our democracy if he wins in November. The upcoming election is the most important one of our lives. Please vote for Biden and encourage everyone you know to do so as well! Ukraine and the Baltic countries will thank you.