This article describes the ways in which the American left organized to end the gilded age in which income was concentrated among the super rich. It took many years, and a depression that was brought on by greed among the super rich, for the left to become effective in altering the political and economic landscape.
The right responded by organizing itself around a common theme of cutting taxes in order to limit the ability of government to fund programs that promote social welfare. It started in the 1970's and it has become a well organized political machine that has built a popular base in the tea party, and it has funded conservative think tanks and mass media outlets that influence public opinion. It has also promoted laws and economic policies that undermined the influence of organized labor.
The political left seems to have disappeared. Its base of support among working class American's has eroded, and it has been content to promote causes which appeal primarily to a well educated liberal elite, and are used by conservatives to energize the tea party. It hoped that electing a new leader to the presidency would help its cause, but that has not worked. It can't depend upon politicians to provide the needed leadership. It has to build from the ground up like it did in the 1930's. This will take time and leadership. It will also be opposed by a well organized and well funded machine that wishes to solidify the new gilded age that we have today.
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