Map of USA showing Poverty Rate for Total Population by County 2013
Source: The Washington Post
Here in the United States, there is a presidential candidate, a businessman-turned-politician, who is leading the polls for his political party. I prefer not to name him; he feeds on media coverage, good or bad. I’ll call him PC. The slogan of his campaign is “Make America Great Again.”
PC promises to resolve the problem of illegal immigrants living in the USA. In his estimation, most of the illegal immigrants from Mexico are criminals. For readers who don’t already know, his solution is to build a wall along our border with Mexico and have the Mexican government pay for it, because they are making lots of money doing business with the U.S. Will building a wall to shut us in from Mexico and the rest of Central America make us great again?
He also wants to end automatic U.S. citizenship for children born to illegal immigrants, which, he claims, is the biggest magnet for illegal immigration. This would affect illegal immigrants of all countries of origin, not only from Mexico. Has PC considered the magnitude and ramifications of such a move, if enforced? Echoes of the Dominican-Haitians humanitarian crisis or Nazi Germany?
His War of Words on our Mexican neighbor is very disturbing. I guess when you command the greatest military force on Earth, you can say and do as you please. Is this what PC means when he says that he wants to make America great again? Does he plan to demand respect from other nations by force?
Mexico is the fifteenth largest world economy and the second largest in Latin America, after Brazil. With 13.5 percent of total trade (2014), valued at US$534.5 billion, Mexico is America’s third largest trade partner, following Canada (16.6%) and China (14.9%). While we import more goods than we export to Mexico, our trade deficit with Mexico is nothing compared to our deficit with China.
Mexico is the Number One export market for the American states that border Mexico: Arizona (40.6%), California (14.6%), New Mexico (40.7%), and Texas (35.6%). Figures indicate percentage of total exports by value to Mexico.
There is no need for us to “make America great again.” America is doing well, thank you. America is still the Number One world economy and the nation with the greatest military force. We need to stop wasting taxpayers’ money on endless wars that enrich the One Percent, and use that money to provide a better life for the working people of America.
Three Worlds One Vision 
Reblogged this on Guyanese Online.
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Cyril, thanks for the reblog. Have a great week!
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Well said, Rosaliene. PC is beneath contempt, as are those who spend their time trying to capture the same group of supporters with language and ideas that are only slightly less offensive. I do think, however, there is something to the sense of America being in decline and this feeling brings out the worst in some of us. “The Rise of the Robots” by Martin Ford talks about one of the reasons for this which is barely discussed in the current political atmosphere: automation and the increasing capacity of robots to do many of those jobs humans used to. There is no end in sight. It will impact the world of work virtually everywhere. I had an interesting conversation with a young woman who is the recipient of college scholarship sponsored by a group of friends and myself. She comes from an inner city high school. Though not Japanese herself, she has long had an interest in the Japanese language and culture. Until recently she thought she might eventually become an interpreter. She is smart enough to realize now, however, that such jobs will be replaced, as anyone who has said, “OK, Google” into their smartphone and gotten a “human” voice in response can understand. While immigration policy cannot be ignored (especially as the refuge catastrophe unfolds in Europe), the increasing disappearance of jobs caused by technology is not being addressed at all.
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Dr. Stein, I’m glad you raised the growing use of robots to replace the human workforce. Back in June, I read the following review of Martin Ford’s book that you mention. I found the reviewer’s observation of special interest.
“Perhaps his most interesting suggestion is for a guaranteed minimal income, possibly rebranded for political marketing purposes as a “citizen’s dividend.” This would take the place of traditional social safety nets and ensure that at least some purchasing power remains in the hands of consumers across the income spectrum as automation advances through different levels of the economy.”
~ Excerpt from “Afraid of Robots Taking Your Job? You Should Be” by Nick Romeo, The Daily Beast, June 3, 2015
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/06/03/afraid-of-robots-taking-your-job-you-should-be.html
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Do not agree entirely with points raised/posted.
Robots are useful additional to humans….not in competition with humans.
But yes the technology has its exceptions/exemptions.
Mundane routine jobs should be shared equally with humans and robots.
But safeguards must be in place for compensations/alternative employment of humans. Scients are hell bent on replacing the human brain…only recently growing one from nothing.
When robots are mass produced to replace humans one becomes obsolete….
replaced.
Sorry am optimistic for the development of robotistic technology.….
but as suggested with necessary safeguards in place. REGULATED.
ENFORCED.
Just another opinion.
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I think there are two ways to think about this. First, I agree that robots are philosophically complementary to humans — for now. However, (second), they have already replaced humans for certain functions in certain places, notably factories. For an industrial/corporate standpoint, they have certain advantages over humans: they can work 24 hours a day, they don’t get sick, they don’t unionize, they don’t take vacation, the don’t require health care benefits, they don’t make mistakes; and once a single robot learns a task, his learning can be transferred to all the robots needed to do the job in question. As to regulation, there are now no laws that I’m aware of that say a business owner can’t replace a man with a robot. One last point: it is thought that we are relatively early in the development of artificial intelligence (AI). Robots have thus far replaced humans mostly in doing repetitive blue-collar jobs, as you have suggested. Martin Ford, however, is not alone in thinking many white-collar jobs will be vulnerable with further advances in AI. The potential exists for enormous disruptions in the employment market. Equally, we must consider the fact that if people do not have conventional jobs they will not have the available cash to purchase what the cheaper robots are able to produce. Robots are not consumers. Ford suggests humans may need a base-level of income provided by the government in order to minimize the economic carnage and the potential for social/political unrest. While no one knows the future, it is regrettable that this set of issues is almost entirely outside of public awareness — for now.
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Kamtan, thanks for sharing your optimism regarding the rise of the robots. In her article, “Robots Might Take Your Job, But Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Worry,” Vivian Giang also shares your optimism that while robot staff may already outnumber humans at some companies, increased automation doesn’t mean everyone will be out of work.
“Robots are useful additional to humans…not in competition with humans.”
~ I agree that robots have been and will continue to be beneficial to human progress. However, the phrasing of your statement is quite interesting: robots are…not in competition with humans. We humans already perceive the power of robots to outdo us in many tasks; to be better than humans at some level. Not being human, they don’t compete with us for a place in our world. Humans who produce and control robots do that. At least, for now.
The supermarket and bank where I do business offer automated services so that I no longer have to wait in line. Businesses seek to cut costs to increase their profits; we like convenience. Who knows where this will all end? Our science fiction authors offer us several possible futuristic scenarios. None bode well for the human species.
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Agree with Roseliene. Politicians that evoke fear and play on nationalistic/racist sentiments are very detrimental to growth of a more inclusive and harmonious society/world.
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Cicorm, it’s disturbing for me to observe that a large segment of Americans share PC’s nationalistic/racist sentiments. As Dr. Stein observes, “there is something to the sense of America being in decline and this feeling brings out the worst in some of us.”
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The fear evoked do radicalize people globally more often than not. Negative expressions are overly nationalistic governments, territory grabs, race riots, war, terrorism.
Is there actual need to fight over spoils, in this age of modern abundance? In reality, there are many examples where co-operation and integration reduces radicalization and issues. Multi-ethnic communities and cosmopolitan societies do exist in relative peace and harmony.
My humble opinion is that if public “superstition” (and greed) can be overcome, more balanced governments can be maintained. With additional internal focus to right national priorities e.g. balance budgets, rid corruption, save for contingencies, perhaps more sustainable and meaningful lives for citizens can be created. Hence, the battle for public opinion.
In this light, the Iran nuclear, US-China Climate Change and Cuba deals etc, may represent the prospect of more international co-operation and integration. Trimming the military burden and adjusting the social priorities and mindset, may also help bring fiscal and social-economic balance as well.
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PC’s proposal to secure our southern border is catching fire. I’ve just read the latest news from the Associated Press:
“Walker says wall along Canadian border worth reviewing” by Kevin Freking, published August 30, 2015.
I wonder which major corporation will profit from such a massive construction enterprise.
http://bigstory.ap.org/article/bdcf09d9d10a4a89bb48832bf9a28f8f/walker-says-wall-canadian-border-worth-reviewing
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Amazing….walls to keep americans IN or economic migrants OUT.
ADRIAN WALL
GREAT WALL OF CHINA
BERLIN WALL
Absolute stupidity of the political class.
Are these politicians humans or aliens.
Just wondering.
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“Are these politicians humans or aliens.”
~ Kamtan, I, too, question their humanity. They are becoming more and more like heartless, soulless beings.
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One of the problems that I see in the reactions to PC bombastic utterings and flomboyant style is the tendency to ignore the basic problems & legitimate concerns of his audience. US is getting overfully polictically correct & and sees racism or some other things that could offend possibly one group or the other. No nation can permit an influx of illegal aliens with no end in sight. Europe may be over run by refugees at a time when several countries are experiencing financial problems. There are several million people waiting for entry thru legal means to the US and the US immigration have a back log, and no one is complaining about that, only about amnesty for illegals. US have to deal with both illegals herenow and the future legal & illegals. As a strart, US need to provide temporary work permits to allow illegals with 5 or more years in US to apply for a green card without leaving the US, and deal with the rest later. Children raised in US should be allowed to stay. Laws requiring legal status for a job must be passed with increasing penalities. Too many americans are unemployeed or under employed. As an immigrant I know that getting a green card legally is not a right but a privillege. We must understand some of the fears and concerns of americans who feel their lives are getting harder.
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Sirenagx, thanks for the reminder that “we must understand some of the fears and concerns of Americans who feel their lives are getting harder.”
All of our lives, including the growing immigrant population, are getting harder because of income inequality in the USA and worldwide. The One Percent are hoarding most of the gains from our labor and exploitation of Earth’s natural resources. Blaming illegal immigrants for our hardships is a distraction that keeps us, the 99 Percent, divided and easier to control.
When the Powers That Be succeed in walling us in, where will we run for refuge? I forget: we can escape across the oceans. Look what’s happening to the displaced peoples in the war-torn regions of Africa and the Middle East.
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Rosie that’s why I love you……you are not only seeing the trees and the Forrest
but the planet earth…..be careful you may be accused of being a “broom rider”
or “alien” by the political asses.😈
You have nailed it…..spot on babes.
Mucho hugsXx
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Commonsense approach to political dilemma facing US EU et Al.
Hey China and India should not be expected to accept the “overflow” of middle eastern refugees……unless they were “selling” them the WMD.
KARMA
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EU can accommodate another 10m refugees/economic legally vetted migrants.
The political class “dilly dallying” allyllying” “saber rattling” with negativity.ply
Instead of expanding its frontiers..accept as many as they can accommodate.,,,.not the negative bureaucratic crap……political correctness et al…
There was even a suggestion to create jobs in member states
some time ago on entry of new EU membership.
That is happening today as the EU expands its
Political influences……as economic migrants move freely
within the shengen area.
Uk is not signatory “island mentality” by its political class.
27 member states to agree the issue/problem.
That’s less than 500.000 per state….what’s the problem ?😈
During WW2 USA accepted most fleeing the conflict and look where America
is today….some say it was those “fleeing Nazi Germany” that help USA and Russia
in early space exploration.
Let’s see how this senerio plays out.
In 2016/17 uk voters will choose total “independence” in EU by referendum.
IN V OUT but hopefully keeping pound.
Am on the “out” side at moment with majority but 2016/17 is a long time “politically”…..we shall see
Other than all that speculation
Have a pleasant day…Its half over here already….californicating ?🗽
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Thanks for the European update, Kamtan.
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Isn’t it an irony…Germans will accept 800.000 yet UK dilly dallying over a few hundred……who lost the WAR.
EU demographics nearly 400 million….
Come on Mr Cameron you are letting the Brits down……wake up
or you may be “deselected” next election or before.
UK must take in as many who speak some English.
It was those who sold WMD to middle east to accept the responsibility
for their actions. No its or buts please.
Sorry Rosie am passionate about “economic migrants” especially those
who are more “refugees”or political aslyees fleeing a war zone created
by our western political class ( asses) …selling arms to mideast….
like handing a match to a arsonist.
Hey are we not all economic migrants in some ways in our global existence.
Survival of the most adaptable of the species.
Amen
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Amen. Kamtan, I hope there are more Brits like you who are passionate about the European refugee crisis.
My next blog post, promoting my Poetry Corner September 2015, will deal with this crisis. Check out my Haiku poem, “Who Will Speak?” on the top right.
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Just read the following article, published today on the World Socialist Website:
“Capitalism can provide no answer to the reality of mass global migration outside of violent repression, detention camps and mass deportations. The big-business politicians and media attempt to generate support for these odious methods by scapegoating immigrants for the loss of jobs, wages and vital social services that are produced by the crisis of the profit system.”
~ Bill Van Auken, “The 2016 US election and the scapegoating of immigrants,” World Socialist Website, September 1, 2015.
http://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2015/09/01/pers-s01.html
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A couple of notes: 1st, not all of humanity is capable of performing complex tasks but they are still deserving of the opportunity to make a decent living and have a decent life – e.g., those repetitive jobs that allowed people to work without degradation, pay for homes and raise families in the 1940s and 50s. And 2nd, regarding the promise and threat of technology, I highly recommend, as always, the science fiction story THE MACHNE STOPS by E.M Forster, written in 1928. As for PC, he’s not worth the breath to damn him, but he can be a dangerous man.
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Thanks for the recommendation, Angela. I found a plot summary on Wikipedia. In his science fiction story, “The Machine Stops,” E.M. Forster shows incredible foresight.
Should our machines stop today, our global economy would come to a standstill.
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Hmmmm
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