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The American Way

The American Way

2 years ago
The Death of Privacy In America

The Death of Privacy In America

3 weeks ago
America Sits At The Nexus of Fear, Rage, and Despair

America Sits At The Nexus of Fear, Rage, and Despair

3 weeks ago
Who Was Responsible For Fake News?

Who Was Responsible For Fake News?

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When Billionaires Don’t Pay Taxes, People “Lose Faith in Democracy”

When Billionaires Don’t Pay Taxes, People “Lose Faith in Democracy”

3 months ago
Book Banning Is Only The Tip Of The Spear

Book Banning Is Only The Tip Of The Spear

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A Push to Remove LGBTQ Books in One County Could Signal Rising Partisanship on School Boards

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Mary, Covered In Roses

Mary, Covered In Roses

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    The Death of Privacy In America

    The Death of Privacy In America

    America Sits At The Nexus of Fear, Rage, and Despair

    America Sits At The Nexus of Fear, Rage, and Despair

    Who Was Responsible For Fake News?

    Who Was Responsible For Fake News?

    When Billionaires Don’t Pay Taxes, People “Lose Faith in Democracy”

    When Billionaires Don’t Pay Taxes, People “Lose Faith in Democracy”

    Book Banning Is Only The Tip Of The Spear

    Book Banning Is Only The Tip Of The Spear

    A Push to Remove LGBTQ Books in One County Could Signal Rising Partisanship on School Boards

    A Push to Remove LGBTQ Books in One County Could Signal Rising Partisanship on School Boards

    Get Vaxxed If You Want To Play Indoors

    Get Vaxxed If You Want To Play Indoors

    There’s Something About Mary

    There’s Something About Mary

    End Of An Era

    End Of An Era

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      The Death of Privacy In America

      The Death of Privacy In America

      America Sits At The Nexus of Fear, Rage, and Despair

      America Sits At The Nexus of Fear, Rage, and Despair

      Who Was Responsible For Fake News?

      Who Was Responsible For Fake News?

      When Billionaires Don’t Pay Taxes, People “Lose Faith in Democracy”

      When Billionaires Don’t Pay Taxes, People “Lose Faith in Democracy”

      Book Banning Is Only The Tip Of The Spear

      Book Banning Is Only The Tip Of The Spear

      A Push to Remove LGBTQ Books in One County Could Signal Rising Partisanship on School Boards

      A Push to Remove LGBTQ Books in One County Could Signal Rising Partisanship on School Boards

      End Of An Era

      End Of An Era

      Death And Taxes: The Right’s Last Stand

      Death And Taxes: The Right’s Last Stand

      Rep Jeff Van Drew Calls For Fencing To Be Removed Despite Threats To Capitol

      Rep Jeff Van Drew Calls For Fencing To Be Removed Despite Threats To Capitol

      Democrats Look To Regain A Foothold in Middle Township With Quanette Vasser-McNeal

      Democrats Look To Regain A Foothold in Middle Township With Quanette Vasser-McNeal

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      There’s Something About Mary

      Middle Police Arrest Suspect In Connection With Stolen Guns in Cape May Court House

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      Middle Police Arrest Suspect In Connection With Stolen Guns in Cape May Court House

      Middle Police Arrest Suspect In Connection With Stolen Guns in Cape May Court House

      South Jersey’s Sanctuary City Designations Are A Haven For Violent Extremists

      South Jersey’s Sanctuary City Designations Are A Haven For Violent Extremists

      New Jersey Man Steals Police Car, Fatally Shot After Chase

      New Jersey Man Steals Police Car, Fatally Shot After Chase

      “This Political Climate Got My Brother Killed”: Officer Brian Sicknick Died Defending the Capitol. His Family Waits for Answers.

      “This Political Climate Got My Brother Killed”: Officer Brian Sicknick Died Defending the Capitol. His Family Waits for Answers.

      Florida Man Who Went Viral For Stealing Podium Identified

      Florida Man Who Went Viral For Stealing Podium Identified

      Defund The Police Was A Raging Success And Everyone Missed It

      Defund The Police Was A Raging Success And Everyone Missed It

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      Non-Violence Isn’t A Just Moral Imperative, It’s A Superior Strategy

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      The Future Of The Supreme Court

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      When Billionaires Don’t Pay Taxes, People “Lose Faith in Democracy”

      When Billionaires Don’t Pay Taxes, People “Lose Faith in Democracy”

      Your Objections To Development Are Counter-Productive

      Your Objections To Development Are Counter-Productive

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      Strong Grassroots Opposition Continues To Plague NESE Pipeline’s Fifth Attempt

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      Your Misplaced Loyalty Is Hurting Your Business

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      It’s Not The End Of The World, But You Can See It From Here

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        Strong Grassroots Opposition Continues To Plague NESE Pipeline’s Fifth Attempt

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        New Female Snow Leopard Arrives In Cape May County

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        Fixin Things Till They’re Broke

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          Book Banning Is Only The Tip Of The Spear

          A Push to Remove LGBTQ Books in One County Could Signal Rising Partisanship on School Boards

          A Push to Remove LGBTQ Books in One County Could Signal Rising Partisanship on School Boards

          Award-Winning Children’s Author Greg Pizzoli Planning A Virtual Visit To Cape May

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              America Sits At The Nexus of Fear, Rage, and Despair

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                The Death of Privacy In America

                The Death of Privacy In America

                America Sits At The Nexus of Fear, Rage, and Despair

                America Sits At The Nexus of Fear, Rage, and Despair

                Who Was Responsible For Fake News?

                Who Was Responsible For Fake News?

                When Billionaires Don’t Pay Taxes, People “Lose Faith in Democracy”

                When Billionaires Don’t Pay Taxes, People “Lose Faith in Democracy”

                Book Banning Is Only The Tip Of The Spear

                Book Banning Is Only The Tip Of The Spear

                A Push to Remove LGBTQ Books in One County Could Signal Rising Partisanship on School Boards

                A Push to Remove LGBTQ Books in One County Could Signal Rising Partisanship on School Boards

                Get Vaxxed If You Want To Play Indoors

                Get Vaxxed If You Want To Play Indoors

                There’s Something About Mary

                There’s Something About Mary

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                  The Death of Privacy In America

                  The Death of Privacy In America

                  America Sits At The Nexus of Fear, Rage, and Despair

                  America Sits At The Nexus of Fear, Rage, and Despair

                  Who Was Responsible For Fake News?

                  Who Was Responsible For Fake News?

                  When Billionaires Don’t Pay Taxes, People “Lose Faith in Democracy”

                  When Billionaires Don’t Pay Taxes, People “Lose Faith in Democracy”

                  Book Banning Is Only The Tip Of The Spear

                  Book Banning Is Only The Tip Of The Spear

                  A Push to Remove LGBTQ Books in One County Could Signal Rising Partisanship on School Boards

                  A Push to Remove LGBTQ Books in One County Could Signal Rising Partisanship on School Boards

                  End Of An Era

                  End Of An Era

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                  Death And Taxes: The Right’s Last Stand

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                  Rep Jeff Van Drew Calls For Fencing To Be Removed Despite Threats To Capitol

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                  Democrats Look To Regain A Foothold in Middle Township With Quanette Vasser-McNeal

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                • Justice
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                  Middle Police Arrest Suspect In Connection With Stolen Guns in Cape May Court House

                  Middle Police Arrest Suspect In Connection With Stolen Guns in Cape May Court House

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                  South Jersey’s Sanctuary City Designations Are A Haven For Violent Extremists

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                  New Jersey Man Steals Police Car, Fatally Shot After Chase

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                  “This Political Climate Got My Brother Killed”: Officer Brian Sicknick Died Defending the Capitol. His Family Waits for Answers.

                  Florida Man Who Went Viral For Stealing Podium Identified

                  Florida Man Who Went Viral For Stealing Podium Identified

                  Defund The Police Was A Raging Success And Everyone Missed It

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                  Non-Violence Isn’t A Just Moral Imperative, It’s A Superior Strategy

                  Non-Violence Isn’t A Just Moral Imperative, It’s A Superior Strategy

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                  • Justice
                • Business
                  When Billionaires Don’t Pay Taxes, People “Lose Faith in Democracy”

                  When Billionaires Don’t Pay Taxes, People “Lose Faith in Democracy”

                  Your Objections To Development Are Counter-Productive

                  Your Objections To Development Are Counter-Productive

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                  Strong Grassroots Opposition Continues To Plague NESE Pipeline’s Fifth Attempt

                  The Power Of The People

                  The Power Of The People

                  Your Misplaced Loyalty Is Hurting Your Business

                  Your Misplaced Loyalty Is Hurting Your Business

                  It’s Not The End Of The World, But You Can See It From Here

                  It’s Not The End Of The World, But You Can See It From Here

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                    Strong Grassroots Opposition Continues To Plague NESE Pipeline’s Fifth Attempt

                    Strong Grassroots Opposition Continues To Plague NESE Pipeline’s Fifth Attempt

                    New Female Snow Leopard Arrives In Cape May County

                    New Female Snow Leopard Arrives In Cape May County

                    Jackson Park Project A Threat To Clean Water

                    Jackson Park Project A Threat To Clean Water

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                    Fixin Things Till They’re Broke

                    Trending Tags

                    • Education
                      Book Banning Is Only The Tip Of The Spear

                      Book Banning Is Only The Tip Of The Spear

                      A Push to Remove LGBTQ Books in One County Could Signal Rising Partisanship on School Boards

                      A Push to Remove LGBTQ Books in One County Could Signal Rising Partisanship on School Boards

                      Award-Winning Children’s Author Greg Pizzoli Planning A Virtual Visit To Cape May

                      Award-Winning Children’s Author Greg Pizzoli Planning A Virtual Visit To Cape May

                      Gold, Lies, And Genocide In The New World

                      Gold, Lies, And Genocide In The New World

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                      Social Distancing Fails At Ocean City High School

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                      The Covid Kids Are Alright

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                      Why I Don’t Worry About My Kids Falling Behind

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                      Any Plan To Reopen Schools This Fall Is Irresponsible And Negligent

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                      There’s Something About Mary

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                      Let the Voters Decide

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                      The Cost Of Homelessness in Cape May County

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                      America Sits At The Nexus of Fear, Rage, and Despair

                      America Sits At The Nexus of Fear, Rage, and Despair

                      There’s Something About Mary

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                      Award-Winning Children’s Author Greg Pizzoli Planning A Virtual Visit To Cape May

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                      New Female Snow Leopard Arrives In Cape May County

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                      Peepers And Pizza: Spring Comes To New Jersey

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                      Your Misplaced Loyalty Is Hurting Your Business

                      Your Misplaced Loyalty Is Hurting Your Business

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                        Trending Tags

                        • Health
                          America Sits At The Nexus of Fear, Rage, and Despair

                          America Sits At The Nexus of Fear, Rage, and Despair

                          Get Vaxxed If You Want To Play Indoors

                          Get Vaxxed If You Want To Play Indoors

                          There’s Something About Mary

                          There’s Something About Mary

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                          Mary, Covered In Roses

                          Autism Awareness Day

                          Autism Awareness Day

                          Code Blue Is No April Fool’s Joke

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                          You’ve Been Fully Vaccinated, Now What?

                          You’ve Been Fully Vaccinated, Now What?

                          The Disney Queue Of Vaccinations

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                          Social Distancing Fails At Ocean City High School

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                        • Opinion
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                          The Death of Privacy In America

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                          We Have To Stop Trusting Our Leaders To Do The Right Thing

                          We Have To Stop Trusting Our Leaders To Do The Right Thing

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                          The Godless Piety Of American Idealism As Reality Television

                          Why We Can’t Talk About It

                          Why We Can’t Talk About It

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                          The American Way

                          byDavid Todd McCarty
                          2 years ago
                          inCulture, Politics
                          Reading Time: 7 mins read
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                          Americans have a long history of throwing off the yoke of oppression, and we have always glorified the violence necessary to do so when it fit the narrative of the rich and powerful.

                          By David Todd McCarty | Friday, September 4, 2020

                          That hot dog you’re holding this weekend comes courtesy of organized Labor’s response to racism, greed, xenophobia, cruelty and oppression that ushered in the eight-hour workday and the concept of the weekend. The thing that gives that Labor Day hot dog its bite, is not the spicy mustard, but the blood, sweat and tears that were shed by millions of workers in their fight for basic dignity. Those poor souls who endured horrific conditions and paltry pay, in order to build the infrastructure of this nation. The immigrants who contributed mightily to the profound wealth of a small minority of this country’s elite that would become our new aristocracy. The new boss, same as the old boss.

                          It is because of their hardscrabble fight that you have the standard eight-hour work day, any chance at all of working in relatively safe conditions, and the once unthinkably frivolous privilege of the weekend off. Labor Day itself was a holiday born out of an attempt to repair ties with rioting American workers. After years of debilitating strikes, brutal crackdowns and violent uprisings, business leaders finally realized that if they didn’t mollify the working class, they would never get anything done. Not to mention the very real fear that they would one day be strung up from a nearby light post, their homes and factories burned to the ground, over the deplorable working conditions they were using in order to exact their untold riches.

                          The Labor Movement of the late 19th century, was a ragtag collection of socialists, communists and anarchists from Europe who believed the capitalist system should be dismantled because it exploited workers. On May 4, 1886 in Haymarket Square in Chicago, 2000 workers filled the square, protesting appalling working conditions and as police arrived to break up the scene, someone threw a bomb at them, causing the police to open fire. Seven police officers an at least one civilian died. The event, which came to be known as the Haymarket Riot, set off a national wave of xenophobia, as foreign-born radicals were rounded up by police, including eight men accused of being anarchists, who were tried with no evidence linking them to the crime, and sentenced to hang. Four were hung, one died of suicide the night before, one was given fifteen years in prison and two others had their sentences later commuted.

                          Haymarket Riot of 1886. Chicago.

                          On May 11, 1894, employees of the Pullman Palace Car Company in Chicago went on strike to protest wage cuts and the firing of union representatives. On June 26, the American Railroad Union, called for a boycott of all Pullman railway cars, crippling railroad traffic nationwide. To break the Pullman strike, the federal government dispatched troops to Chicago, unleashing a wave of riots that resulted in the deaths of more than a dozen workers.

                          In the wake of this massive unrest and in an attempt to repair ties with American workers, Congress passed an act making Labor Day a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories. On June 28, 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed it into law.

                          The idea of a “workingman’s holiday,” celebrated on the first Monday in September, had already caught on in cities across America, and other states passed legislation recognizing it. Initially, it wasn’t anything close to a paid holiday, or even anything official. It was simply a day where no one went to work. They weren’t given the day off, they took it.

                          Meanwhile, here in Cape May County, Republican-Controlled Trump Country, we can’t be bothered to celebrate Labor Day, or recognize the efforts of the Labor movement in any meaningful way. Instead, the elected leaders of Middle Township, decided to commemorate this hallowed Federal holiday, not by celebrating the labor movement, but by engaging in a state-sponsored religious prayer meeting, partisan political speeches on the value of free speech, thoughts on freedom of the press by Al Campbell, retired Managing Editor of the local conservative media outlet The Herald, and for no earthy reason having anything to do with the labor movement or freedom of speech, a police honor-guard.

                          Freedom Of Speech rally. Rio Grand, NJ.

                          Republican Mayor Tim Donohue, who is a vocal Trump supporter, and a big booster of the many Republicans running for office, claimed that the event was not political in nature so equal time for dissenting opinion was not a factor. They didn’t feel any need to invite any Democrats, though they did include two Black women, one is a Republican teacher who was invited to speak on the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment giving white women the right to vote, and the other a representative from the local chapter of the NAACP who read a poem she wrote titled, “She” and spoke about the reality of the Black experience in America.

                          “This is not a political event and the speakers have been ask to speak to the topic of free speech, not the 2020 election,” claimed Donohue. “The invited speakers are Middle Township residents and their duly elected representatives at the local, county, state and federal level. This is our standard practice for major public events in Middle Township. It just so happens that, at this time, all those elected officials are Republicans. The people voted and the current office holders the people elected have been invited to participate.”

                          The speeches were as predictable as they were forgettable. They contained ridiculous attacks on the Governor for allegedly violating their civil rights in the name of public safety. Reflections on freedom that focused on their right to discriminate, subjugate, exercise hate speech and arm themselves. They celebrated both the police and the military, but not the worker or the oppressed. They decried the leadership of the State, but took no responsibility for the failed leadership of the country. They criticized the civil unrest in our nation’s cities but failed to recognize the cause. They proclaimed, without a spec of irony, that this was not the American way, even as they recalled the nation’s violent revolution. This is a curious aspect of our nation’s identity that we frame our revolution as a pure act of selfless righteousness, and not a bloody fight for power.

                          It’s worth noting that America was founded by an elite group of wealthy, land owners who convinced the working class to violently overthrow the existing government in the name of liberty, all the while importing African slaves to work the land they were stealing from the natives. They didn’t question taxing the people, they simply wanted to change who was doing the taxing.

                          American history is littered with examples of violence and cruelty, war and unrest, almost always in order to benefit the rich and powerful, and always at the expense of the weak and the poor.

                          Haymarket Riot of 1886.

                          The Labor Movement was an attempt to balance those scales of justice, at least when it came to fair wages for a hard day’s work. A more level playing field for those who wished to have a bite of the American Dream they’d been promised. A more egalitarian outlook on the future of America.

                          But it is the very Ayn Rand Republicans who have convinced not only themselves, but the poor, undereducated whites of America, that those in power have no responsibility to anyone other than themselves. The Grand Old Party has set themselves up as the new oppressors of America; the pigs of George Orwell’s farm wearing pants and drinking brandy. Wealthy businessmen who seek to avoid taxes, eliminate government services, curtail interference in how they make their money, and protection for their interests. They are the new ruling class. One that has managed to convince the populace, much like they did in the late 18th century, that the empty promises of liberty and freedom, are what they will be given, if only they hand over their gold and silver.

                          Political parties in America are designed to acquire and hold power in the hands of the few. Labor Unions were established as an attempt to provide a counterweight to that extreme power, and more equitably distribute it among the masses so that more might benefit. This isn’t socialism or communism, it’s just a fair market.

                          We claim to value freedom, equality and democracy in America, but too many of our leaders believe that power should be held by them alone. No one in power truly values democracy, or wishes to be questioned. They have no desire to be considered your equal. They expect to be praised and thanked and handsomely rewarded, not criticized.

                          If Labor Day teaches us anything, it is that we will never receive our due by waiting and hoping for someone to give it to us, we must take it. 

                          Because like it or not, that is the American way.


                          Follow David Todd McCarty on Twitter @davidtmccarty and The Standard @capemaystandard

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                          David Todd McCarty

                          David Todd McCarty

                          David Todd McCarty is a writer, director, photographer and designer. You can follow him on Twitter @davidtmccarty.

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