Change for Whom?

I have been resisting the urge to spout about the upcoming elections and the financial crisis we are experiencing. I cannot address all the things I'd like to simply because there are too many.

Let me do this: if you really want to get a feel for who our government serves, there are a couple books everyone should read.

First, the financial shock we are in the midst of has its roots in the free market. Pick up a book called "Shock Doctrine" by Naomi Klein. A profound and unbiased look at what a truly free market will mean for us...and it is not the panacea that it is purported to be.

Second, if you thought you were paying more than your fair share of taxes, you are. There are two books by David Cay Johnston that will open your eyes, and drop your jaw. "Free Lunch - How the Wealthiest Americans enrich themselves at Government Expense (and stick you with the bill)" (sounds like bailout to me); and "Perfectly Legal - the covert campaign to rig our tax system to benefit the super rich and cheat everyone else"; were written in 2007 and 2003 respectively.

And if you've managed to get through those, and can still stomach a bit more to make you mad, pick up "Gotcha Capitalism" a book about how you are nailed by fake fees, pretend taxes and how, without even knowing it, you've abdicated your rights away when signing some contracts. It was written in 2007 by Bob Sullivan.

Rather than spend your hard-earned cash, go to your local library and borrow the books. The library is paid for by your taxes, so use it, its one of the things that benefits the people who pay for it.

By the way, none of the above authors know me, or solicited my opinion. Nor am I in any way being compensated. Except by having my eyes opened.

Once you read any or all of these books, you'll know why the candidates slogan about change is really nothing new. And nothing will change.

I don't know who I will vote for, I have no confidence in either candidate. Can I write in a "no confidence" vote?