
But, the recent teacher strikes also underline the role of cuts, not only in extracting wealth from public services, but in driving down pay for those at the bottom end of the labor market. The combination of privatization and austerity is especially toxic — reflected in Trump’s rise to power, surging xenophobic right, and dark money in politics. Which is only a reflection of broader economic failure.
…he identifies as a Democrat or as a Republican, he leaned over the table of beers with frustration. “It’s all a sham, isn’t it? Our democracy is an illusion. The day of having a government standing for a common working man is over.”