I was introduced to " The Communist Manifesto " way back in a more " liberal " time ( circa 1965 ) . We had to read it as an English class assignment .
1965 was a turning point in American history . Indeed , something was happening here. Malcolm X was assassinated in February. The " left " noticed him when he began to connect racism with capitalism , racism with imperialism. Then , we suspect , the shadow government of the United States connected Black Muslim Malcolm X with imminent " revolution ".
But quietly in the Hope High class room I read the long introduction to Marx's " Communist Manifesto ". The introduction ironically suggested that the document was hardly worth reading . And why ? Because American capitalism had finally succeeded in creating a solid happy and loyal MIDDLE CLASS of giddy consumers.
THEY were the pillar of Cold War anti-communism : Nixon's " great silent majority ".
Where is the solid American middle class today ? It is not surprising how many became Stephen King fans in the late 70s and 80s . A nice dog like " Cujo " in middle class Maine can go rabidly mad.
Those fascist goons of the Great Depression era ? " Sometimes They Come Back "- meaner than ever.
Comments that are courteous, concise and relevant are always welcome, whether or not they agree with the views expressed here or not. Profanity is not necessary. Thank you for reading “Time Enough At Last!”