E'08: Economics

Driving into work this morning, I heard a paid political advertisement that went something like this: "CEO's in America make more in one hour (or was it one day?) than the average worker makes in a year." My initial reaction was, "So?"

This kind of advertising is called propaganda because it distorts to make you think a particular way. It's not using reason and argument to make its point. It's trying to persuade through emotion and misdirection. Here are some thoughts:

1. What's wrong with a CEO making so much money? Doesn't he run the company?
2. Notice that what the average worker makes is nowhere addressed. Is the average worker unhappy? Impoverished? Then find another job or get training to better your position and your income.
3. Notice, too, that the CEO is contrasted with the "worker"and not an "employee." What impression does that leave? You're catching on! The CEO is obviously not a "worker." He doesn't do anything but sit in his posh office and soak his feet in $100 bills.

There was more to the radio spot, most of it not much better. Stuff like this is purposefully meant to set up a class warfare between those who are rich and those who are not. Congrats to the rich! They've probably earned it, and they'll pay more in taxes than I'll make in ten years!

When politicians start talking rich/poor, sniff the wind for a socialistic stench. And grab hold of your wallet!