Peggy Noonan's alarm over socialism's surge reveals her flawed analysis: she blames the consciousness of the wounded instead of capitalism, which thrives on historical injustices like dispossession and slavery. As the capitalist structure crumbles under its contradictions—where collective production is shackled by private ownership—Noonan dismisses the urgency of socialism, painting it as a radical force aimed at destruction. Yet, socialism is rising not from whimsical ideology but out of necessity, as younger generations face economic precarity and disillusionment. The question isn’t whether capitalism is natural or just; it’s who truly controls the wealth and future built by the collective.
The Collateral of Empire: Debt, Power, and the Future
America's staggering $81.9 trillion debt is more than just a number; it's a complex web of financial claims overshadowing the real economic landscape. The nation's ability to issue dollars grants it a unique power, allowing it to leverage future incomes to accommodate debt—while the average worker grapples with mortgages, credit cards, and student loans. This contradictory system—where public power fuels private finance—disguises the inequality at play. As lenders profit, households struggle, further entrenching societal divides. The U.S. isn’t just a massive debtor; it’s a realm where debt serves as both a lifeline and a constraint, revealing the capitalist dance between ownership and obligation.