Author Archives: retrevdave

Common Wealth

Four States of the United States refer to themselves in their various constitutions as “commonwealths” (Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and Virginia). It was a notion around the time of the Revolutionary War that “commonwealth” was radically different than a “monarchy.”

We don’t hear much about “commonwealth” these days. Part of the reason might be that the former British Empire reformed itself into the (capital C) Commonwealth. But what about here in these United Commonwealths – that is, States?

The State seems to be an entity unto itself. It has, through its monarch, tyrant, or governance, a unique Sovereignty, a sovereign power over all the mere mortals that reside within its boundaries. When removed from the person of a monarch, Sovereign Power is an odd thing. The Sovereign Power decides which people are of which class, and which identifiable aggregate is to be considered (and treated) as “unruly.” In these United States, one such identified aggregate are people with an excess of melanin in their skin. Such people should never be allowed to be educated, own property, aspire to wealth, be a Supreme Court Justice, or be allowed to be the President.

Perhaps this presence of Sovereign Power is the reason we are urged to not think about being a commonwealth. And perhaps, not thinking about this has led to a desired (by the Sovereign Power itself) division of the two words.

Common

And Wealth.

In broad, pejorative terms, Common has become tagged as Socialist and Wealth is wrapped up in Capitalist.

People of Wealth see the hoi poli as the great unclean masses. Alexander Hamilton is purported to have said to Thomas Jefferson, “Your people, sir – your people is a great beast.” Common. Commoners. Nobodies. Certainly not persons who should be allowed to have any say in the conduct of Sovereign Power.

People of Common see Wealth with “jaundice eye askance.” Making a lot of money is fine, but acquiring immense wealth is viewed as somehow unholy, maybe involving a touch of evil. They (the Wealth) are the bosses, the magnates, the royalty in the feudal system of corporate America.

The two categories are radically divided. Without Common to enslave, there could be no Wealth. Without Wealth to sneer at, the Common would not have any identity. The miracle of our influential media environment is that many people who are quite Common believe that Socialism is evil – and vote against their own best interests for Wealth.

The problem, for me, is that each side of this conundrum is a type of religion. Wealth worships Money, for Money is the Great Power that will give the believer whatever is desired. Money is a rather puny godlet, for after a certain amount (about $80,000), the promised happiness refuses to increase. On the other hand, Common wants everyone at the table, that only with complete representation of every subcategory of special interest can there be a truly fair and equitable Sovereign Power. This is also a misdirected faith, because giving every person an equal voice in all things will block the pursuit of any thing.

The only way for Commonwealth to survive and prosper is to bring the two together as one. Common in Wealth. Wealth in Common. Some speak of the joint work of the government, such as infrastructure, as The Commons. And considering the Commons of Interstate highway system, such infrastructure makes Wealth possible. Considering the Commons of public education, such investment makes Common uncommonly well to do. Considering the Wealth of government investment and even debt, such use of money builds Wealth. Consider the Common goal of government spending, Common is empowered.

These two are not separate camps or two tribes at was. Wealth needs Common. Common needs Wealth. So it is time to stop believing the other side is absolutely wrong and we are on the side of the angels. It is time to listen, and listen carefully. Perhaps it is time to put away our quest for unbridled Wealth and consider the good of the Common. Perhaps it is time to put away our quest for absolute equality, and enjoy the benefits of equity in Wealth.

Commonwealth.