ON THIS DAY: GEORGE WALLACE BLOCKS INTEGRATION IN ALABAMA
LOOK WHO TOOK HIS PLACE
As we all know, billionaires are the new George Wallaces of our time. They stand in the schoolhouse door, blocking the path of progress and equality. But how did we get here? How did we go from a governor physically blocking the integration of a university to billionaires blocking access to education through privatization, massive student debt, defunding, and corporate reforms? Let's take a deep dive into this absurdity.
First, let's talk about George Wallace. The man who famously proclaimed, "segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever." He was a racist, plain and simple. He stood in front of the University of Alabama on June 11, 1963, trying to prevent two Black students from enrolling. It was a shameful moment in our history, and one that we should never forget.
But fast forward to today, and we have a new breed of segregationists. They may not be standing in front of universities physically blocking Black students, but they are using their wealth and power to prevent access to education for marginalized communities. They are the billionaires who push for privatization of schools, making education a commodity only available to those who can afford it. They are the ones who profit off of massive student debt, trapping young people in a cycle of poverty. They are the ones who defund public schools, leaving them under-resourced and unable to provide quality education to all students. And they are the ones who push for corporate reforms that prioritize profits over people.
It's a sad state of affairs when we have to compare modern-day billionaires to a notorious racist like George Wallace. But the parallels are there. Both groups use their power and influence to maintain a system that benefits them at the expense of others. Both groups are willing to sacrifice the education and future of young people for their own gain.
So what can we do about it? Well, for starters, we can call out these billionaires for what they are: modern-day segregationists. We can demand that they use their wealth and power for good, rather than for their own selfish interests. We can push for policies that prioritize education as a human right, not a commodity. And we can support grassroots movements that fight for educational justice and equity.
In conclusion, it's time to recognize that billionaires are not the heroes they claim to be. They are not benevolent philanthropists, generously giving back to society. They are modern-day George Wallaces, standing in the way of progress and equality. It's up to all of us to hold them accountable and demand a better future for our young people.
On This Day: George Wallace tries to block integration of Univ. of Alabama https://upi.com/1101686414357 via @upi