This problem is a deliberate creation of the 1%, using their minions, the Conservatives (that includes both Scumpublicans and Libertarians...with a sprinkling of Third Party morons on top). The wealthy want their Robber Baronies back.
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They want to rule this country as an aristocracy, anointed or unanointed. The one thing an Oligarchy needs above all else (aside from obscene gobs of money), is a flock of gullible, uneducated, easily manipulated peasants. Their tools for that? Lack of education and religion.
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They've been at it since Reagan. Before Reagan actually, but he did the most damage. This won't be an overnight fix, and the knuckle-walking racist troglodytes will fight us every step of the way, because their preachers told them Jesus said so.
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