I thought it very appropriate right now to re-read Studs Terkel's "Hard Times". 

Every time I read that book I can relate with some new national crisis, most of which are perpetrated by our own gubmint AGAINST THE AMERICAN PEOPLE. 

What the hell does that say about people who are terribly slow to "catch on" to what's been happening in this country for generations already?  It says they're dimwitted or stupid, and the gubmint is taking the high road with their noses in the air (and taking our money at the same time).  But your eyes have to be open in order to see the patterns.  Those patterns have been around at least since the late 1800's if you can imagine it. 

Also imagine the fact that we in America suddenly went from "millions" seeming like a lot of money, to suddenly and abruptly going to BILLIONS and we're not supposed to notice???

Trillions are on the horizon.  Trust me, in some regards it's already here.