" Let them eat cake "

We have all heard, even though we now know it to be historically incorrect, that the line "let them eat cake" is attributed to Marie Antoinette. The words may not have been spoken by her, but the sentiments are appropriately affiliated with her views. The average Parisian starved and could not even find bread to eat, while the rich of French society were never in want. They had not a care in the world for the poor peasants whose lives they ruled. In today's New York Times, Paul Krugman, nobel prize economist with views in support of government intervention, has railed against the rich. I agree with his sentiments. He claims that much of the vitriol is coming, not just from tea party activists, but from well known, mainstream financial conservatives such as Forbes magazine and other trickle down economists. What a great job they are doing lobbying the upper class, stirring up the pot of laissez faire economics, scaring us into believing that they cannot create jobs, or wealth for the lower classes if they are taxed at rates from the Clinton Administration. An administration by the way, that ended with surplus. It is anathema to me, that while one out of seven Americans is in poverty, while 51 million Americans remain uninsured and while the gap between rich and poor has grown to historically wide levels, that the top one percent of our countrymen remains steadfastly against helping their country. The character assasination portrayed by Krugman is mild compared to what it should be. This "let them eat cake" attitude is disguised as good economic theory. In fact, it is not. I am happy to trade places with one of the richest in the land, so that I can turn around and give back to the nation I love and the people in most need. Being rich is a privilege, and it is a testament to our freedoms that we have the opportunity to strive for such wealth. The privilege is also tied to a responsibility to do what is right on behalf of us all. Do we need another French Revolution American style? I hope not. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?