Both of the duopoly political parties are happy captives of their respective donor classes. The names of the oligarchs change but they all believe in keeping as much of their money as possible and making sure that there is no discussion of any alternative configuration. Their control negates the ability of the government to address the people’s needs.
Corporations don’t want employees who would feel free to quit their jobs or make demands or go on strike if they didn’t depend on employment for health care. Keeping people in a state of fear and uncertainty is more profitable to them than shedding health care costs.
The homeless could be housed with government spending. The federal government was the primary source of public housing creation in decades past. That is not possible when the military budget comprises 60% of discretionary spending and prevents the government from interceding on behalf of the people.
“Keeping people in a state of fear and uncertainty is more profitable.”
Even the party thought to be friendliest to the needs of working people adamantly refuses to consider Medicare for All, a program which would provide free care for every man, woman and child. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are at pains to proclaim that they will not consider enacting this program which is so desperately needed.
The person who knew nothing outside of debates would think that everything is fine for most Americans. But half are low income, and the number of jobless is never really known because the so-called unemployment rate does not count those no longer receiving benefits. Speaking of benefits, millions of people unemployed by the COVID shut down crisis never received them at all or only after very lengthy delays. That information is never brought up in debates or on the campaign trail.
-- Margaret Kimberley, "Freedom Rider: Left Out of the Debate" (BLACK AGENDA REPORT).