What it means to be rigged

[Sebastian G. Serrano]

When Senator Brown's opponent took to the podium in Charlotte, North Carolina, we heard a lot about the system being "rigged." We heard about the differences between the rich and the poor, and the large economic gap between them. Most importantly, we heard that this gap came from an economic system that was rigged in favor of the wealthy.

Perhaps the most interesting (yet very subtle) part of the entire declaration was that the person speaking is one of the wealthy people who rigged the system herself. She checked a minority box and refuses to provide proof that would officially state that her hiring as a Harvard professor was not influenced by the self-proclaimed minority status. Just as significant, she declined to check a box that would have indicated that she was willing to pay more money to the government than required by law. We are witnessing someone who picks and chooses when to say we should help others and when to actually do so herself. As a voter, it is frustrating to see a candidate be so two-faced while claiming to be committed to the middle class. This track record is consistent with the idea that she was the "intellectual founder" of the Occupy Wall Street movement while also being a member of the "one percent." Her name was also not associated with the movement until she claimed to be the founder herself. If there is any video of her on the front lines of the movement during its early stages, I certainly have not seen it.

The point is that there is no need to be making a mockery of her supporters over her claimed heritage. Instead, point out the truth. She checked a box that benefitted her more than it hurt her and then declined to check a box that would have required her to live up to the standards she preaches.

Much of this took place while Senator Brown was serving his term on behalf of the people of Massachusetts. So let us show support for Senator Brown by voting for him. He has been the independent thinker he promised to be. He is playing on a rigged playing field as described and carried out by his opponent. Let us help him continue to win despite the circumstances.