A more active role for the activists

Richard McCord, Henderson

Thursday, Nov. 10, 2011 | 2 a.m.

Occupy Wall Street protesters want wealth to be more equally distributed and the political influence of corporations to be reduced. Our economic and political systems afford them the freedom and the means to achieve both goals.

Protesters can lessen wealth inequality by acquiring education and skills that are more highly valued in the marketplace. Most of the “99 percent” do this every day and enjoy higher standards of living as a result. Many people of average or below-average wealth become entrepreneurs, and some become very wealthy. The free market is ready to reward anyone who can provide something that people want.

Protesters can reduce the political influence of corporations by eliminating the corporate income tax. Taxpaying corporations can claim a right to a voice in government. Eliminate the tax and reduce the voice. As legal entities with vested interests, corporations will still hire lobbyists, but corporate money in political campaigns can be eliminated.

This solution will also have the salutary effect of increasing everyone’s wealth. Profits will instantly be higher, increasing the value of every enterprise. Businesses will invest more, hire more and pay more in America. More wealth and income will mean more spending in America. Tax revenues should also increase, as the higher profits pass to the owners, more workers earn more income, and the economy booms.

Taking these actions means participating in our great economic and political systems, not protesting against them. Choosing protest over participation is choosing poverty and resentment over success and happiness. The choice is ours.