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evaluate chris hedges “the Mafia State”
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Chris Hedges, a Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist, recently published an article titled “The Mafia State” on February 16, 2025, in Scheerpost.
In this piece, Hedges argues that the United States has transitioned from a “mafia economy” to a “mafia state,” where legal constraints are disregarded, and the ruling class operates with impunity. He asserts that this system prioritizes personal enrichment over the common good, leading to environmental degradation and social inequality.
Hedges emphasizes that both major political parties have contributed to this state by allowing corporations and oligarchs to exploit resources and labor, resulting in widespread impoverishment. He warns that this trajectory mirrors the decline of past empires, where rulers, focused solely on personal gain, ignored the well-being of the populace and the environment, leading to societal collapse.
To counter this decline, Hedges advocates for organized resistance, including strikes and mass mobilization, to challenge the entrenched power structures. He calls for systemic reforms such as forgiving debts, instituting universal healthcare, breaking up monopolies, raising the minimum wage, and investing in sustainable energy sources. However, he cautions that such resistance will likely be met with severe repression from those in power.
Overall, “The Mafia State” serves as a critical analysis of the current socio-political landscape in the United States, highlighting the urgency for collective action to address systemic corruption and prevent further societal and environmental degradation.
For a more in-depth understanding, you can watch Chris Hedges discuss these themes in the following video:
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