Over the past 50 years, the increasingly rapid rate of change in the economy has accelerated to a ‘blur.’ As a result, the lives of almost all Americans today are not comfortable; indeed life grows more uncomfortable every day.

Yes, personal responsibility plays a role in too many individual instances; but, in fact, the system has devolved such as to now be not just part of the problem, it is the problem.

Or, is that not the case? More on that point, in a moment.

First, a question: How did we get to this point?

There is much blame to go around. But, placing blame will not solve the problem. Placing blame will only exacerbate it; and may actually play into the hands of the Machiavellians who otherwise deserve it.

The root of the problem is an overwhelming greed on the part of a growing number of players, accommodated and even facilitated by other individuals in place at “choke-hold” points in our economic system. These others assist and participate in the “gaming” of the system, thus reaping their own share of the spoils.

Do be careful as you continue to read and contemplate this. It would be a mistake to conclude that the system is broken, and therefore needs to be fixed or replaced, despite what is going down in Washington. The system and the inherent complexities within it work.

In other words, the problem is not the system.

The problem is those individuals (players (and special interests) who have “gamed” the system in order to manipulate other individuals; or worse, those who have “fixed” various aspects of the system in order to channel, transfer and legally, albeit illegitimately, steal other people’s money, assets, property, time, efforts and, ultimately, their freedom.

What are some of the general effects of the Machiavellians work?

American life has become steadily less secure. Not just because of the threat of terrorism but also because of the crumbling of respect for other individuals and for life itself.

Equity (some prefer to call it fairness) is out the window, because it is out of the mind of each Machiavellian. Taking advantage of others is like a badge to them, measured in wads of cash.

In government, at all levels, the political Machiavellians have put the tax squeeze on all wage earners. That squeeze has steadily lowered the standard of living for every American. At the same time, they have installed more so-called progressivity into the tax system, which further squeezes productive individuals in order to carry the less-productive and non-productive voters. Today, over 40 percent of adults pay zero taxes. Yet, many of the same 40 percent will be given “money back” as part of their “political-con.”

As the Machiavellians worked their machinations on and within the system, some things were also changing within individuals.

Conditioned by a culture of consumption amply seasoned with the need for immediate fulfillment, four in five Americans do not have sufficient stores of self-discipline to wait, save, or delay satisfaction. As a result, too many rely on plastic in order to maintain a false sense of “Yes, You Can,” “Have It All” and “Have It Your Way” because “You Deserve a Break Today.” All of which plays directly back into the hands of the Machiavellians who orchestrated the original conditioning.

The Bible instructs us that Jesus said, “give unto Caesar what is due Caesar and to God what is due God.”

It is reasonable to be expected to contribute your rightful share to legitimate government in the form of reasonable taxes. What makes government legitimate is when, and only when, it is government formed “by and for the people,” faithful to its founding Declaration and Constitution.

America’s Citizens do not need, nor do they want, government to be a transfer station for sharing their personal earnings with others. Americans do want and need government to protect them from all external threats and from the Machiavellians who have and continue to undermine our economic system.

Ignore, or reject, this screed at your own risk. If you find it too difficult to focus on and think through, the future is indeed dire for you, your family, our freedoms and our country.

Richard Olivastro is a professional member of the National Speakers Association, president of Olivastro Communications, an executive leadership development company, and founder of Citizens For Change. He can be reached at Rich@Olivastro.NET or 877.RichSpeaks.