You know the phrase: A rising tide lifts all boats

Turns out that doesn’t play well in the modern real world and let’s discuss why.

This is a phrase used or hijacked by the elitists to convince you that if you let them have their way and they get richer then you should do well also.

And they use to love this phrase, you would hear it all the time.

So lets break it down by the analogy itself. In theory this phrase might actually work in the real world. If the economy or tide rose then everyone in the bay’s boat would rise also. That assumes though that everyone is floating on a boat with a strong and sturdy hull. Every boat doesn’t have to be the same size and some may do better, but if the hull of the boat  is in good shape then all boats rise. 

Turns out though many people have boats with a damaged hull. For example a declining public education system puts leaks in many hulls. Or over the years wage stagnation or purchasing power diminishes due to wages not keeping up with inflation puts a few holes in the hull. Or the cost of healthcare eating up more of your budget puts a few holes in the hull. Or once you make the mistake of going into debt this adds a few holes in your hull. Or living through layoffs due to recessions or mergers puts a few holes in your hull. These damn holes just start popping up everywhere. And it doesn’t do any good if the only boat repair (government help) is no more than a few makeshift rubber corks when you are staring at twenty holes.

And after many years of holes in your hull, the rising tide still benefits a few boats, but for many the tide rises higher into the boat so it actually starts to sink. The many boats sinking are then asked to take on more debt (the government’s paid for by taxes)to keep the tide rising for the few boats. Then the rising boats are taking on less of their share (disproportionate tax reform) so they rise even higher while yours is sinking even further so now the gap (wealth) between the rising boats and the sinking boats grows. 

On top of this there are many boats who aren’t even in the water. Some boats end up or began completely on dry land and any rise in the tide is directed completely away from them. Their boat is stuck in dry mud (of discrimination and prejudice).They look out across the bay which seems level wondering why the water doesn’t come their way so they too can enjoy life on the bay. Many just want to participate and be a part of the bay like everyone else. Others are dejected and have given up on their boat going anywhere. 

So it may be fun to say a rising tide lifts all boats, but until everyone’s boat is built with a strong hull and when needed fundamentally sound (effective public policy) boat repairs are easily accessible that bay is not basking in a warm, calm full moon kind of night. 

The goal is for us all to enjoy the rhythmic sound of gentle waves rocking us to sleep in our comfortable bunks cause no one wants to spend the night frantically bailing water. We cannot all have a big boat. We can strive for one of course, but as long as it floats well and your children can build their own boat over time then all can be good.