The Golden Age of Plunder Begins: How to Survive It

Details: By Robert Jennings, InnerSelf.com

The Golden Age of Plunder Begins: How to Survive It

by Robert Jennings, InnerSelf.com

Benjamin Franklin famously warned that the government given to the people was “a republic, if you can keep it.” As Donald Trump begins his second term, Franklin’s caution feels eerily prescient. This moment marks the dawn of what can be called the Golden Age of Plunder—a time where corruption, exploitation, and the dismantling of oversight are not just tolerated but celebrated. If his first term laid the groundwork, and this new era promises to strip away any remaining pretense of checks and balances.

A Republic Under Siege

The signs are everywhere. Corporations are raking in record profits while wages stagnate. Billionaires are dodging taxes so effectively that their accountants might as well be magicians. Workers are being ground to dust in the gig economy, and data-harvesting tech giants are turning every keystroke into cash. If you’re feeling squeezed, it’s because you are.

What’s worse is that this squeeze isn’t a bug in the system; it’s the feature. When oversight is gutted, and courts are packed with corporate-friendly judges, the message is clear: the foxes are not just guarding the henhouse—they’ve set up a fried chicken joint in the back. The direct impacts—rising costs, stagnant wages, and disappearing safety nets—are inescapable. But it’s the indirect ones, the creeping erosion of democracy and fairness, that should really keep you up at night.

A New Era of Unchecked Power

Unlike the early days of Trump’s first presidency, when advisors occasionally tempered his instincts, and institutions provided some resistance, the second term is shaping up to be an entirely different beast. Key positions are being filled by loyalists whose qualifications often extend no further than their allegiance to Donald Trump. Expertise is being sidelined, replaced by a cult of loyalty that prizes compliance over competence. This time, the administration’s moves are less about reform and more about domination. Plans to gut job protections for federal employees, for example, signal an intent to replace professionals with partisan enforcers, turning the government into a tool for advancing Trump’s personal agenda.

Perhaps more shocking is the shift within corporate America. While many corporations kept Trump at arm’s length during his first term, they are now lining up to pledge allegiance. Major companies and industry leaders, from tech giants to Wall Street powerhouses, are openly donating to his inaugural fund. Their calculus is clear: with deregulation and tax cuts back on the menu, there is profit to be made.

Even tech leaders who previously positioned themselves as champions of progressive values are now aligning themselves with policies that roll back environmental protections and dismantle diversity initiatives. It’s not just a betrayal of ideals—it’s a full-throated embrace of exploitation.

How We Got Here

The Golden Age of Plunder is the culmination of decades of policy decisions and systemic shifts that dismantled protections and prioritized profits over people. It began in earnest in the early 1970s, when Lewis Powell penned a now-infamous memo outlining a corporate strategy to dominate politics, media, and education. His call to arms for business leaders led to the rise of powerful lobbying groups, think tanks, and a media landscape that increasingly served corporate interests.

By the time Ronald Reagan took office in the 1980s, the groundwork had been laid. Reagan’s embrace of supply-side economics ushered in a new era of deregulation and union-busting, widening the gap between the rich and everyone else.

In the 1990s, globalization and trade agreements like NAFTA accelerated the decline of the middle class. Manufacturing jobs were shipped overseas in the name of efficiency, leaving behind hollowed-out communities. Then came the financial crisis of 2008, which exposed the risks of unregulated capitalism but resulted in little accountability. Wall Street got its bailout, while Main Street got austerity.

Distrust in institutions deepened, paving the way for Trump’s rise in 2016. His first term was defined by tax cuts for the wealthy, environmental deregulation, and a general disdain for the norms of governance. But at least in those early years, there were occasional restraints. Those days are over.

The Fourth Turning: Crisis and Opportunity

This is where Strauss and Howe’s Fourth Turning comes into focus. These historical cycles of crisis test a nation’s ability to adapt and survive. Think of the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, and the Great Depression/World War II. Each era of upheaval reshaped the nation, often for the better—but not without immense struggle.

We are now in the midst of our own 4th turning, a period where the old ways crumble, and something new emerges. The outcome is not predetermined. It’s a battle between those who seek renewal and those who are perfectly fine looting the system until it collapses.

The good news? History shows us that societies can rise from these crises stronger than before. The bad news? It doesn’t happen on its own. It takes action, vigilance, and the refusal to surrender to despair.

How to Survive the Onslaught

Navigating this new era will not be easy, but survival starts with recognizing the forces at play. The people dismantling oversight and skimming profits off your labor are counting on your apathy. Don’t give it to them. Educate yourself about the policies and their impacts. Follow the money, support investigative journalism, and question narratives that serve the powerful.

Knowledge is the first line of defense against exploitation, but survival requires more than just being informed—it requires action, resilience, and care for yourself and your community.

Stay Healthy and Resilient

In times of crisis, maintaining your health—physical, mental, and financial—should be a priority. These are not luxuries; they are essential tools for weathering the storm.

Eat Well: A balanced diet is your body’s best defense against stress and fatigue. Even small changes, like adding fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to your meals, can make a big difference in your energy levels and immune health. Avoid relying on overly processed foods, which can sap your energy and impact your mood.
Sleep Well: Sleep is the unsung hero of resilience. Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep each night to recharge your body and mind. Sleep deprivation can make you more vulnerable to stress, anxiety, and poor decision-making—things no one needs during turbulent times.
Exercise Regularly: Movement isn’t just good for your body—it’s essential for mental health too. A brisk walk, yoga session, or even 20 minutes of stretching can help reduce stress and improve focus.
Manage Stress: Find healthy outlets to cope with stress, whether through meditation, journaling, or simply spending time outdoors. The calmer your mind, the better equipped you’ll be to face challenges.

Strengthen Community Bonds

When institutions fail, communities become lifelines. Building and maintaining strong relationships with those around you can provide critical support, whether in the form of shared resources or emotional encouragement.

Get to Know Your Neighbors: A friendly conversation with a neighbor can turn into a mutual aid relationship. Whether it’s borrowing tools, sharing meals, or simply being there for one another, these connections matter.
Support Local Businesses: Large corporations may dominate the headlines, but small businesses are the backbone of communities. Supporting them helps keep resources and money circulating locally.
Organize Mutual Aid Networks: Coordinate with others to create systems of support, such as food banks, childcare cooperatives, or skill-sharing groups. These grassroots efforts can fill gaps left by weakened institutions.

Take Charge of Your Financial Health

Economic uncertainty is a hallmark of periods like this, making financial preparation and adaptability crucial.

Reduce Debt: Pay down high-interest debt where possible. Reducing financial obligations can provide a sense of stability and free up resources for emergencies.
Diversify Income Streams: If feasible, explore ways to create multiple income streams, whether through freelance work, part-time gigs, or monetizing a skill or hobby.
Build an Emergency Fund: Aim to set aside at least three to six months’ worth of expenses. Even small, regular contributions to savings can add up over time and provide a buffer in uncertain times.
Educate Yourself About Finances: Understanding how to budget, invest, and navigate economic changes can empower you to make informed decisions. Free online resources and community workshops can be valuable tools.
Be Diligent For Skimming and Scamming: Scams will be everywhere during uncertain times, from hidden fees to too-good-to-be-true offers. Verify before you trust, watch out for predatory practices, and protect your financial well-being from those looking to exploit vulnerability.

Stay Politically and Socially Engaged

Change happens when people refuse to remain silent. Engaging politically and socially is essential to combat the forces of exploitation.

Vote in Every Election: Local, state, and national elections all matter. Educate yourself about candidates and policies, and encourage others to vote as well.
Join Advocacy Groups: Whether it’s for environmental protections, workers’ rights, or healthcare reform, joining organized efforts amplifies your voice.
Hold Leaders Accountable: Contact representatives, attend town halls, and push for transparency. Public pressure has a way of influencing decision-making, especially when it’s consistent and widespread.

Cultivate Mental and Emotional Resilience

Periods of crisis test not only our institutions but also our inner strength. Resilience starts within.

Set Boundaries: Avoid becoming overwhelmed by constant news or social media. Stay informed, but give yourself permission to unplug when necessary.
Find Purpose: Whether through volunteering, mentoring, or creating something new, a sense of purpose can anchor you during uncertain times.
Connect with Loved Ones: Strong personal relationships are a source of strength. Make time for friends and family, even if it’s just a phone call or video chat.
Practice Gratitude: Taking stock of what you’re thankful for can shift your perspective and provide moments of peace amid chaos.

Surviving the Golden Age of Plunder successfully will require a combination of personal strength, community support, and collective action. By taking care of yourself, strengthening bonds with others, and demanding systemic accountability, you can weather this storm and contribute to the transformation that often emerges from such crises.

And if any of what I suggest doesn't happen, you will be amply rewarded for any of these undertakings.

A Republic, If We Can Keep It

Franklin’s words, “a republic, if you can keep it,” serve as both a challenge and a reminder. The Golden Age of Plunder may feel overwhelming, but it is not insurmountable. This era will end, as all such eras do. The question is whether we will emerge stronger, having chosen renewal over decay. The stakes are high, and the road will be difficult, but history shows us that transformation is possible.

The Golden Age of Plunder has begun. Its end, however, is still unwritten. Whether we steer it toward renewal, or let it spiral into collapse, will depend on our willingness to fight for the principles of democracy, equity, and justice. The time to act is now.

About the Author

Robert Jennings is the co-publisher of InnerSelf.com, a platform dedicated to empowering individuals and fostering a more connected, equitable world. A veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Army, Robert draws on his diverse life experiences, from working in real estate and construction to building InnerSelf with his wife, Marie T. Russell, to bring a practical, grounded perspective to life’s challenges. Founded in 1996, InnerSelf.com shares insights to help people make informed, meaningful choices for themselves and the planet. More than 30 years later, InnerSelf continues to inspire clarity and empowerment.

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Article Recap:
The Golden Age of Plunder exposes the decay of democratic principles as corruption and exploitation surge. Drawing lessons from history, this article outlines how systemic accountability, personal resilience, and collective action can challenge this era of unchecked power. With Franklin’s warning, “a republic, if you can keep it,” as a guiding principle, the focus is on the fight for renewal and justice to ensure democracy’s survival.

#GoldenAgeOfPlunder #ARepublicUnderSiege #DemocracyAtRisk #JusticeAndFairness #FightForRenewal

Robert Jennings