Unions have always been socialist in nature sure, but it never had the aspirations for the amount of political power that it does now. The industrial revolution was the driver of worker conditions that lead to the rise of the unions, in this country. Free market conditions contributed greatly, life was cheap, and employers could expend it with pretty much impunity.

China has raised more people out of poverty with their free market reforms over the last 20 years than the $15 trillion the US has spent on the entire great society. The US hasn't even lowered the poverty rate, in fact it has increased over the last decade.

The richest city in this country is now Washington D. C. They are the "gold elitists" FBF is banging on about. The more power they get the bigger they get the richer they get. While everyone and everywhere else are getting poorer.