By Pam Martens: June 10, 2012 

According to this up-to-the-minute chart showing a Google Search Index comparing the search engine rankings for the words “Kim Kardashian,” and “Volcker Rule,” and “Euro Crisis,” a good chunk of the U.S. is not prepared for the next phase of the financial crisis but is well versed on the romantic tribulations of Ms. Kardashian. 

Back in March of this year, I reached out to Wall Street veteran and author, Nomi Prins, with this question: “What is the one thing that could happen in America today that would make you optimistic that the country will find its moorings in time to save itself.” Ms. Prins specifically referenced the Kardashian syndrome in the U.S.

Her answer was published in an article I wrote for CounterPunch on March 19:

Nomi Prins: “Any potential for a more positive outcome would have to rise from a broad population push that renders the 99% more influential. True reform won’t manifest from the highest echelons of political chambers or corporate boardrooms. Inequality won’t be lessened because the wealthiest individuals decide to spontaneously share. It is up to individuals to pay more attention to their collective, rather than personal surroundings, despite all media messages to the contrary. Indeed, we need to spend more time examining what’s going on, and not zoning out on some sound bite about a Kardashian. We need to band together, as in the Occupy movements, or even in local communities, to demand an alternative system and become a more unified society. Unfortunately, so much of our current framework is stacked against this, starting with the sheer cost of living which demands so much of our energy. It all comes down to embracing the human drive to connect, rather than merely survive.”