The author describes what I believe is the great calm before the storm.
...as collapse approaches, the Grand Idiocy is increasingly about denying "it can't happen here" regarding social unrest. The seemingly oblivious masses, calm for now, may celebrate the Fourth of July, but holidays have become more of a respite from overwork and are rare instances of minimal convivial social interaction. The throngs of humanity on beaches on summer weekends, where people are generally getting along, is deceptive. No one seems to be conscious to the folly of "it can't happen here" pandemonium.Although the political operatives of the Empire are trying hard to get Americans to believe in their system, they know full well, like Brezinski, that the fundamental contradictions of capitalism and a sustainable planet will reach the point where only the ruling 1% will be able to survive in anything like decent conditions. They know full well that ordinary citizens are bound to wake up from their stupor--and when they do, the only salvation for this tiny ruling class is to use their means of violence to suppress dissent.
