Surviving Capitalism (Not) : A note of appreciation from the rich

We’ve lived so long under the spell of hierarchy—from god-kings to feudal lords to party bosses—that only recently have we awakened to see not only that “regular” citizens have the capacity for self-governance, but that without their engagement our huge global crises cannot be addressed. The changes needed for human society simply to survive, let alone thrive, are so profound that the only way we will move toward them is if we ourselves, regular citizens, feel meaningful ownership of solutions through direct engagement. Our problems are too big, interrelated, and pervasive to yield to directives from on high.
—Frances Moore Lappé, excerpt from Time for Progressives to Grow Up

Monday, October 15, 2012

A note of appreciation from the rich

Click here to access article (parody) posted on Eagainst (Greece).

As the attacks on working people's wages, benefits, safety nets have increased over the past several decades, I have noticed an increase in lotteries. Apparently, our masters have formulated an updated theme from that ascribed to Marie Antoinette ("let them eat cake!"): "let them play the lotteries!" But, in a brief moment of candor, this ruling class writer is honest about our chances:

Let’s be honest: you’ll never win the lottery.

On the other hand, the chances are pretty good that you’ll slave away at some miserable job the rest of your life. That’s because you were in all likelihood born into the wrong social class. Let’s face it – you’re a member of the working caste. Sorry!

In this note of appreciation, they thank us for submitting so peacefully to these arrangements:

So we’d truly like to thank you from the bottom of our heartless hearts. Your loyal sacrifice makes possible our corrupt luxury; your work makes our system work. Thanks so much for “knowing your place” – without even knowing it!