It will be interesting to see if we are able to have the v.hard conversation sometime about who & who is not considered worthwhile in America.
For many reasons there is an underclass that the society simply has no use for.
Others like Koch consider themselves essential.
And ...
For many reasons there is an underclass that the society simply has no use for.
Others like Koch consider themselves essential.
And ...
Its not an easy conversation. It is not obvious, however "obvious" it is when viewed from any given level. I think the way the C.virus is being managed in some states, & by Tr, is a part of this conversation.
It may be one of the more complex questions we rarely have. It may not be allowed to be shoved off to the side anymore.
Too many people, otherwise not in this underclass, are at risk of falling into it.
And then what?
Too many people, otherwise not in this underclass, are at risk of falling into it.
And then what?
What is clear, Trump & the Kochs & folks of that mind are quite clear they are more valuable and deserve what they have. They are not inclined to the notion that "There for the Grace of God go I". They are quite sure they are god's very gift.
I spent some time in Dehli a few years ago. Walked down the streets where tourists do not go. It was a very quick, but deep, induction into some of the hard questions not so easy to engage/answer.
One reason for the intractable difficulty is due to economics & the monomaniacal
One reason for the intractable difficulty is due to economics & the monomaniacal
POV from the economic level. The conversation being raised by the GOP in terms of letting the virus ravage the old folks, w their consent for the love of country & heritage, is just one entry into this question.
The economic argument does not easily relinquish the position of
The economic argument does not easily relinquish the position of
being the primary metric for such questions.
One reason may be obvious. Those that have the economic power are also the ones in power and they are quite inclined to make the rules support their lives, needs & purposes with, often, not even the acknowledgment there are others
One reason may be obvious. Those that have the economic power are also the ones in power and they are quite inclined to make the rules support their lives, needs & purposes with, often, not even the acknowledgment there are others
who deserve to be part of the consideration.
To take a simple contemporary example: The original bailout bill had no constraints on the primary beneficiaries of the $$ or restrictions about how it would be distributed.
Trump said, "I'll be the check". What a fabulously
To take a simple contemporary example: The original bailout bill had no constraints on the primary beneficiaries of the $$ or restrictions about how it would be distributed.
Trump said, "I'll be the check". What a fabulously
arrogant thing to say. But it examples the point. Those of this "class" are simply unaware that there is anything else worth considering. And, at a certain level, even more unaware, or perhaps unconcerned, that there is this "underclass" who are rarely considered.
This is an ancient debate. I suppose it strikes me to bring it up in this context because we have not really had the debate deeply in our modern time. Lots of policy changes & consequences, but little debate about who is who and who is valuable.
And When they are and are not.
And When they are and are not.
Clearly this crisis is forcing the question upon us in ways we have not been wanting to deal with. Either directly or simply by unexpressed, perhaps inexpressible, assumptions we are going to have this conversation.
L.Cohen says it like this:
It's coming from the sorrow in the street
The holy places where the races meet
From the homicidal bitchin'
That goes down in every kitchen
To determine who will serve and who will eat
It's coming from the sorrow in the street
The holy places where the races meet
From the homicidal bitchin'
That goes down in every kitchen
To determine who will serve and who will eat
