There are numerous studies confirming significant and serious deleterious consequences of wealth and income inequality. These studies also indicate the passive acceptance of this growing inequality. The vast bulk of wealth creation (and wealth transfer) since the Global Financial Crisis has been to to already seriously wealthy. Today’s link takes you to a site that shows the inequality is not only far greater than the bulk of US citizens would like, but far greater than they believe to be the case. Thanks to Alan Kolher of The Eureka Report for this: Inequality in America (a six minute video powerpoint press).
After (and only after) watching this presentation are you permitted to read Ira Maine’s story below.
‘Well’, explains the Rev to the Rabbi,’ I’ve devised this scheme, Works everytime’.
“oh, yeah?’ asks the Rabbi, his ears pricking up, ‘C’mon, Mick, you can tell me…’
‘What I do, Mayshe, is this.’ The Rev Mick offers the Rabbi a fat cigar. The Rabbi, greatly appreciative, takes it and lights up. ‘Late at night, Mayshe,I visit a posh restaurant and order every thing; three course meal, brandy and cigars. By the time I’m finished the place is closing up, and half the staff have already gone home. When the head waiter approaches me to say they are closing up and would I mind paying the bill. I look surprised, shake my head and tell him that I have already paid the bill to one of the waiters who has just left. A bit of confusion, a bit of embarrassment, I’m a man of the cloth, would I tell a lie? All’s settled amicably, apologies all round, think nothing of it, and I’m up and out the door. Works over and over again, can’t go wrong. After all, who doesn’t trust a man of the cloth?.’
The Rabbi looks at the Rev Father sceptically.
Noticing this the Rev raises his hands.
‘OK, OK, Tomorrow night, Other side of town, Hotel Splendide, about ten. I’ll book a table’.
‘Your on, Mick!’ replied the Rabbi excitedly, eyes glistening at the prospect of a free slap-up meal.
The next night the both of them work their way through course after course of some of the best food they have ever tasted. The wine is first class, the brandy exquisite. It has been a splendid night. As usual by now, the hotel dining room is closing and the staff are well on the way home. The head waiter approaches them for payment. The Rev Father is first shocked, taken aback, then laughs quietly.
‘But there must be some mistake, old chap. We’ve already paid the bill. We gave the money to the the waiter’.
‘Yes,’ said the Rabbi, nodding his head, ‘and now we’re just waiting for the change!’.
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