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The Consequences of Capitalism
While I’m not sure it can quite measure up to Russ’ brilliant video link from the other day in concision, it must be noted that capitalism is unfortunately pervasive beyond domestic borders. Thus I proudly present the Consequences of Capitalism Quiz:
In case you’re wondering what I got, it’s this:
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Orwellian Austerity
In this Russia Today snippet, financial muckraker Max Keiser is scratching the surface of something very interesting. In discussing societies that engage in ‘financial repression’ Keiser sees a US in which saving money is not only considered passe, but is actively discouraged. And while it could be argued that we’ve already been doing this for over a decade, imagine a future in which more draconian penalties are associated with those who refuse to live paycheck to paycheck. It’s not much of a stretch to imagine a government that would seek to punish the un-patriotic activity of selfishly holding back one’s savings rather than dumping it into our economy of debt.
Adventures in Capitalism
From time to time, I use this space to relate my frustration with the trappings of capitalism and its various profit-motivated aggravations. It is a constant wonder to me how badly people will treat each other when small pieces of dirty green paper are on the line.
Freedom Must be Earned
Apologies for the downtime here. There is so much to report, and so little time to do so. An unprecedented freedom movement has broken out through the entire region of North Africa and the Middle East. Tunisia’s dictator has been deposed. Protests are breaking out in Saudi Arabia. Martial law is being declared in Jordan. In Egypt, what was a peaceful protest has been turned into ugliness by a regime instigating chaos to manipulate the public. This video in particular was very hard to sit through and listen to.
The World is Fake (Mep Report #124)
Greg Gets a Mortgage (and Becomes an Adult), Russ Gets a Bear (and Becomes a Psychic), Storey Gets a Twin (and Becomes a Skeptic), Kobe Bryant and Jimmy Kimmel Destroy Society One Video Game at a Time, The Meppers Get Immersed, and Everything is Awesome In Sloooooowwww-Moooooo.
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Economies of Parasitism
A clear and thorough explanation of what is meant by ‘austerity’ measures to make an economy more competitive. In a phrase, it is to intentionally lower the standard of living of a populace, to convince people to accept lower wages, less benefits, and less job security in the interests of maximizing corporate profits. A valuable companion article to this video can be found on The Daily Kos.
Narcissism Now Considered Normal
In what is possibly the greatest unintentional cultural commentary of all time by a scientific journal, the Times reported today that the Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders has removed narcissism from its list of mental disorders, along with four others.