Our wealthy elites really should start reading history books about the 1920’s and 1930’s. There’s a reason why we call them the ‘Roaring 20’s.’ A small elite was making a lot of money. Income disparity reached gigantic heights. Regulation was lax. Southern European (Catholic) immigration had caused a backlash and tens of thousands of KKK members marched on Washington. Then the world’s stock markets crashed and sent everyone into a Great Depression with truly staggering levels of unemployment. Right-wing (fascist) parties gained traction in Europe, and the stage was set for the most inhumane fifteen years in modern human history.
The horrible tragedy in Norway appears to have been carried out by one man. But his political beliefs are widespread and can lead quite naturally, and almost logically, to murder or even genocide. Similarly unrestrained reactions from the left can lead to violence against elites or even, in their view, confiscatory tax policies.
Rich people would be well served to remember that people will not stand by while they’re living the high life if they have no jobs and are losing their homes. Our people are pretty well hypnotized by our televisions, so complacency has worked in our elites’ favor even during this economic recession. But there is a snapping point. Like popcorn, at first it’s just one or two kernels exploding. But the first kernels to pop are a precursor of what’s to come.
Rather than grabbing their wallets, they ought to, you know, spread the wealth around. We’d all be better off in the long run.