We are becoming a nation of wolves and sheep. A nation, moreover, in which the shepherds routinely set the wolves on the sheep. You see it in every walk of life.
Doctors who charge outrageous fees for many procedures patients don't even need.
Insurance companies that lavish billions on CEOs and board members at the expense of the ailing anddying.
Pharmaceutical companies who get sweetheart deals from lawmakers, so they charge fellow Americans more than, say, Canadians.
But it's not just in the healthcare industry.
Despite reform banks are allowed to raise rates well into the 30 percent range for credit cards, and trick customers into paying all sorts of outrageous fees.
Coal peddlers are allowed to blow the tops off green mountains and dump the slag into the nearest stream.
Arms dealers sell Americans on the fatuous idea that a nation with enough guns to arm every man, woman and child will be made safer by allowing guns into parks and bars. Meanwhile, a river of guns flow South to Mexico.
Weapons sellers and politicians boost defense spending year after year (to about $750 billion this year, half the world's total), ensuring there'll always be a lobby for war.
As I say, we are become sheep led bleating from our homes to grim streets, indignity and, yes, even slaughter.
Might I suggest it's way time we the sheep grew fangs.
Might I suggest we start by supporting the healthcare reform bill.
Though it seems a modest plan to those who've taken the time to study systems of more progressive nations, don't kid yourself.
If this bill fails, the Obama presidency is all but lost as a tool for meaningful change, and Democrats will face a drubbing come November.
On the other hand, this could be the start of something big.
People acquainted with the concept of Tipping Points know that sometimes just one show of gumption is enough to turn the tide of history.
(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
