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| Printing press and a composing stick circa 1770 - Encyclopædia Britannica |
From what I gather from the media, it seems that a large segment of the population is, or will soon be, in dire straits. Large numbers of people have become unemployed due to the COVID-19 inspired lockdowns. The homicide rate in several large cities has doubled. I expect it is going to get much worse before it gets better.
We are victims of our own success. Our country became so rich and powerful since WW2 that we relaxed our standards for acceptable behavior and beliefs. This newly liberalized environment let people express ideas that were previously verboten. Some of these people were very vocal, and they found an audience among people who felt they had somehow been given the short end of the stick.
In truth, economic development in the last few decades has benefited those who already were established. A few additional people managed to get on board the gravy train, but places on this train are very limited. Most people are stuck on the ground watching the gravy train speed by just over their heads.
What we have failed to do is to find worthwhile employment for all the people who were laid off, made redundant or otherwise forced out. Nowadays, the only possible employment seems to be working for one of the package delivery services, joining the military, or becoming a soldier for one of the drug cartels.
How bad is it going to get? This article about the financial shenanigans in 18th century France might give you some idea.
Plus ça change: A French Lesson in Monetary Debauchery by Michael Lebowitz
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