I suppose the impulse to make Yosemite, Yellowstone,
etc. (from a Republican, Teddy Roosevelt) public land
rather than private was an expression of "class
warfare," too. It seems like our choice is to auction
off our most beautiful places to the highest bidders,
or, to make a philosophical statement that such places
should be open to all, irrespective of material
wealth.
What I find especially obnoxious about the "class
warfare" charge is an implicit, cynical appeal to the
average person's self-interest (if not greed): the
Minikahda's of the world are ok because someday you,
too, might get to join. The same principle semmingly
underlies trickle-down taxation, law firm
compensation, fraternity hazing, CEO pay, etc.: 'go
along with an exploitative system, because eventually
you'll get your turn to be the
millionaire/hazer/partner/CEO rather than the
"hazee"/associate/underling.'
Instead of dangling poisoned, unobtainable "carrots"
in front of people, how about creating a fairer system
instead?
Ross Kaplan
Fulton Neighborhood
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Get Yahoo! Mail - Free email you can access from anywhere!
http://mail.yahoo.com/
