"True, But..." [Reflections on Book Capitalism Is Fallen, Elwin Kettner - Chap. 8]
What he describes is true enough, but quite beside the point;
Most folks can see such this-and-that’s but still such ways anoint
With oil of blessing – “Better off than ways the others live;
So what the heck, God bless ’em – I’ll more power to them give.”What now I see, from Veblen’s words, is bigger issue yet –
“Don’t take what is another’s” has a bigger part of set
Of ways, and this takes place today as business does its thing –
It’s all about “disruption” which such major players bring.They bring it to shift up and down the waves upon the sea,
For in their rise and fall is cash that flows from “you” to “me”.
Because such firms a forest are an eco-system, see,
The epicenter of the fuss brings greater cash to “me” –But I still gain from lesser waves which other players make;
It all adds up, for action real is in the way we take
A slice as markets’ rise and fall, both sides of firms as well –
Both tangible, intangible, yield profits midst the swells.If you want cash, then make a splash like arsonists with fire,
Who fires fight – which gives them work, and fills a core desire
To get up close and personal to action, danger, flame;
Then be the hero of the day – get pay, and hero’s fame.But what you say is true enough, there’s scams aplenty too,
While shysters milk their golden cows, and pass on costs to you;
When negative’s omitted as external costs incurred,
That’s taking from community, by any other word.So, sorted out to generate a list of all such scams,
Both obvious and subtle types, can help to form a plan;
But I’d suggest that Veblen’s words get heard for what they are –
That aspect of the bigger scene is bigger yet by far.Thanks Lord for this.
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