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As an example, the fictional character Jean Valjean of Les Miserables risked prison for a loaf of bread because he was starving. The will to survive was stronger than the prospect of becoming a galley slave. Strangely, he later rewarded the kindness of a priest by stealing his candelabras. He just couldn't pass up the opportunity to provide for an uncertain future.
The infamous Willie Sutton, bank robber extraordinaire, reportedly
robbed over 100 banks and spent 40 years in prison. Why a 100 banks? Wouldn't a
couple have been enough? In fact he couldn't stop himself.
Modern day captains of industry don't need guns in order
to rob their banks (corporate treasuries). They use a pencil rather than a gun.
They appoint a compliant board of trustees who rubberstamp their salaries and
bonuses, independent of whether their companies makes money or increases
shareholder value. It has proven to be much easier and doesn't come with legal
consequences. Willie Sutton would have been proud.
It is interesting to note that man does not seem capable of
turning off the impulse for greed, even after he has amassed more than enough
to live comfortably for several lifetimes. The point seems to be that our instincts,
which are initially guided by need, are quickly overcome by greed. A point is
soon reached where thieves and robbers just can't help themselves because they
actually get a thrill out of stealing, and getting away with it becomes the end
rather than the means.
To dignify their crimes, the criminals continually
lecture the lower classes that capitalism is good and anyone can become rich.
There's no need to apologize for being wealthy--it's just part of the American
dream. And the irony is that a majority of citizens accept this as their
gospel, no matter how inimical to their interests.
Is this a great country or what?
