In many ways the Great Gatsby themed Halloween themed party at Mar-a-Lago reflects the real attitude of the new regime towards the poor, just as did the policies of the government did in the early 20s when wealth became concentrated in the hands of a few while millions barely got along.
As wealth has become even more concentrated, an increasing number are barely able to get along, to pay for their groceries and housing. The party’s focus on wealth and prosperity ignored the truth of life in America. Attendees reflected the truth of the novel in that they were totally focused on themselves rather than on the people who are now without SNAP or decent housing.
In many ways the party attendees are not unlike the Lost Generation of the 1920s, focused on creating their own wealth while millions in our Nation have so little. The disparity then buttressed by bad economic policies ended disastrously. They should remember that one cannot escape judgment.
Prayer for the Day
Bewildered by the behavior of our leaders,
As we see such callousness toward the poor;
Afflicted by acts of selfishness ignoring the needs of others,
We are uncertain of the goals we profess to have.
Save us from our false pride that admits no wrong,
And teach us humility and repentance.
In the name of the One who calls us to justice,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Over the past 30 years, top-quintile households gained nearly $500,000 in liquid net worth on average (after excluding the top 1%), while households in the middle quintile saw their debt rise faster than their financial assets.
American Compass, a public policy group
A nation will not survive morally or economically when so few have so much and so many have so little.
Bernie Sanders, U.S. Senator, Vermont
See, the Lord commands, and the great house shall be shattered to bits,
And the little houses to pieces
Do horses run on rocks? Does one plow the sea with oxen?
But you have turned justice into poison, and the fruit of righteousness into wormwood.
Amos 6: 11-12