Nothing for $2.00...

I just read that 5% of the wealthiest people in the US make 37% of the purchases.  Now we can look at that as a horrible thing.  We can dwell upon the unfairness of it all.  We can rail against the establishment.  And, of course, there is a moral duty to do that.

However, there is another response.  One which is totally logical and can help effect the same end.  I am reminded of being at a concert for an "alternative" band.  In the parking lot a large number of people were hawking "wares".  At the very same time someone was walking around making fun of the obviously capitalistic actions of the sellers who could have cared less about the alternative message of the band.

This person kept calling "Nothing for $2.00!"

Nothing for $2.00!  The best price for nothing you will ever get.  If you have $2.00 you best get nothing now.  In fact, you should buy nothing for all your friends.  Just go out, find someone and buy nothing from them for $2.00.

Now I am being facetious, but I am also suggesting there is truth in all this.  If 5% of the people have the wealth, then we damn well know where we need to get our money from.  It's like John Dillinger robbing banks because that's where the money is.  Not suggesting we rob anyone, but there is nothing wrong with making a good deal.

What parts people from their money?  All kinds of things. Coercion from the state, physical needs for food or drink and the desire for entertainment.  Sometimes, people even part with their money to assuage guilt.

The problem is not parting people from something when they have an excess.  The problem is convincing them they want to be parted.  The movement to simplicity, anticapitalism (where most of the rich got rich in the first place) or - god forbid - helping the poor, simply are not "happy" things that make people want to part with or give away money.

But nothing.  Nothing but a random act of kindness.  A random act that only costs $2.00!  Heck, it could be a movement.

Everyone should try it, and no less so those that can afford to do so.  Does each person who gets $2.00 "deserve" it?  No, but every person who gives it deserves the "nothing" they get in return.