Thanks! I've since seen other people using the term "Epstein class" and I'm starting to prefer it to "billionaire class." The problem with "billionaire class" is I often feel like it needs a disclaimer since it includes hundred millionaires and all the various bootlickers, too. I still like the term "billionairism" that I coined, though, as a concise word for the deep societal disease we are up against.
You are a realist, which those who refuse to face reality call a doomer. Fact is, on so many levels, we are in deep doo-doo, and little to nothing is being done to try to ensure a liveable future. Every year CO2 emissions rise, methane rises too. Heating is accelerating, and many people are already dying as a result. Virtually zero action is being taken, the situation is getting rapidly worse, and tipping points are just ahead. We are almost beyond the point, just based on global heating alone, where we can be sure of the continuation of civilization. And the climate catastrophe is just one of the many dire crises we are facing. I wish I could be hopeful, but I think that especially given the horrific geopolitical situation and how entrenched capitalism is, the chances the world will come together to turn this ship around are close to nil.
Things are dire on many levels, but people are certainly also continuing to wake up in large numbers. I wonder if the folks currently in power can't help but overplay their hand in such a stupid way as to catalyze a huge number of people to finally set aside their differences, get organized, and ultimately overthrow them. I also worry that if / once that happens it will be hard to fill the vacuum in a good and democratic way.
Nailed it again. Thanks, Peter!
I think the "Epstein class" and the "billionaire class" are both great terms that can draw in a lot of people who are waking up to what is going on.
Thanks! I've since seen other people using the term "Epstein class" and I'm starting to prefer it to "billionaire class." The problem with "billionaire class" is I often feel like it needs a disclaimer since it includes hundred millionaires and all the various bootlickers, too. I still like the term "billionairism" that I coined, though, as a concise word for the deep societal disease we are up against.
I wanted to restack the entire column in digestible sections! Great writing Peter, thank you.
You are a realist, which those who refuse to face reality call a doomer. Fact is, on so many levels, we are in deep doo-doo, and little to nothing is being done to try to ensure a liveable future. Every year CO2 emissions rise, methane rises too. Heating is accelerating, and many people are already dying as a result. Virtually zero action is being taken, the situation is getting rapidly worse, and tipping points are just ahead. We are almost beyond the point, just based on global heating alone, where we can be sure of the continuation of civilization. And the climate catastrophe is just one of the many dire crises we are facing. I wish I could be hopeful, but I think that especially given the horrific geopolitical situation and how entrenched capitalism is, the chances the world will come together to turn this ship around are close to nil.
Things are dire on many levels, but people are certainly also continuing to wake up in large numbers. I wonder if the folks currently in power can't help but overplay their hand in such a stupid way as to catalyze a huge number of people to finally set aside their differences, get organized, and ultimately overthrow them. I also worry that if / once that happens it will be hard to fill the vacuum in a good and democratic way.