Fwd: An anecdote

--- On Fri, 11/21/08 Subject: Fwd: An anecdote To: Date: Friday, November 21, 2008, 12:12 PM I bring you the anecdote of the slaves whose bowl of food continued to shrink and how they "handled" it... The slaves were fed a full bowl of food at the onset of their servitude, and they were somewhat happy with the arrangement. They were healthy, strong and capable and they would often be singing soulfully in the fields. The slave master saw how strong they were and realized that he didn't need such strong slaves to pick cotton. He didn't want to chance a rebellion, as well, so he decided to cut the amount of food given to the slaves in half. Initially, the slaves were furious and they inquired why were their bowls of food half full. The slave master explained that business was down and profits had diminished. Although suspicious and discontent, the slaves accepted the explanation for now but were under tension. A few days later the slave master increased the amount of food so the bowl was three-quarters full--a 50% increase. When the slaves received their supper they were absolutely elated to find that the amount of food in the bowl had increased substantially. They laughed and were jovial and all their worries and suspicions were forgotten. A couple of weeks passed and the slave master apologetically announced that business had dropped again and this time cut the three-quarters amount of food in half (3/8 of the original full bowl) The slaves immediately felt dejected and disheartened. Although upset, they didn't know what else they could do, so they simply grumbled discontentedly and accepted the circumstances. After a while of eating the meager rations, they became used to it. Their stomachs had shrunk and their health and quality of life had diminished. They were no longer very strong, nor did their thoughts stray much beyond the next meal. Song became less frequent in the fields, and they began seriously thinking about running away. The slave master paid close attention to the emotional state of his slaves so he responded in turn. Immediately the slave master made an announcement, that because business had improved a little and he was a generous man, that he would again increase the food quantity by 50%. He would also supply a cup of wine with their suppers that night. And it was a beautiful night. The slaves laughed and celebrated heartily over their wine, and they toasted the generosity and kindness of their master. Their worries forgotten, they didn't stop to think that although they had more food, it was still less food than the last time that the food had increased. (9/16 of the original full bowl) And so it would continue--the food would decrease, increase a little, and again, never exceeding the last increase--until the slaves were destitute and subsisting. And yet they were still loyal and hopeful toward their owner.... The slave master is the Federal Reserve. And as you can guess, we are all in the same boat! That's you, me and most Americans. Allegorically and actually.... But you know we don't have to stay that way. http://www.endthefed.us/ " With awareness comes power; with freedom, responsibility" "Buy the lie, say goodbye... ....to justice, liberty and freedom." When sitting on a stone that starts to roll... ... jump clear or be crushed.