Class

Think About It. Class.  After a recent weekend binge-watching the first five seasons of Downton Abbey, thoughts can’t help but turn to class. The PBS series, as with its predecessor “Upstairs Downstairs”, draws characters and plot lines from the residue of a society based on the archaic European privilege and power of monarchies. It was thought that the New World, especially the young democratic republic called The United States of America would be a society based on freedom of choice and admiration for the worthy individual. Even in my youth, admittedly a long time ago, the word on the street was that we had no distinctions or special identification based on the divine right of kings. We knew that all “men” were equal. It was just that some seemed more equal than others. In our home we were very aware that we lacked many of the luxuries, the conveniences and even many what were called “necessities” possessed by others. There was however no doubt that we could and very likely would have anything we were willing to work for. We lived after all in a “classless” society.

A few passing years and a good look around made it clear that there were those who seemed overly satisfied with their position based on finances and/or education. While they were looking down and we weren’t looking, the country acquired a “working class” adorned by blue collars.  Currently society shapers are demanding the return of the “middle class” and what they call a redistribution of wealth.  One recent Presidential candidate has spent the past 40 years paid by the public to do battle passing laws to take from people who worked to give his fans money neither he nor his constituents earned.  Had Karl Marx not been an atheist, I’m sure he would be looking down saying “Bless you Bernie for subscribing to my motto, From each according to his abilities, to each according to his needs.”

Sadly, the utopian communities have been tried by well-meaning groups of every stripe, from Christian to Communist. The most successful were the early hunter-gatherers banding together from necessity, more than the mother of invention. Today charismatic leaders the world over continue to lead willing followers down the path of seeming ideal while constantly stumbling on the debris left behind by earlier idealists.

Robin Hood has long been falsely accused of robbing the rich and giving to the poor. He at least had the wisdom and grace to steel from the King who had taxed the serfs to support his lavish lifestyle. It was and is the political class in government constantly creating the environment of envy that fuels “class warfare”.

I read once about a poor widow who 2000 years ago gave her last copper coins without a government edict, to help others in need. It doesn’t sound like a wise or practical plan, but I think you will agree, that is Class. Think About It. 

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