Runaway Train

Provided the internet remains free and uncensored, future generations might well hit upon the archives of The John Batchelor Show (blog) to find out what exactly happened to America during its last dying days. Here, they will marvel at seemingly articulate and, for the most part, well-read individuals discussing the placement of tiffinware on the kitchen table while the nation as a whole is careening into the abyss.

Kenneth, it's not about loving liberty or hating liberals - or even loving (anything) enough. It's not about liberals and conservatives. It’s about saving ourselves from the practical consequences of this administration's mindlessly aggressive and irresponsible behavior. Both, liberals and conservatives will suffer equally from the fallout.

Had it only come as another attack like the ones on Pearl Harbor or on the World Trade Center, all of us would have instantly known what's at stake. As it came by stealth, wrapped in false promises with a pretty bow and irresistibly sexy skin, most of us still are clueless. We’re not stupid, but remain willfully inattentive.

We’re everyman investor who has dutifully sacrificed a part of his or her income to some company-sponsored or private investment plan every blessed pay period in the hope of being able to retire in relative comfort. Our government itself encouraged us to do this, providing tax incentives to encourage our discipline. Now, we find our nest egg has all but disappeared. 'Dollar cost averaging' was to be a fail-safe strategy with which we would achieve our retirement goals. It all sounded reasonable enough – even logical – as long as the U.S. remains the U.S. We’re not some third world nation of cool-aid drinkers, after all; where any Svengali thug can suddenly come along and nationalize banks and industries; nullify and re-write contracts at will; stuff the courts with reparations radicals (what have I forgotten?)

But this is precisely what happened. I remember seeing a great flick called ‘Runaway Train’('85). We’re on that train. While we were tucked into our gently swaying bunks, the train lost its brakes. Now we’re all hungry and expecting our breakfast. Except, the train is out of control and traveling too fast. It’s all we can do just to keep the orange juice from spilling. I remember, in the movie, all those on board tried very hard to save themselves. We, on the other hand, seem quite content to “…Go Gentle into That Good Night."