The Burning Palace
Oh no! I’ve got a bad dream again. I dreamt that I was a king, lounging in my palace, fanned by bellydancers, sipping my favourite Gentleman Jack on the rocks.
The messenger announced that citizens Class A were protesting that citizens Class B were being treated better than them. So what’s new? Citizen class A have always been complaining about citizens Class B being better off than them. Those whiners! As if they didn’t know that we need citizens Class B to fill up all the gaps in the economy. But this time, they are getting serious. My ministers warned that something must be done or they will block all supply routes into the palace and my helicopter has been sent for servicing.
“Your Majesty, let’s enhance the benefits and privileges of citizens Class A.” says my court jester.
Obviously. Good idea. Even my court jester knows that. Let’s do it. Wine and beer allowance for all citizens Class A.
“But Your Majesty, ” says my Grand Minister. “I think we should downgrade the benefits and privileges of citizens Class B instead.”
“How can we do that?” says my court jester. “citizens Class B will get angry and leave the country.”
“Shut up! What do you know? You’re just a jester. Now stay out of this serious discussion or I’ll have you thrown in the dungeon.” says the Grand Minister. “Your Majesty. We don’t have the budget for a wine and beer allowance.”
Yes, the price of my favourite caviar has gone up. My Grand Minister’s salary has also gone up to one hundred sacks truffles a year. I couldn’t possibly give my citizens Class A a wine and beer allowance. So let’s cut back on citizens Class B. We have screwed up citizens Class A for years without facing any serious repercussions. Certainly, trimming back a little benefits from citizens Class B would not cause any problems.
Oh no! What’s that? The messenger reports citizens Class B protesting this time. They want to torch my palace. I forgot that unlike citizens Class A, citizens Class B have no feelings for this place. If not for the benefits offered, they couldn’t care less if my palace burned down.
Wake me up. Wake me up.
