Broken things or broken government?

People keep talking about things that are broken.  I'm not talking about a cup or a glass or even Grandma's antique china.  It usually goes something like..."the_______industry is broken!" or "the _____system is broken!"  or the ______business.  Which begs the question: how can so many industries, businesses, and systems all be broken at the same time?

Personally, I have had two careers and it seems as though academia is broken and the real estate industry is broken beyond repair. My father had cancer and getting him treated because he was in an HMO was a nightmare…so the insurance industry is broken.  The big banks won't discuss loan modifications with clients - so the banking industry is broken.

When there are this many "broken things"  shattered on the ground at the same time - something is wrong systemically.  It is rooted deep within our government and the body politic.  This is what happens when a government ceases to be functional.  When the government is broken, it means that those who would exploit and steal, those who would earn their money on the backs of others are in firm control.  In our case, the capitalistic beast has been let loose and is eating its prey.  Unfortunately, we are the prey and until the beast is contained - we will continue to look at our institutions and business as so much shattered glass.

The Wall Street protests reveal that the public is now aware of the fact that they are prey.  They see who the enemy is and are finally standing strong.  The response by the police only affirms how badly dysfunctional things are.  They are arresting the protesters while leaving the real criminals free to continue the carnage. Pssst...I have a hint for you....the REAL criminals have suits and carry briefcases...


© RMGHicks - http://www.therobberbaroneconomy.com