Greed

Summary

The text is a critical reflection on the insatiable greed of oligarchs who amass wealth and power at the expense of the public and the environment, facilitated by corruption and a lack of accountability.

Abstract

"Greed" serves as an ode to the oligarchs, illustrating their relentless pursuit of wealth and control. The author describes a scenario where these individuals, despite already possessing immense wealth, continue to strive for more, questioning why others should have any share at all. The narrative touches on the use of personal hard work and family legacy as justifications for accumulating billions, along with the strategic acquisition of assets like refineries and pipelines. It exposes the dark underbelly of this wealth accumulation, involving bribery, corruption, and the manipulation of political systems to avoid regulation and dismiss concerns about pollution. The text suggests that through persistent financial investment and strategic deception, these oligarchs have effectively 'bought' a country and its people. Politicians are depicted as complicit, having traded their integrity for donations and the allure of joining the elite ranks. The piece also reflects on the rise of a monstrous figure, possibly a political leader, who was initially underestimated but has since become a destructive force, threatening the very foundations of power and wealth that the oligarchs have built.

Opinions

The author expresses a deep disdain for the greed of oligarchs who never seem to have enough wealth or power.
There is a sense of injustice at the way these individuals justify their wealth by citing their hard work and the lack of inheritance, despite starting from a position of privilege.
The text criticizes the exploitation of natural resources and the environment for profit, highlighting the unethical practices of operating in captive

Greed

My Ode to the Oligarchs

There’s never enough, Until I have it all, every penny. I want my share; I want it all. Why should you have any?

I worked so hard, My father gave me nothing. What’s a couple billion, A refinery and some piping?

A refinery and Canadian crude, A captive market and no competition. Protected by bribes and corrupt politicians, No need for regulations, what’s pollution?

It’s taken so long and so much money, To buy a country and own the people. It was a good investment, a great deal. No need for guns just lies, it was all legal.

The politicians bought the lies, the dogma, And took the donations. They came cheap. Be one of us, the few, the rich, the anointed. Sell out your country, the pit is dark and deep.

They sold their souls for power, Their honor, integrity for a little gold. Without honor they have no worth, Only a heart grown empty and cold.

We bought an idiot, we’d done it before. The first was merely stupid, this clown is evil. He proved to be more than we bargained for. Our Tea Party is now his, our pawns his devils.

We let loose a monster, a curse. An evil genie out of the bottle. We could lose it all, it all turn to ashes. There is no stopper, no cap, no throttle.

We brought down the temple for greed.