While we are thinking our present economic travails, and how we got there, mark a low point even for us, I came across this relevant quote in the preface of an obscure work at Google Books:

“Not many years ago such an event as the legislative theft of a great franchise was regarded with public horror. A decade ago a national bond steal would have aroused vast indignation. But a nation, like an individual, can become accustomed to almost anythig. In view of the complacency with which the American people permit themselves to be deceived, swindled and robbed, and their evident enjoyment of the operation, the author is sometimes of the opinion that he was unduly excited over the events of 1893, and that perhaps general bankruptcy, distress, poverty and national decadence are matters of small consequence.”

1893, indeed.

Things that make you go ‘hmmm.’

Post from: Cogitations

The more things change…