A New Age of Feudalism for the Working Class? – American Greatness

Democratic capitalist societies need to offer the prospect of a brighter future for the majority. Without this belief, more demands for a populist strongman or a radical redistribution of wealth seem inevitable. A form of oligarchic socialism, with subsidies or stipends for working people, might stave off destitution while allowing the wealthiest to maintain their dominance. But the issue boils down to whether people not just those with elite credentials and skills actually matter in a technological age.

Wendell Berry, the Kentucky-based poet and novelist, observed that the great question hovering over society is what are people for? By putting an absolute premium on labor-saving measures, we may be creating more dependence on the state while undermining the dignity of those who want to do useful work.

The future of the working class should concern us all. If too many lack any hope of improving their condition, we could face dangerous upheaval in the near future.

via amgreatness.com