Our ancestors brought their children to picnics at
guiotinings. They threw stones at people in the pillory and watched witch
burnings during the age of 'Enlightenment' in the 17'th century. Trafficking in
humans for various practical and prurient purposes of muscle and flesh was a
booming business, traded as robustly on the stock exchanges of major cities as were
its products gleaned from the outcasts of society by professionals and legal
courts and sold for cash in the slave markets of the filthy stalls. Food riots
routinely turned into lynching and looting and an accusation was, and is, enough
to condemn one to torture and death. Murderous gladiators were once rock stars
and temples were erected to torture vastly exceeding those dedicated to
Demeter. One of Janus’ faces is a demon. The other celebrates our enlightenment
at the opera.
In the name of peace and prosperity wars are fought. In the
name of freedom and self-determination nations are enslaved. In the name of
culture and refinement lands are decimated. Warlords rule and poets herald
their heroism.
How many stock portfolios and retirement plans are indexed
by blood diamonds and apartheid regimes? There is a cruel streak just south of
everyone's moral compass, cleverly occulted by our self-righteousness.
What cost empire?
Nice race you’ve got there, human.
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