So I spend some time playing poker. Not often, not for high stakes. More like monthly for a couple hundred dollars. Typically, I win (ego boost done).
So this weekend I went to the Horseshoe. I just got my bonus and a bit of money back from Uncle Sam, so I figured why the hell not. I love being at a poker table. There is not any other place I could name off the top of my head that will lead to such an eclectic mix of people in one place, all interacting with each other. Anyone EXCEPT that top 1 percent has a chance of being at a poker table I sit down at.
So this weekends table was a really good mix. Some working class, some upper middle, at least one relatively wealthy (trying to learn to play, he claimed) and me. There was a good diversity ratio as well (is my HR showing?)
As table talk goes, it was a pretty chatty table. I tend to keep a low profile at a poker table (or at least I try to), but as the night wore on the conversation turned toward WI, the government, money, etc. So I was listening pretty intently to this group of people, all from different socioeconomic statuses, different ethnicities, and even one Canadian (aboot!).
Next thing I know, the guy to my right is talking about how no matter how hard we all work we will never ever be anything except wage slaves and I perked up. I turned to him and said "but....you do know who the real problem is here, right? I mean you know it's not Obama, or Congress or the government at all, right?"
He looked at me and said "everybody knows. It's no secret who the enemy is, and no one on TV is fooling anyone. EVERYBODY knows its Us against Them. The only problem is that nobody knows what to do about it."
I looked around the table to see everyone nodding, even the wealthier guy. The Canadian even said "don't worry, I even know what the real problem is and I don't even live here."
So...there we are. I know I am only talking about 9 people here. But that's 9 really random people. I wasn't even in Vegas, I as at the Horseshoe in Hammond, IN. It gave me hope that even if we don't know what the hell to do about it, at least we might know what the problem is.
From here forward, I am raising this issue in every public setting I can safely get away with. For those who were like me, thinking they and some people online were the only ones who really got it, knowing that other people get it can only help. And for those who DONT get it....well hell it might be a waste of breath but maybe, just maybe, I can get them to see what is actually going on here.