Therefore because you trample on the poor and take from them levies of grain, you have built houses of hewn stone, but you shall not live in them; you have planted pleasant vineyards, but you shall not drink their wine.” vs. 11
Amos 5: 11-15
Amos called out the people living in the prosperous cities of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. He knew exactly how they had gained their wealth! They had gotten rich from their relentless taxation and exploitation of the poor. And some would say that this is how most economies still operate. It’s just that in our time exploitation has become more sophisticated. While it’s true that the poor are shielded from income tax, the road out of poverty is excruciatingly difficult. Most of those in need, handicapped with few educational opportunities, spend their lives competing for low paying jobs, struggle to accumulate savings, and often receive inadequate medical care. In the meantime, in this new age of relaxed regulations, bitcoin, hedge funds, and private equity companies, opportunities for unbelievable wealth have proliferated, and often the gains are made at the expense of workers. Where once owners cared about their employees and took pains to be sure they received a fair shake, the attention has shifted to Wall Street, and it’s now the shareholders who get taken care of first. If Amos is right, such callous disregard for the poor has consequences. Of course, most wealthy folks laughed at Amos–it’s likely that this is still the case. After all, what could possibly go wrong?
Thought for the Day: Why should anyone pay attention to Amos in 2024?
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