Does any of this sound familiar? Must-read modern day fable by Catte Black, with illustrations by JR Leach, via www.off-guardian.org
Once upon a time in a land far away and in a time of plenty there were two rich and prosperous Landlords who each owned large and spacious adjoining buildings wherein many people lived.
The apartments were warm and comfortable and every week there was a market where grain was brought from Landlord B’s land and fruit and meat and vegetables from Landlord A’s. While wood from Landlord B’s copses kept the Communal Woodpile stocked with seasoned logs.
Everyone was happy.
The Landlords were both friends with a Banker.
The Banker was richer than both the Landlords combined and in fact he owned their houses and their land and watched carefully what they did with them.
And one day he invited them to a sumptuous dinner at his house and said “things could be better”.
“How could things be better, friend Banker?” asked Landlord B, “there is food in our granaries and money in our coffers, and everyone is happy”.
“Your people are charged too little for too much luxury. They expect fuel for their stoves and food in their markets, and are never grateful enough to you for your kindness.”
The two Landlords looked at each other and realized this might be true, for they rarely disagreed with the Banker.
“Yes,” said Landlord A, sadly shaking his head, “our people are feckless children that never give enough thanks for our largesse, but alas, what can we do?”.
“They need to be taught their place”, the Banker said. “They need to pay a proper price for what you provide and learn to be grateful. You should triple the price of food from your farms and fuel from the Communal Wood Pile”.
The two Landlords looked at each other in apprehension. They were greedy and liked the sound of this very much, but they were also cowards.
CONTINUE READING
https://off-guardian.org/2022/10/31/the-tale-of-two-greedy-landlords/