I couldn't resist sharing this quote from "Disaster Capitalism", an article by Naomi Klein in the October 2007 issue of Harper's (page 54). In the article, Klein argues that the system of capitalism is becoming overly familiar with disasters, thanks to backing by 'free market' (in name only) elites. Her key metaphor comes from a comparison of Baghdad and post-Katrina New Orleans: the Green Zone of privilege in the midst of a Red Zone of poverty and danger. In this system, the capitalistic forces seem to allow the privileged to buy their safety, while those that remain must suffer.
Here's the quote:
Perhaps part of the reason so many of our elites, both political and corporate, are so sanguine about climate change is that they are confident they will be able to buy their way out of the worst of it. This may also partially explain why so many Bush supporters are Christian end-timers. It's not just that they need to believe there is an escape hatch from the world they are creating. It's that the Rapture is a parable for what they are building down here on Earth--a system that invites destruction and disaster, then swoops in with private helicopters and airlifts them and their friends to diving safety.
I found this quote to be sobering and relevant, reading it as I did in the midst of Advent. As a Christian with more liberal leanings, I do spend the season praying, "Come, Lord Jesus" and "Thy kingdom come". However, I also spend it despairing of this world where the messages of peace, hope and joy have become limited only to the privileged few. I agree with Klein that the faith-based politics of elitism that currently hold sway in our country are guilty of promoting this unholy version of the world.
There seem few ways to end this post positively. Therefore, I will end it here and set it adrift for others to take up the conversation.
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