Quote by Kurt Vonnegut

Thus did a handful of rapacious citizens come to control all that was worth controlling in America. Thus was the savage and stupid and entirely inappropriate and unnecessary and humorless American class system created. Honest, industrious, peaceful citizens were classed as bloodsuckers, if they asked to be paid a living wage. And they saw that praise was reserved henceforth for those who devised means of getting paid enormously for committing crimes against which no laws had been passed. Thus the American dream turned belly up, turned green, bobbed to the scummy surface of cupidity unlimited, filled with gas, went bang in the noonday sun.


Thus did a handful of rapacious citizens come to control all

Summary

This quote is a critique of the corrupt nature of America's economic and class system. It argues that a small group of greedy individuals have gained control over everything valuable in the country. As a result, an unjust and humorless class hierarchy has been established, where hardworking and innocent citizens are labeled as parasites if they simply ask for fair wages. The quote suggests that fame and admiration now go to those who find ways to make enormous profits from committing unethical acts that have yet to be outlawed. Ultimately, the American dream is portrayed as a failure, characterized by limitless greed and a hollow pursuit of wealth.

By Kurt Vonnegut
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