The cycle Jean describes upthread is a familiar one, and widespread.

The potential "fall from wealth" is part of the "warning" to folks not to rock society's boat; and without regular falls the warning is no good.

So what we end up with societally is a whole lotta po' folks not able to fit in with other po' folks and a few *ricos* whose familial wealth is quite recent, and who don't fit in well with either po' folks or old *money.* And folks with all that going on seldom talk to each other about the issues because there is little shared experience/language, at least verbally.


Here at Mudcat we have the luxury (thanks to Max) of being able to interact across those differences, and even get together in person from time to time to sing together.


My eyes were opened one night (cartoon-popping outta the head). A couple who visit here periodically insisted one time too often (for my comfort level) on picking up a dinner check. I had wanted to cook for them to repay the LAST check they picked up, but no.... and to set me at ease they explained about the boatload of cash they actually had, so I would not worry.... and then I realized retroactively how gracious they had really been, before, to visit here and never let on that they could be much more comfortable at a local hotel, but were choosing to sleep here because... they just liked US.

[shaking head]

The things we never know if we don't ask!

~Susan