Financial Crucifixion

THE symbolism of Easter, following 40 days and nights of self-denial, represents the power of betrayal and martyrdom in political life; and Christ (JC) was certainly a radical political figure. Betrayal by his own people and subsequent complicity with the colonial power (the Romans) to ensure a death sentence.

The Barnabbas incident was of course a facade using a “rent a crowd” to ensure blame was diverted from the real villains, the religious powers; a clever, if transparent move, worthy of today’s spin doctors!JC upset the Pharisees and sycophants especially with one of his first acts in overturning the money changers’ tables in the Temple. He realised that the predatory power of the Temple came from the tacit collusion between the traders/bankers and the religious despots through access to patronage, commissions, devious financial deals and tax havens for the compliant few. His message of love and compassion mixed in with a few miracles, democratic principles, food handouts and acts of rebellion did not go down too well with the ruling cabal. Privilege was threatened; a war on terrorism was quietly declared and the hidden sympathisers within their own ranks were expunged! Principles of justice and monotheistic ideals, like the Ten Commandments and the Law, faded as the ruling party became fearful of their own position and security. The Roman governor, who no doubt made a few back deals with the Pharisees, quietly acquiesced as a political appointee he realised that tribal competition may well incur the mighty Caesar’s wrath; he could lose his job. JC was expendable; revolting peasants were not on!Wind forward to the present. Who says history does not repeat itself! We live in a world full of cabalist deviosity! G20 protesters covered in cosmetic blood sucking in journalistic ire to divert from real protest; sovereign nations asking other nations to do their military dirty worked as their army is so useless; banks openly admitting that they hide money and identity to allow tax evasion, and; powerful nations trying to solve their own drug addiction problems by blowing away dozens of innocents in a foreign country.But the biggest item is the financial crisis, the deviance and greed of the so-called shadow banks who through collusion with their governments operate within a law of their own (if any). It was only six months ago the “big five” were at death’s door; insolvent and begging for help! Now with the injection of billions of dollars, increasing deposits from the “new” thrifty consumer with their low interest windfalls and accounting rules quickly changed to favour them, surprise, they are making money. Smart guys. Better, governments have assumed the risk, on behalf of the taxpayer, of ASB’s (Asset Based Securities) that were criminally issued and made the banks solvent (?). Just wait!And the other ASB’s? Most continue to develop income streams and cash at redemption time. Smoke and mirrors.And the PBP’s (poor bloody peasants), well they do not want credit as they now realise the link between the political world and the financial gods. The coming 10 million unemployed in the US or four million in the UK will induce pressure. Their trust in democracy and political process has taken a hammering.Are things going to change? Signs are encouraging. A quiet revolution is taking hold as politicians realise change is key to their survival. Maybe they recall that 12 PBP’s (disciples) created revolution 2000 years ago helped by a rather visible resurrection! Martyrs needed? It’s almost a good enough tale turn me religious! Not quite. csmith@mweb.com.na