money madders:

Some thoughts about fiscal psychosis

money is a language
with a strange vocabulary
as coins click & computer screams
calculate digital blips
the weirdest things become possible
if cents mutter more than sense.

money is a controlled substance
which makes people believe
everything has a price tag
which can be exchanged in a blink.

money is manure
which works best when well-spread
& exposed to sunlight
rather than rotting in bank vaults
as the mutant blight

Can we transcend our fiscal lust
& accept others with compassion & trust?

Or must we calculate every action we undertake
as if money were the sole yardstick
concerning what to destroy or create?

The espresso machine hissed like an irritated animal, its polished steel throwing a harsh glare across Terri's face. The light carved deep shadows beneath her eyes, giving her latest tirade the appearance of a manifesto delivered from a very expensive interrogation room. "Most adults don't understand how money works," she declared. Her manicured fingers marched across the formica table, one tap per syllable. "They lack financial intelligence."

Ted gave a short, contemptuous laugh. He swirled the last of his affogato al caffè, watching the melting ice cream disappear into the espresso as though witnessing a small financial collapse. "I understand how capitalism works," he said, looking up with a crooked smile. "I'm not convinced that capitalism itself is particularly intelligent." Terri frowned. Ted took another sip. "Most things on this planet," he continued, "are governed by stupidity rather than intelligence. Intelligence merely writes the press releases afterward."

Kris raised both hands before Terri could launch her next argument. "To me, money is a neutral commodity," she said. Her voice was calm, almost soothing. "It depends on how you use it. Money itself isn't good or bad."

"Hogwash!" Tim's voice cracked across the café, startling the room into absolute silence. Everyone at the neighboring tables briefly turned toward them. Even the barista paused, one hand nervously resting on his espresso machine. Tim grinned at Kris. He enjoyed irritating her, particularly when he did so while pretending to be philosophical. "Nothing in this world is neutral," he said, suddenly adopting the solemn expression of a professor. "Every choice has consequences. Those consequences benefit some people and disadvantage others." Tim leaned forward towards Kris. "You may not see the consequences. You may not understand them. You may even congratulate yourself for being completely unaware of them." He paused. "But that doesn't make them disappear."

Kris folded her arms, then asked, "So do you think money is evil?"

"No," Tim replied. "Money is useful."

"Then what exactly is your point?"

"My point is that usefulness and neutrality aren't the same thing."