Because I anticipate writing quite a bit about the Luigi Mangione trial, the events of December 4th, 2024, and associated topics, including work reform, the ruling class, corporate journalism, etc., I’ve decided to start a new publication, titled “Bartleby on Trial.” That way, those who followed Solastalgia Supper Club for my writings on climate and capitalism and who may not be interested in the Mangione trial at the same level I am don’t have to sift through those posts to get to my writing on climate. If you’re one of those readers, thank you for your patience.
That being said, I hope you’ll consider subscribing to Bartleby on Trial!
I really appreciate these thoughtful observations. I also find it so heartening to know that there are others out there who not only see what we're up against but who also have ideas for moving forward. I know so many people are paralyzed by the seeming enormity of systems change--fossil fuel companies have capitalized on this by subtly encouraging doomerism. It's too late, it's too big, it's too much for any one of us to make a difference--so let's just keep on keeping on.
Ursula Le Guin, as usual, said it best: "We live in capitalism. Its power seems inescapable. So did the divine right of kings." In an age of self-appointed, selfish, and destructive "kings" I find her words invigorating. Thanks for mentioning The Gilded Age, by the way. That's been on my to-watch list forever. I'll move it to the top.
Thank you for creating this avenue so we could finally have some dialogue on these very systemic issues.
I mentioned to a girlfriend that what we are seeing reminds me of the kind of power that has been always been around, just not quite as blantantly exposed. My husband and I had just got done watching HBO'S The Gilded Age, a wonderful fictional period piece that's very well acted that puts us in the world of the old vs. the new systems of power and class rivalry.
It very much as come to our surprise that despite it being fictional, that in the year 2024, this system still is very much alive and perhaps way too powerful than we like to admit. What I hope from this incident with Luigi is that we can collectively find common ground with other Americans from all political spectrums to find a way to fight back with what the government/oligarchy has done to our country.
We should fight this in policy change, fight this through exposing the corruption and fight this to the point that we can stop relying on old systems and build new ones that work in favor for the REAL American people. Our voices have been ignored for much too long. I look forward to your future analysis. Thank you.