Here’s the slavery speed run:

Step 1 - Mass layoffs + Tariffs lead to mass homelessness. Step 2 - Criminalize homelessness. Step 3 - Arrest/institutionalize the homeless in for profit prisons. Lend inmates to private corporations for forced labor. Step 4 - Profit.

  • Tar_Alcaran@sh.itjust.works
    0·
    1 month ago

    “Are there no prisons?” asked Scrooge.
    (…)
    “And the Union workhouses?” demanded Scrooge. “Are they still in operation?”
    (…)
    “The Treadmill and the Poor Law are in full vigour, then?”

    Just a reminder this was the most heartless, most horrible man that could be imagined by a truly great author.

    • bizarroland@lemmy.worldEnglish
      0·
      1 month ago

      He did also follow that up with:

      Scrooge: “I help to support the establishments I have mentioned–they cost enough; and those who are badly off must go there.”

      The gentleman: “Many can’t go there; and many would rather die.”

      “If they would rather die,” said Scrooge, “they had better do it, and decrease the surplus population.”