This week in the subway a short man came into the wagon talking in a barely understandable speech (Bronx, I guess). As many people begging in big cities he was explaining his situation.

But what really touches me this time was the pride he displayed, showing his ‘homeless’ ID. He was registered and authorized to be homeless.  This ID will probably guarantee that you will not be robbed or kidnapped by him. But also that he will not ask for a job. I suppose the long arm of the law will act upon him if he breaks the ‘contract’ around his neck.

This shows the extreme level of specialization of the US. I was aware of the bright side: protection for the professionals; but now I see the face value: class immobility.

I stopped at the 116st station (Columbia) while he continued. The top 1% capitalist class of the US is pursuing education in the Ivy League, just over our heads…