Posted on 11/12/2009 11:26:59 AM PST by combat_boots
"Are there no prisons?" asked Scrooge. "Plenty of prisons," said the gentleman, laying down the pen again. "And the Union workhouses?" demanded Scrooge. "Are they still in operation?" "They are. Still," returned the gentleman, "I wish I could say they were not." "The Treadmill and the Poor Law are in full vigour, then?" said Scrooge. "Both very busy, sir." ":Oh! I was afraid, from what you said at first, that something had occurred to stop them in their useful course," said Scrooge. "I'm very glad to hear it." "Under the impression that they scarcely furnish Christian cheer of mind or body to the multitude," returned the gentleman, "a few of us are endeavouring to raise a fund to buy the Poor some meat and drink, and means of warmth. We choose this time, because it is a time, of all others, when Want is keenly felt, and Abundance rejoices. What shall I put you down for?" "Nothing!" Scrooge replied. "You wish to be anonymous?" "I wish to be left alone," said Scrooge. "Since you ask me what I wish, gentlemen, that is my answer. I don't make merry myself at Christmas and I can't afford to make idle people merry. I help to support the establishments I have mentioned: they cost enough: and those who are badly off must go there." "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." Seeing clearly that it would be useless to pursue their point, the gentlemen withdrew. Scrooge resumed his labours with an improved opinion of himself, and in a more facetious temper than was usual with him.
(Excerpt) Read more at literature.org ...
Are there no work houses?
Humbug,I say!
I wish to be left alone
“decrease the surplus population”...Malthus, Darwin...the source of all the UN population control angle...yes, it’s that old. Modern eugenics starts here.
I always enjoyed this part of the book. It endeared me to ol’ Scrooge.
At least these guys were asking for money and not taking like modern libs.
“Are there no prisons?” asked Pelosi.
“Plenty of prisons,” said the gentleman, laying down the pen again.
“And the Union workhouses?” demanded Pelosi. “Are they still in operation?” “They are. Still,” returned the gentleman, “I wish I could say they were not.”
(from “A Health Care Bill”, 2009)
LOL!
As a fan of “A Christmas Carol” all of my life, I must tell you that you selected an scene from the best version.
As a fan of “A Christmas Carol” all of my life, I must tell you that you selected a scene from the best version.
I agree... this is a wonderful set of dialog.
My next favorite line is when the Ghost gives Scrooge a big slapdown with, “It may be, that in the sight of Heaven, you are more worthless and less fit to live than millions like this poor man’s child.”
Every year since it first appeared on TV, my family gathers around to watch George C. Scott bring the story to life.
It's the ONLY version really worth watching. His laughing near the end of the movie is just priceless.
Exactly why coercive philanthropy can never work.
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