Economics 100: Inequality

Today’s hundred-word seminar is about how to create income inequality. First, cut taxes, and make sure the rich get 90% of the benefit. Season with gaslight: tell the Base it’ll eventually trickle down to them; and besides, tariffs will replace taxes, and it’s foreigners who pay tariffs, so we don’t even need taxes. Next, demolish the government. DOGE it down. Cut meddlesome bureaucrats, scientists, programs. Cut education funding and delete all statistics. (You don’t want people analyzing what’s happening for themselves.) Finally, let oligarchs take over the government functions you’ve cut, and let them charge your citizen-suckers for them. $QED$.

Inspired by Economics 100, the first installment of my 3-part drabble degree program, and by corruption and grifters everywhere. Image by Stationjack.

Acid Reflux and a Cracked Tooth

“Ah, yes, bottom left molar. We’ll freeze the area, then we’ll take an x-ray.” She wasn’t sure whether her dentist’s soft-spoken running commentary was meant for her or him, but she found it soothing. She had been afraid with her mouth stuck open wide that she’d choke on the stomach acid in her throat. But her reflux had subsided under his calm voice. Next time at dinner when tensions flare and she tastes acid, she’ll remember that voice, and perhaps she won’t bite down so hard and crack a bit of tooth off and almost choke on the ragged shard.

Inspired by Here I Go Again and a recent trip to the dentist (though the “tensions” at the dinner table are entirely fictitious). Image by Shutterstock.