Games games games

Glen Reynolds asks “Are we living in the Hunger Games?” in a recent column. If you’re not familiar with the plot of the book/movie, here’s a quick synopsis (there are a bunch, this is just one)

The Hunger Games takes place in a nation known as Panem, established in North America after the destruction of the continent’s civilization by an unknown apocalyptic event. The nation consists of the wealthy Capitol and twelve surrounding, poorer districts united under the Capitol’s control.  ….

As punishment for a past rebellion against the Capitol… one boy and one girl between the ages of 12 and 18 from each district are selected by an annual lottery to participate in the Hunger Games ….in an outdoor arena controlled by the Capitol

The novel deals with the struggle for self-preservation that the people of Panem face in their districts and the Hunger Games in which they must participate.^[1] The citizens’ starvation and their need for resources, both in and outside of the arena, create an atmosphere of helplessness that the main characters try to overcome in their fight for survival. 

It’s called “The Hunger Games” because the district that the tournament winner represents will be given extra food rations for the 12 months following the completion of the games.

After reading the book, seeing the movie and reading the article my first thought was “nah, it’s not THAT dystopian”. Then I read these articles

Hot Air: After a reporter asked how President Obama was planning to engage in the messaging war over the “fiscal cliff,” White House Press Secretary said…“It would ruin the fun, if I gave you all the details now,”

Politico: “they’d rather walk the country off the cliff than watch President Barack Obama cave on long-held liberal priorities”

RCP: The White House said Tuesday that the president intends to hold a series of events aimed at building support for his approach …. Obama will meet with small business owners at the White House on Tuesday and with middle-class families on Wednesday.

(one teeny problem. Small business owners & middle class families aren’t the guys writing legislation)

Ok Glenn. You win  – Washington now is playing a game of who can exercise the most raw power within the Capitol – the consequences to the schmucks who aren’t playing their game? Collateral damage – just ask the Hostess workers. They should know by now that the rest of us are just pawns & tools to give DC photo ops & feed their appetites. Although…..SOME people don’t mind being played – even when the games are to the death.