i think the only reason capitalism has survived so long is because the fear of not having a bed to sleep in is so great that people will do things they wouldn't otherwise. they'll work hard for virtually no pay, knowing that their labour enables others to become exceedingly wealthy. they'll do work that is often demeaning, spiritually numbing, earth deadening. they'll spend a huge portion of their meagre earnings on a living space and, most specifically, a bed. that's the only reason they do that shit work. it's not because they feel fullfilled in any way, or obligated, or inspired. it's that they often have no other choice if they want to sleep comfortably at night.
i know this, because these last three nights i've slept in a real bed in my own room for the first time in a very long time.
since leaving canada on july 5th, traversing many of these united states, mexico, and cuba, i've slept primarily on bunk beds (kinda like real beds), couches, air mattresses, the floor, and even a picnic table. my san francisco friend was kind enough, and able, to provide me a bed and i can't tell you the difference that makes, psychologically. the thought of boarding the overnight train cause my heart rate to increase, and tension to build.
it's impossible even to consider the feelings of those who sleep rough, night after night, denied an opportunity to stretch out on a park bench, or to pitch a tent for privacy. they're awoken as soon as the 'authorities' notice the shoulders begin to relax, or the head falling forward.
it's torture, denying people the right to sleep in a bed. have i mentioned that there are no homeless people in cuba? they are a civilized people, who simply won't allow it.
last night i shared dinner with a new caravanista friend who works building tiny computer hardware. he was decidedly more rushed and stressed than when i last saw him, though he is a high energy guy, but he's recently watched his work-mates disappear around him because of company lay-offs. he's got no end of work, he says, and tight deadlines, and still he fears the end might be near if his employers move more labour to india.
this is what the profit motive creates ..... fear, stress, anxiety. they say nothing would be done if not for the capitalist competitive spirit, but how do we know that when we're not offered any alternatives, when we're not even allowed an opportunity to examine how it might be done differently, how cuba has managed to survive and prosper and innovate through 48 years of economic embargo? how do we know capitalism is the only way?
but alas, i must leave my musings and the lovely san francisco and my temporary bed. again i'll take up the hobo lifestyle .... well, that's stretching it ... as i venture on this last leg of the incredible summertime cuba pilgrimage and soon arrive home to sleep in my very own space. for however long that might last.
