Escaping Revolution

ESCAPING REVOLUTION

David T. Rapaport

Book Publishers Network

P. O. Box 2256

Bothell, WA 98041

425 483-3040

Copyright © 2013 by David T. Rapaport

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in, or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photo- copying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the publisher.

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Printed in the United States of America

LCC 2012950403

ISBN 9781937454586

Digital ISBN 9781937454685

Editors: Jennifer Hager and Julie Scandora

Cover designer: Laura Zugzda

Typographer: Leigh Faulkner

eBook: Marcia Breece

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

Preface

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Acknowledgements

I’d like to thank Jennifer Hager for her devotion to this project and for spending many hours of intense concentration to help me bring this book to you in its current state. (Jennifer held the candle above my desk when the power went out.) Thank you, Jennifer!

I’d also like to thank Ryan Bartek for his early content contribution, Sheryn Hara and Book Publishers Network, Monica Le,  Sherri Schultz of the Northwest Independent Editors  Guild, Joseph  Braley,  Emilio  Muniz,  Reignwölf, and everyone else who helped  with  constructive feedback and advice.

Special thanks to my wife, Orit, my son, Adam, and my parents, Joseph and Rachel, for their day-to-day support.

Preface

In the hot days of early June 2007, a small seaside town in Germany called Heiligendamm hosted the annual gathering of the leaders of the world’s eight most powerful countries. This Group of Eight, or in its more familiar name, G8, is comprised of presidents and prime ministers of the United States, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, Italy, Russia, Canada, and France. They met to discuss global interests in a range of topics and to make decisions that would affect the future of the entire world.

In the nearby city of Rostock, by boarded-up shops and vacant streets, tens of thousands of people filled the void as they marched into town from two different directions. Activists of many backgrounds merged into groups, carrying banners, puppets, and signs to show their resentment against the current system and the bigger problem of capitalism. They wanted to remind these elite G8 leaders of the unfulfilled promises made to common people in the past, promises of true support and care from the leaders of the world. Activists wanted to show their disgust for the biggest symbol of imperialism and these leaders’ aspirations of world domination, the rule of the powerful few, the control that the rich have over the world’s resources, and the lie on which democracy is built— that we are all equal and have equal opportunity. These activists protested the G8 conversations going on behind closed doors, discussed by people who have forgotten what it’s like to struggle daily. Protesters questioned whose interests were being served, given the behind-the-scenes pressure from the wealthiest and strongest companies.

Activists all came with different agendas, but the revulsion for the G8 united them all. As they arrived at the harbor where the main event was taking place, an army of faceless men, armored from head to toe and holding transparent shields and batons, were itchy to indulge in crowd control. The tension held for hours, but eventually the fight broke. Law enforcement forces used water cannons, tear gas, dogs, physical violence, arrests, and their own megaphones to push protesters away and break their spirit. Some fled immediately; some fought for as long as they could, setting cars on fire and throwing projectiles at the troops.

I was on a different journey that day. That effort, that public cry, caught my attention as I was busy with my personal to-do list. I wasn’t a part of this, was I?

In what will become a distant yet unforgettable memory, I observed the mixed crowd: some had their faces covered; some waved signs; some raised their fists in the air. Anarchists, socialists, independents—young and old—these protesters were very loud and seemed very strong in their objection to the system. What had made all these people come out? I wanted to know. Their signs read:

Imperialism Is Evil

The King’s on Tour—Never Mind the Poor

Growth Is Madness

Make Capitalism History Another World Is Possible End Poverty

Please Help!

There were hundreds of signs held and slogans yelled in the crowd, and I agreed with most of them. But I noticed some- thing strange that made the crowd seem naïve: none of the signs or slogans suggested an alternative. Some called for anarchy or autonomy, but to me that seemed like a vague suggestion, perhaps a wish to go back in time, instead of moving forward. These folks knew very well what they were against but could not articulate what they were FOR.

A reporter began interviewing demonstrators. When he asked protesters for their idea of a better system, I watched those faces suddenly go blank. And it struck me that I wanted to find an answer for them. Thus came the idea for this book. Throughout the time I’ve been writing this story, hundreds of demonstrations like that first one have emerged all over the world. I am always impressed by the urgency of these matters to these people, so strong that it pulls them to get out on the streets and protest. Their efforts are unpaid, and they may risk their future—and in some cases, perhaps even their lives—in order to make a change.

I remember thinking to myself, Well, there’s gotta be a way. What is it? I learned from an economics professor that the world has the potential to make everybody rich, to the point that money doesn’t matter anymore. Why isn’t it like that? Can you even imagine such a world?

In my effort to find an answer, I envisioned a very different kind of society. In our time, for various reasons, many decisions are made by governments without considering society’s well-being. The current system serves a goal of making more and more money while nothing  else matters; it will stop advanced technologies, pollute, feed people  chemicals and drugs, take advantage of needy populations (retirees, students, low-income families, etc.), and use any possible legal loop- holes to make more profit. And then more and more to no defined end. And then you and I need to run faster and faster to keep up in the rat race and hope that the world will collapse before we do.

In my idea of a new world, people have the same financial starting point in life, politicians can’t be bought, and success is measured by contribution to the public rather than to the boss’s wallet. While this idea might or might not be a way we could evolve to the next phase of our social evolution, I know that there is a way to move on and it is out there. And just as this one demonstration moved me, I hope that my book will move you and, by inspiring each other, together we will find progress.

8.1.2047

RE: Your New Status

Dear Mr. Ben Burner,

According to the information you have submitted under UPW guidelines (Statutory Authority: RCW 66.08.030 and  6.28.320. 10-01-090 § 314-11-015), we are pleased to inform you that the Contribution Leveling Ministry has determined your placing as C- Level 4; Rank 4.

You are now the sole possessor of your residence until you vacate or expire. All items of personal estate value have been nationalized and can no longer be sold as private property.

In the attached packet, you will find all new regulations in full, along with information regarding your new state. Rest assured, although it may appear that you have lost a degree of entitlement as a result of the new system, you are acquiring far more in return.

We will not judge you by your earnings, relatives, or education—simply by your contribution.

United, we progress.

Good Luck!

Shamus Guytatchky

President, PW Operations

Chapter 1

Ben froze, gazing unfocused at the page. Long assuming his position would be a Contribution Level 5 or 6, he didn’t want to consider this downward change. The leveling was a vicious wound, freshly sliced: you knew it ran deep, but the skin was white and the blood had yet to appear and spill. Ben was smart, successful, and down-to-earth, very effective at whatever projects he took upon himself. Nevertheless, he constantly surprised friends and colleagues with his playfulness and creative ideas. Ben didn’t like being categorized below the top percentiles. He wanted to be recognized for his abilities. Yet now, Ben—like so many nameless faces—was anonymous, a statistical pinprick buried among the masses. Ben unfolded the inner package with a chill …

Dearest Citizen,

Welcome to the program! Progressive Market Program is a new political and social system—a graduated class program open to all.

We are confident that you will find this new organization exciting, fulfilling, and truthful—a leap from the failures of the past into a future of peace, tranquility, innovation, and justice.

This  packet  is designed  to explain  the  aims  and policies of the new program. We hope you will find that it provides all essential information. If you have additional interests  or  concerns, please  contact  the  closest  UPW field office.

IMMEDIATE FINANCIAL CHANGES

Effective immediately, your salary will be guaranteed for  life  in  the  form  of  national  credit  (see  Process, p. 4; Statistical Information, pp. 5–7; Current Salary/Inflation Percentages, p.8).

Be reminded that without continuous contribution, you will stay on your determined placement C-Level {BEN BURNER – LEVEL 4; RANK 4} for no more than three months preceding a status change hearing (Terms/Conditions, pp.

9–31). A steady contribution towards your fellow citizenry will increase your odds of advancement through the promotion committee (Advancement, pp. 32–45).

In Part One of this packet, you will find the current book of rules, regulations, and the new amendments. See the Index on page 332 for information regarding any specific matter. This packet is also available online. Please visit www.UPW. gov/info.

Please read the introduction on the next page, as it is a simplified, basic explanation of the ideas on which Progressive Market Program is founded.

Sincerest Regards,

Mathew Rockette

General Secretary: UPW Information Office

Ben knew some of the ideas behind the new program. He had collected some basic information but hadn’t studied it deeply because he instinctively thought that it couldn’t work. In fact, everybody at Sathron, where he worked, had scoffed at UPW and its brainchild, the Progressive Market Program (PMP). He’d  hawk-eyed the media for months, same  as everyone, but lacked the interest, time, and energy to really dig deep into the UPW beliefs. Even now, he didn’t want to comprehend any of it. But because the Progressive Market Program had been voted in and was actually being launched, Ben knew he must study it soon. He peeked at the headline on the next page: We are at the gateway of a new world belonging equally to ALL its citizens.

Unsuccessfully attempting to calm himself, Ben breathed heavily, feeling the blood pump through every vessel as if it were about to explode. Only a few times in a life can a man get this excited: paralyzed, frightened, thrilled. Oddly, it reminded Ben of kissing Sheila at sixteen, when she coyly slipped her hand into the dimness of his pants.

A whole rotten system that allowed greed and selfish- ness to go unchecked had gradually sunk the country into economic instability. Following the major financial catastrophe early in the last century, it seemed as if governments, politicians, and the financial industry had learned a lesson, finally understanding the consequences of irresponsibly capitalizing the system and allowing legal loopholes. It was time to take a responsible approach. Nonetheless, those in government failed to regulate the financial sector, allowing it to repeatedly engage in outrageous conduct and to invest and speculate as it pleased. This state of affairs was sold to the public as legitimate and necessary. Each time a single domino hit another, a part of the market began to collapse, forcing the country’s central bank to move in and hold the other domino pieces in place in an effort to halt further collapse. The public, with no real leadership, failed to pinpoint the cause: the hidden partner- ships of financial and business giants with the public’s own government representatives and agencies. This widespread enmeshment made a very small group of people astronomical amounts of money while the sinking economy fell on the backs of the working class. Few perpetrators were charged at each round to face the public rage, and corruption continued. Many of those crises were completely avoidable, but the voices of