016 — Reauthoring the Contract | Talon Z. Gray

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The system is a beautiful trap.

A smoke-and-mirrors trick sold as opportunity, but delivered as a dog chain.

They don't want 'top talent'; they want indentured servants.

Bound, taxed, and told to be grateful.

Be grateful for all of this greatness that's been afforded to you.

Exchange your years of experience, at a discount, cuz you love us.

They give you a pass when you're a child.

Tell you to live a normal life.

All while sharpening the rapier they'll hold to your throat later.

My child. Their child. Cut down.

A cannibal society.

For decades,

these kids grew up under the illusion of belonging,

watching the system ‘look the other way,’

only to find out they were never meant to have a seat at the table,

yet they took control over the entire building.

And for the ones still waiting to 'prove' they deserve a piece of this criminal enterprise—guess what? You're not just pawns; you're collateral damage in a rigged game.

The new-age American slave.

Pay your taxes, or else.

Pay your way, or else.

Pay. Pay now! Always at your service!

This isn't just policy,

it's a patriotic test.

If you pass the test, they move you to the bottom of the list.

They deprioritize for compliance.

This extends to people within the system-

if you break the law, they will come get you-

they will hunt you down.

No Escape.

No one cared enough.

So many different opportunities to intervene.

What's a toddler to do when the source problem and the original parent fails?

How does a toddler do the right thing?

Did they miss alchemy 101, also known as Law and Ethics?

And if the toddler was under constant attack?

Drink your milk!

Clean up the mess!

By the way, do it alone.

Pay your taxes! Those are for your rights! Your liberties!

Smile and like the taste.

You are a number.

Our 2-bit cog.

They built a prison,

for all of us to live in,

together.

And in unison,

we will sing the chorus of a future anthem.

A tune, a chant.

Our cult.

They live.