The always provocative Charles Krauthammer recommends that we soften the blow of the unavoidable economic pain any responsible legislation will permit with a series of exemplary public hangings—-essentially a grand moment of collective catharsis. We’ll be able to take ownership for our own complicity if we’re assured justice has been swiftly meted out to the economic predators who have increasingly become the objects of our intense resentment. A cathartic approach is not a superifical therapeutic one—our leaders have to acknowledge and sympathize with our anxiety without pandering to the part of us that would like to be let off the hook, if not actually flattered as innocent victims. This avenue not only appeals to our sense of justice but also our deep sense of equality—we”ll take our licks as long as we know they’re well distributed among the different classes.
