The Price of Inequality

I have just finished reading 'The Spirit Level - Why Equality is Better for Everyone' by the Epidemiologists Richard Wilkinson and Kate Pickett. Their data shows that our social problems in the UK are caused by inequality. Economic growth will not lead to improved population well being unless we make our society more equal. Jesus himself agrees with this because he tell us the parable of the landowner who recruits labourers into his vineyard and pays them all the same Matthew 20: 1-16.

I have written the following poem about this:

The Price of Inequality.

Are the problems that we see

Caused by inequality?

The prisoner you can't set free

A prisoner he would not be

Except for inequality?

Imprisonment philosophy

Is flawed by inequality?

Jesus is your Saviour's name

He pays each worker just the same.

Are the problems that you see

All caused by inequality?

Addiction's sad despondency;

Violent ideology;

Pervasive animosity;

The racist's bad philosophy;

Poor sociable mobility,

All caused by inequality?

Are the poor suffering:

The pain of pretentious predominance;

The heartache of haughty hierarchy;

The degradation of discrimination;

The meanness of merciless merit?

Are social problems next to me

Caused by inequality?

The frozen life of poverty;

Expansion of obesity;

Increasing teenage pregnancy;

Failing child psychology

And pervasive insecurity

All caused by inequality?

Jesus is your Saviour's name

He pays each worker just the same.

Are the social problems that you see

Caused by inequality?

Reducing life expectancy;

The need for cardiology;

Striking irresponsibly

And failing generosity?

The rich and famous fail to see

They're hurt by inequality

'Til death itself do set us free

Enforcing strict equality.

Jesus do this thing for me

Rewarding their humility

Banish inequality.

Peter Coates 19/12/22.

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