Notes from the Transition

Sometimes I feel like the 2020s are a lot like the 1020s must have been in medieval Europe. Now hear me out! I know we have a lot of technology and progress and modern day luxuries. But I feel like our mentalities, and a lot of our social and economic structures, are stuck back a thousand years ago. The wealthiest live in castles on hilltops, beautiful manors with gardens and plenty to eat, not a care in the world. In the golden city - the desired place - the castles, the gardens, the fountains - are surrounded by dangers and treachery. Moats made up of snaking highways encircle the forbidden city, impossible to cross on foot. The wealthier ones have steeds they can mount to cross over into the golden city. Horses in the 1020s ... cars in the 2020s .... There are bridge trolls at the off ramps into the golden city, demanding payment or exacting revenge. Panhandlers? Or criminals, waiting to pop tires and steal the precious jewels of a catalytic converter from underneath the steed ....