Life of Riley: Divided we fall

Life of Riley: Divided we fall

If it seems to you that we never had so much, that is only the slogan of those who still have more than you. Don't be taken in when they pat you paternally on the shoulder and say that we're all equal here. Because if you believe them they will be completely in charge. Watch out, for as soon as it pleases them they'll take your job, your house, your life away, turn their heads and snigger: poor fools they blame each other for deeds that are ours alone.

FIRST VOICE: They blame each other.

SECOND VOICE: For deeds.

FIRST VOICE: That are ours alone. [Snigger. Snigger.]
(See, I told you. — DR)

FIRST: We did this.

SECOND: And we did that.

FIRST & SECOND: We did everything.

FIRST: We did our best.

SECOND: You see ...

FIRST: The job market is so very, very tight.

SECOND: Let us make it quite clear.

FIRST: We're not to blame.

SECOND: Free enterprise being what it is.

FIRST: Has its ups.

SECOND: And downs.

FIRST: There is simply not enough to go around.

SECOND: Not enough land.

FIRST: Think of our carrying capacity.

SECOND: Hospital beds.

FIRST: Think of our carrying capacity.

SECOND: Pensions.

FIRST: Think of our carrying capacity.

SECOND: Money.

FIRST: Not enough of that either.

SECOND: Jobs.

FIRST: So if you are down and out ...

SECOND: Lift up your head and shout ...

FIRST: Some wog's got my job.

FIRST & SECOND: And we'll love you for it.
(I told you, didn't I? — DR)

SECOND: Now, if I were to say ...

FIRST: "Two wongs don't make a white."

SECOND: Things I'd never say.

FIRST: Or "fuckin' bongs".

SECOND: I'd only get into trouble.

FIRST: But if someone else says it.

SECOND: "Two wongs don't make a white".

FIRST: Or "fuckin' bongs."

SECOND: It's a horse of a totally different colour.

FIRST: So when someone else says it.

SECOND: Aha.

FIRST: When someone else says it ...

SECOND: But of course.

FIRST & SECOND: Such is their right.

By Dave Riley

From GLW issue 257