I hear its a growth industry now, the neoliberal ideal … One may pay for compassion. Hugs. Its the new take on what one may deserve. Those that can afford it can get much. Friendships, respect, love, all doled out to those depending on what they can pay. Sympathy, that’s for the devil – thank God.

Imagine, sitting across a government desk while its discussed just how much respect and compassion one is due at any present time … ‘Well, sir,’ she says, ‘for the next fortnight you can’t afford any respect, and there’s only $20 worth of compassion due to you.’

‘I bought a bag of lentils … not a big one,’ he said, ‘but I really need a hug at the moment.’

‘Mnnm,” Miss Government answered, ‘I’ll tell you what, how about I walk you to the door and give you a small smile as you exit? Of course, I’ll have to transfer the 20 into my account … You shouldn’t have bought those lentils.’

He sat there, knowing that was true, but then how was he to know, that barely a week later, a hug was the thing he needed more even than half a cup of lentils for his starving dog? Times were tough. Now, His old dog had died, and his ankle bracelet was burning his skin again.

‘Your giving me too much information,’ she said again, ‘all this actually debits your account and you’re already in debt to the future state. You may not wrap the bracelet … even if its in, what you say, is your own dog’s fur. The bracelet keeps you honest; its nothing to do with compassion or respect. Its about honesty … ‘

He jumped, stifling a pale smile …

‘Do you have it wrapped now?’ she frowned, pulsing the bracelet again.

Again he jumped. ‘No,’ he answered.

She, again frowned deeply, raising her eye to the ceiling, ‘Look, I’ll walk you to the door. And, if no one is watching, I’ll give you a nod. C’mon,’ she said shaking her young head. ‘You old folk … Lentils! And you want compassion.’

‘One wants a mind that can play gracefully with ideas rather than one that arrives at violence of opinion merely’ – Oscar Wilde.

This week it been suggested that our school leavers (being covidly censored), instead of spending their dosh gallivanting around Europe and Asia, as was the wont of their parents, could begin pulling their own weight by replacing that cheap lost workforce – overseas backpackers. They could perhaps trade their labour for decreased HECS debts, it was said, or perhaps, reasonable medical care once they get old or injured – which of course, will be a very very long time. Teach them to ‘give back’, the fella said. Make the ‘gap-year’ productive to the state.

The Farmer’s Federation representative said, however, that she didn’t think it would work. That she couldn’t see kids straight out of school being able to adapt!

Well, well, doesn’t she think that these kids from overseas may also be straight out of school – no one seems to think it harms them in any way; no hugs or emergency calls to Mum or Dad – they’re forced to adapt. The true reason she thinks it won’t work, is, that they’d have to be paid properly (our kids, that is). They have rights not available to overseas kids, backpackers, refugees, the unemployed, and of course they’d kick up one hell of a fuss if they were treated like we treat this lot … Though, it would be good for our kids to see how we allow others to be treated. And to see what their labour’s actually worth.

Perhaps the solutions just to take away their mobile phones and internet access? Outta sight! Outta mind …

“Nothing is to be gained by submission to base oppressors; they flatter, and fawn, and coax, like crocodiles, for no other purpose, than to allure their victims to a more certain destruction.” – William Hone.