Much of the corruption & self-dealing behavior in America stems from fear rather than greed: the unremitting harshness of the lower echelons of American life creates a horror of downward social mobility. Protecting one's kids from that fate rationalizes pathological behavior.

— Nils Gilman (@nils_gilman) April 3, 2020

Yup. Most people would do nearly anything for themselves and their kids to avoid being kicked down to the lower tiers. Even if they won’t admit it, they know it’s hell down there. And they’re right. I’ve been there; it is hell.