One of the most brilliant distillations of wisdom is Mr. Hoffer’s observation: “Movements turn into businesses. Businesses turn into rackets.”
We have but to look at the Great Society Programs instituted by President Johnson. All of them are now rackets. More recently, the “Ozone Hole” turned into an excuse to let manufacturers of freon raise their prices from a dollar a can to twenty dollars a can. What was once a simple process of putting freon in our air conditioners may now only be done by a “licensed professional.” Being comfortable on hot days has become a racket. Those who drive on hot days in heavy traffic are especially willing to pay this extortion, a fact to which those who started the movement were not blind.
Similar rackets exist with virtually every phase of the environmental movement. While most of those who think such things are important are sincere, they are equally simple. Many are unable to realize the vast profits generated by environmental frauds. The grassroots environmentalists will never see a nickel from their efforts. Those higher up on the environmental food chain are pocketing millions. Al Gore is alleged to have banked over fifty million dollars since leaving public office.
It is important for Catholic Fundamentalists to understand both the depth and the profitability of frauds. Mr. Hoffer’s accurate summing-up, “Movements turn into businesses. Businesses turn into rackets.” should never be far from our analysis of the world around us.
There are two reasons for this. First, we must save our own souls. Secondly, we have a duty to try to help others save their souls, as well. Understanding the motivations for movements is a great help.
