In another context / locale, I might see the sculptor's symbolism. Located as the theme of a mere Corporate money prestidigitation/washing commodity broker:

The sculptor may be forgiven for his inspiration; the purchasing droids are forgiven for their insouciance: how Rare when Corp-Am is so solidly hoist by own petard. (B of A has of course, its own sordid history and I have my personal one, to boot:)

When my Mater was borrowing $ for my schooling, a 'loan' at B of A on #1 Powell St. in SF was negotiated. It was secured with common stock, which she had used in pref. to idiotically low "interest" rates. Later on, as I examined this paper and the "payment book" - I noted that they had charged her regular "chattel mortgage" (unsecured consumer loan) rates.

When I went there to complain, the guy in office said .. after contemplating but offering no *rebate:

* see: it was a Holy Contract. Caveat Emptor (this in pre-calculator days). Wanna try to evaluate I=I_o e^kt in your head?

"Y'know, most people don't pay any attention to "The Rate". In fact, many just ask, Can** I get it?" [huh? huh? Daddy? Can I ??]

** yes, the distinction may/can is another hors de combat of dumbth + Language pollution.

I was too young to have presence of mind to pursue up the Corp Ladder, and continue to point out that they had stolen $, and I wanted restitution. Still.. this Official! dishonesty + dissembling taught me Two Things at an early-enough age:


1) Notice what a pack of thieves! wear.. expensive Suits.

2) Notice what insatiable desire to Get Now / Pay Later: COSTS.


In the end I think the Lesson was worth the cost - I have ever since diverted any business (mine or others', when I had the chance) away from BA and its social Darwinist crew. It daily gets harder to know Whom to boycott, but my sleaze file is open-ended.


Ashton