Ted Rall for April 07, 2008

Transcript:

Man: We're like garish birds in a predator-rich environment. Woman: Please don't kill me or expropriate my property. Salesman: The Porsche Junkster can be parked in any slum! Woman: Oooo! Man: You say you're rich. Where's your ostentatious jewelry? Lifestyles of the Drab and Cowardly. The rich fear that their conspicuous consumption may provoke the rage of recession victims. They're spending millions on designer clothes other rich people will recognize but roving mobs will not. ("Homeless lady" wearing $100,000 in "shabby chic".) Luxury auto makers are producing hand-crafted vehicles that allow the wealthy to blend in. (V-24 Engine). Crappy-looking expensive watches are the ultimate subtle signifier. ($30,000 Timex. Designer Raccoon Fur). Trophy wives still wear rare rocks and minerals - on their private parts.(Hunger? Or Anorexia?) And for the guy who has everything but doesn't want anyone to know: Beach Vu. 1 RM shack. EXCLUSIVE Hamptons! $40M.