Plantation masters and corporate bosses

Last night I walked along the street of an historic business district. Nearly all the small stores are shuttered, while at the new interchange by the expressway I had visited earlier, large corporate retailers are expanding.

Small business ownership offered citizens independence and freedom, compared to the mega corporation's inherent centralized control. It struck me as the difference between a sustenance farmer making his own decisions on his own land, to that of a slave taking orders on his master's plantation.

Yes, small businesses can not provide many of the items we now think are necessary, but material happiness is a relative feeling. The more you have, the less you appreciate. Besides, what price do you put on your freedom?

I longed to share in their simpler and freer lifestyle back then, on my walk last night.