Vampire stories have been popular for over a hundred years. The concept of blood-sucking undead creatures preying on innocent victims has a certain appeal, especially when vampires are depicted as mysterious, powerful, and attractive. But do vampires really exist, regardless of novels and movies? The answer seems to be yes; both in culture and in commerce.
This article exposes the true vampires
Blood in the streets
There is a great story that demonstrates a business strategy similar to that of a vampire. During the Napoleonic wars there was much speculation about who would win the Battle of Waterloo (1815). Would the British Coalition triumph or would the French, under Napoleon’s leadership, win? As is often the case in times of uncertainty, entrepreneurs, investors and speculators weigh the financial consequences. One such individual, a wealthy banker, Baron Nathan Rothschild, knew that money could be made. Due to their wealth and connections, people correctly believed that they would have access to information that was not available to everyone. His sources, spies, and intelligence would surely give him an early intelligence advantage. If he learned of a French victory, British investments would weaken.
Knowing that the British had won the battle, he began to deliberately sell British investments upon realizing that the public and more importantly the investment community would be watching his every move. So he sold stocks en masse, and like the lemmings, other investors did the same. All but the baron assumed that the British had lost. Panic ensued and prices fell. At the height of the sales frenzy, Rothschild began to buy seriously at much cheaper prices. And when the official result of the battle was revealed, prices skyrocketed. He made a fortune on the misinformation and misjudgment of his fellow investors. Significant stock price manipulation had taken place.
The Rothschild family became the dominant banking dynasty in Europe, due to the baron’s advice to “buy when there is blood in the streets.”
A “scam” society
Despite regulatory agencies, laws, and codes of ethics, legitimate consumers and entrepreneurs lament the fact that we have become a scam society. That fair deals are a thing of the past and that the way to make money is by manipulating and deceiving or exploiting others. We hear about predatory lenders, financial institutions that prey on the poor and less creditworthy. We read about price speculation Y hidden charges. We see Wall-Streeters practice insider trading. We experience excessive interest rates, disproportionate late fees, etc. We learn from multi-billion dollar corporations (such as General Power Y General motors) who do not pay income taxes, while we struggle to pay. We watch our government print and spend money like crazy while we have to cut costs or borrow money to survive.
Yes there are real vampires
Not all vampires inhabit the pages of novels or the stills of movies. Real bloodsuckers are less interesting but more dangerous and their target is not that vein in your neck but that money in your wallet or money in your bank account.
What can be done?
Americans have not always been a passive group. Perhaps it is time to ignite a spirit of disgust, outrage, and activism. When you learn of unfair consumer practices, dishonest companies, fraud, unethical dealings, etc., don’t just agree. Make a complaint. If your elected representatives are not looking out for your interests, send them an email and if they do, vote for someone else in the next election. This country is full of good, ethical and hardworking people; It’s time to hold the real evildoers and vampires accountable.
