The Religion of the Golden Calf

Catholicism has been replaced by Consumerism

Letters from Vienna #22

The new, universal, religion has long been that of the Golden Calf, Catholicism replaced by Consumerism while Big Banks not merely marvels of modern architecture, in the way Baroque churches once were, but also the focus of divine hope, salvation and redemption.

Thus, when governments want to punish the masses they decide to restrict the one freedom they still have: the freedom to shop. Despite these measures the average citizen remains resilient, wary and undefeated.

It is nice to see so many going about their normal, daily business or simply out for a walk or shopping once more; Vienna is more relaxed than it has been for months. Of course, there is still a crazy minority who wear face diapers outside (even when jogging or cycling!) but in a few shops a number cover their visages, a number don’t, in others: no one does, and in others still: everyone does. The “mask discipline” is also breaking down on public transport; even the private security details seem to have ceased caring; and why should they? They’re paid a pittance to do so.

Viennese habits seem to have shifted slightly: more people stay home at night, more buy online and more stock up than before while fewer are getting the jab, which is the real reason the “2G” (jab or test) restrictions have been lifted. Even Big Pharma seems to have seen the limits of “nudging” (the last round of lockdowns were counterproductive) and people are sick of it all.

Much damage, such as restaurants closed for all eternity, has been done yet Vienna seems, on the whole, resilient and many seem oblivious to the struggle for the Austrian soul.

Thus, while many good citizens honked horns, waved flags, demonstrated and partied on Friday night (see letter #16) others went to the opera or a restaurant, a cafe or a fancy bar. On the whole the Viennese simply want to be left alone. The average citizen is what is frequently called a “Gemütlichkeitsidiot”, someone much attached to creature comforts, peace and quiet.

The current chancellor and object of mockery: Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) (how long he will actually stay is unclear) announced on Sunday that compulsory vaccination might well be suspended if enough (nameless and extremely dodgy) “experts” say so (responsibility for most “Corona measures” has long ceased to be in the hands of elected officials here).

What this all means remains to be seen. Suspension is clearly not repeal. The law was only passed recently (see letter #9) yet the political pressures behind the scenes (see letter #14) seem to be mounting. The ÖVP, as all the other main parties (SPÖ, Greens & Neos), face political extinction while the ineffectual and supine president is confronted with the prospect of early retirement.

The key question is: what will happen after Friday? The health minister: Wolfgang Mückstein (popularly and disparagingly, referred to as “Mücki”) has until then to declare to the constitutional court why these extreme and increasingly unpopular measures are in place. The answer of course is: Big Pharma and the Global Deep State (aka what Catherine Austin Fitts terms: “Mr. Global”). This though Mückstein will not admit, which is why he might have to resign and the measures cease and desist.

The average citizen is sick to death of being plagued by them. And he or she is tired of being told that there will be “waves of sickness” in the future or that if someone dies after getting vaccinated it is sheer coincidence, after all: people die all the time!

Simultaneously the more aware citizens are thinking about how to avoid the vaccine mandate and its legal and financial repercussions. It is good to be prepared for the worst-case scenario and it is a good idea to stock up just in case.

There is a hint of Spring in the air. It is a wonderful, sunny, cool day and, although some have suffered and others been killed or maimed by the jab (every day one sees ambulances slinking silently away) many in Vienna are hopeful. Things are looking better than they have in months; the popular, peaceful and civilised resistance to the murderous, fascistic barbarism is working.