Money, bribery and corruption in the wizarding world

[Steve]

No: HPFGUIDX 127356


--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "a_svirn" <a_svirn at y...> wrote:
> 
> --- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "Steve" <bboyminn at y...> wrote:
> 
> > ...the Weasleys ... have spending money, a house and land, plenty
> > of food to eat, and clothes to wear. They are working class. ...
> >  they get by just fine.
> > 
> 
> a_svirn:
> 
> The Weasleys are NOT working class. They may be impoverished but 
> they evidently come from the old and respected stock or they 
> wouldn't meet on the same family tree with Blacks. And as far as we 
> can see in the WW being well-connected is more important than just 
> being plain wealthy. 
>
> ...edited...
> 
> a_svirn

bboyminn:

Well, we are talking apples and oranges here. As a side note, I agree
with all your 'oranges' and don't see them at all conflicting with my
'apples'

You are addressing the Weasley's social class, were as I am addressing
their financial status. They have a lifestyle consistent with many of
the working class stiffs I grew up with. I come from a small town
rural working class area of the country where factory work is the
primary occupation. People are well able to provide for the basic
needs of life, food, shelter, clothing, transportion and the education
of their families, but at the same time, extravagances and luxuries
like fancy designer clothes and large well decorated houses in prime
neighborhoods are out.

>From a social perspective, I do agree with everything you said, can't
find a point to dispute, but from an economic perspective, I stand
firmly by everything I said.

Regarding the World Cup, it's true Arthur's connections and the fact
that he is generally well liked and respected did help get him
tickets, but to get premium Top Box tickets, which in the muggle world
are probably worth more than a years salary to most people, was
because of Harry. These Top Box seats are not for general guests, they
are for VIP's, honored guests, and visiting dignitaries; certainly not
for working guys with their large pack of kids and friends. For Arthur
to get such Premium seats on his own would mean that Bagman owed
Arthur an EXTREMELY large debt. But if we factor Harry into the
equation, then both Bagman and the Minister have reason to allow Harry
 and friends into the Top Box. Certainly, there we other good quality
seats that Bagman could have given, seats that weren't worth a kings
ransom.

So, just as the borrowed Ministry cars were because of Harry, just
like the Weasley's stay at the Leaky Cauldron was because of Harry
though courtesy of the Ministry. Just like the Weasleys manage to pay
for three extremely expensive taxis to London, again, I believe
courtesy of the Ministry. Just like Minister Fudge himself intercepted
Harry at the Leaky Cauldron rather than some junior underling, was
because Harry is Harry, and the Ministry knows that past, present, and
future, Harry is valuable to the Wizard World.  They may not know all
the details, but that much they do know, and that much they value.

Just a few thoughts.

Steve/bboyminn