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Howard Fox's avatar

Deep, philosophical. Tokens and being hacked I think describes Earth very well. Thanks for letting me read this!

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Barbara Williams's avatar

You might enjoy some of my serious writing that lies behind this evolving story of the Jacksons and their evaluation of our species. https://poemsforparliament.uk/blog/

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Joakim Blytt's avatar

This was an absolute masterclass in speculative critique!

The pacing, the tone, the humor - it’s all razor-sharp, but what elevates this piece is how deftly it turns a mirror back at us. The Jacksons’ calm, clinical dissection of Earth’s token system cuts deeper than any angry manifesto ever could. And Brew’s theory? That it wasn’t an accident but an installation? Chillingly plausible in the best sci-fi tradition.

There’s something deeply satisfying - and unsettling - about watching humanity’s systems examined from the outside, not with judgment, but with eerie fascination. The proposed “performance review” isn’t just a clever twist - it’s a scathing metaphor delivered with wit and precision.

Brilliantly written.

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Barbara Williams's avatar

Yes, it always astonishes me how Marcus turns my serious ideas into playful humour. What would you make of my real-life ideas I wonder? They are very radical. Let me know if you feel inclined to read any of my articles, they are linked into my blog: https://poemsforparliament.uk/envisioning-eco-equity

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Joakim Blytt's avatar

“Radical” is often where the real truth starts, doesn’t it? 👌🏻 Checking out the blog!

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Gustav Clark's avatar

I enjoyed that. Intriguing idea. Not sure that why the 6 agents are all on the US, or how China fits in, but excellent work.

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Karen Maisch Gray's avatar

Interesting, thought-provoking story. And an enjoyable read.

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René Volpi's avatar

Very, very interesting story. Look forward to your future posts.

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