To the Country, You’re Nobody—But Don’t Hide Your Wallet
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In letters, the state is a caring father; in real life, it’s a humorless debt collector. The letters warm your soul, the bills—your wallet

The state is like an ex with big promises and a leaky memory. With one difference: you regularly hand this ex your money.
Crisis? Hang in there!
Prices are jumping, there’s no work, the dollar is soaring, inflation adds fuel to the fire. Your support? “Hang in there” and an extra 12% on your bill.
Your car got stolen?
The police will pat you on the head, open a case, and drop it into a bottomless pit of folders. Crimes only get solved on TV—no resources delivered here.
Scammer emptied your account?
Are you over 18? Then it’s your own fault. The bank washes its hands, the state shrugs: “We’re for honest business!” For whom—they won’t specify.
Neighbor making a mess?
Everyone nods, promises to look into it. They look into it slowly: you have insomnia, they have bureaucratic yoga. Officially, you filed a complaint—that’s enough to consider the job done.
Forgot to pay your taxes?
This is where they wake up instantly: letters fly, fines rain down, the system goes into combat mode. The social function only kicks in when it’s about filling the budget.
Conclusion: No one will save you but you
The state is a fiction on paper, pomp in the law, and a debt collector in real life. Everything else is on standby. So build your own little fortress: in your head, your apartment, your chat. Because the state is always on pause, but your debts—never.
Max Sharp
Author