Lines: The Great Equalizer

Awl pal Matthew J. X. Malady makes the good point that waiting in line is what makes America great — even as we invent more and more “perks” that allow the well-off to line-hop at every opportunity. Our near future, sorry to say, is a two- or three-line class system. He does not even address TSA Pre-Check, which allows the elite to not only bypass the airport security line but actually get into their own line. (And keep our shoes on!) That’s where America is going. (See you there? No, not you, poor person, I meant the well-dressed fellow next to you.)