From the Book of Pangloss

And it came to pass in this shaken land of profit and inequity, where the sick are forsaken and the healers bound by gold, that three prophets of peace and compassion arose. Their names were Martin, who was called the King; Mohandas, the Great Soul; and Teresa, the Mother of Mercy. These three journeyed on the backs of heroically strong animals to the heart of the marketplace, to the very towers of Wall Street where the merchants of health sit on velvety chairs.

In these perilous days, the people groan under the weight of their afflictions, for life is bought with silver and denied to the poor. The elders of the land, the CEOs and owners of the for-profit empires, sit in their councils, growing fat on the suffering of the multitudes. Their hearts were hardened long ago when they said, “The wealth of this kingdom is ours, and the needs of the people are but a whisper against the clinking of our coins.”

Then the prophets came unto them, clothed not in finery but in righteousness. Martin spoke first, saying, “Woe unto you who build empires on the backs of the many! Have you not heard the cry of the oppressed? It is written, 'Whatsoever you do to the least of these, you do unto me.' Turn from your ways, for justice shall roll down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream.”

Mohandas then rose, his voice calm yet unyielding. “You speak of markets, but I speak of humanity. True wealth lies not in gold but in service to others. Disband your dominion of greed, for the path to peace is paved with selflessness. Resist not this call, for your souls and the soul of your nation hangs in the balance.”

Last, Teresa stood, her hands calloused from years of tending to the dying and the destitute. “I have held the hands of the forgotten and seen the light of God in their eyes. Each life is precious beyond measure. How can you put a price on the healing of a child, the comfort of the elderly? Repent, and let mercy guide you.”

The elders of Wall Street were struck to their core, for their words were as fire, burning away the veils of greed that had blinded them. Most cast off their fine garments and knelt before the prophets, saying, “What shall we do to be saved?” Three of the CEOs poured gas all over themselves, lit matches and died in balls of fire.

And Martin answered, “Give all that you have to the people. Dismantle your towers of profit and build instead a house of healing for all.”

Mohandas added, “Form a covenant among yourselves, not for gain but for service. Let there be no division by wealth or station, but equality in care.”

And Teresa said, “Establish a new order, one that places love above all. Appoint a steward to oversee this work, a servant of the people.”

Thus did the elders of Wall Street covenant to dismantle their empires and fund a universal system of care. They called it the Covenant of Healing, and they pledged their fortunes to its creation. A transitional committee was formed, with the prophets as its guides, and they sent forth a decree to Ronald, who was called the President.

Ronald McDonald, though once a jester in the eyes of many, hearkened unto their call. He proclaimed throughout the land, “Let it be done! The days of suffering are ended. From this day forth, no man, woman, or child shall be denied care for want of coin.”

And the people rejoiced, for their burden was lifted. The prophets departed, their work done, leaving the people with these words: “Love one another, for in this shall your nation find its salvation.”