That’s interesting. I hadn’t really made the connection between those two stories, but I see what you mean. I wouldn’t say that escalation is an essential part of storytelling as a whole, but I think there is a specific mode of science fiction storytelling in which extrapolation is a key part: taking an idea as far as it will go, trying to imagine what comes next, to the limit of your imagination.

As Roman governor of Judea, Pilate authorizes Jesus’ crucifixion, although he seems to be  swayed by political expediency rather than by a conviction that Jesus’ death is the appropriate outcome. He recognizes that jealousy fuels the actions of the chief priests even as he hands Jesus over “to satisfy the crowd” (Mark 15:15).

Despite the opposition, his growing popularity causes the power-elite—scribes, Pharisees, Herodians, chief priests—to fear him (see also 11:18; 12:12).

“It’s not the kind of publicity that we as Quakers of the twenty-first century appreciate,” said Elizabeth Watson-Semmons, a member of Palo Alto Meeting who signed the letter.

“If it’s possible that they could change Aunt Jemima, maybe there’s a world where they could change Quaker Oats,” Rogers said. Rogers hopes to draw on the history of confrontational Quakers who spoke truth to power rather than on the legacy of those who embraced quietism.

“Actually, Quakers are not getting anything beneficial out of this deal,” said Faith Josephs, of Charlotte (N.C.) Meeting, who signed the letter. The company could respond to having appropriated the Quaker name by funding Friends’ worldwide work, the letter suggests.

Working-class families must scratch together money to make these payments, while financiers and landlords retain their revenue streams.

Wealthier and whiter communities gained quick access to Fed funds in money markets