This quote offers a provocative perspective on the nature of social and economic class structures in contemporary society. By asserting that individuals are 'free agents' within a 'noncoercive class system,' it challenges traditional notions of class as something rigidly defined or enforced by overt coercion. Instead, it suggests a landscape where social mobility and economic participation are seen as matters of personal choice, perhaps implying that the system, while seemingly free,functions in a way that absolves the elite or 'blue-state rich' from responsibility for the struggles faced by workers. The mention of Brooks' conclusion—that concern for workers' issues is 'yet another deluded affectation'—serves as a critique of a certain paternalistic or performative sympathy embedded within liberal or progressive circles that may, deliberately or inadvertently, perpetuate complacency or disconnect from the realities of the working class. At its core, this reflection prompts us to examine how societal narratives are constructed around class and economic disparities. Are we genuinely free to choose our paths, or are systemic barriers subtly shaping outcomes? Do the gestures of concern from the more privileged classes translate into meaningful change, or are they mere affectations that shield the comfortable from confronting uncomfortable truths? The quote invites a deeper analysis of the ways in which societal perceptions and political rhetoric can obscure underlying inequalities and realities. It challenges the reader to critically question not only the legitimacy of the concept of a 'free' class system but also the sincerity of concern expressed by those insulated from hardship. This perspective underscores the importance of scrutinizing the structures of privilege and power that often go unquestioned in public discourse, highlighting the necessity for genuine awareness and transformation to address ongoing inequities.