The unforgiving minute

Then:

The law, in its majestic equality, forbids the rich as well as the poor to sleep under bridges, to beg in the streets, and to steal bread.

19th Century French
satirist Anatole France

Now:

[W]e are a blessed people when our poor have cell phones.

21st Century blogger
Kathryn Jean Lopez

The difference, of course, was that France was being ironic, whereas Lopez is simply being clueless.

It's such a fine line between stupid and clever.

Immortal rock icon
David St. Hubbins

Minute's up.