05:23 Dec 26, 2011 

I agree with the above comment. The original text is quite a bit stronger than the "millstone" because it means not just a burden or difficulty but the actual danger and threat (from third parties).

16:02 Dec 22, 2011 

Those who had property, especially if they employed other people to work for them, were branded 'capitalists' and 'blood-suckers' with all the ensuing consequences, including sometimes a rope around the neck - literally. At the very least, they and their children were blacklisted for life and discriminated against. For example, children of wealthy (and even not so wealthy) farmers and small business owners could not enter university.