reply to post by SLAYER69
I don't see any marked change, Slayer. Granted, I no longer live in the U.S., however I read the same news sources (or is there really ANY news
left?).
To me, what we're on the cusp of loosing is the work ethic. At least where I grew up, there wasn't much of a sense of entitlement.... When I
was a wee sprout, I wanted money to buy stuff. My Dad started me cleaning up dog poop for five cents per hour. I was five years old.
I quickly identified that this was a less-than-savory job, and struck out for better employment, learning things, gaining some skills, all the while
cleaning up dog poop, and then irrigating fields for extra hours. This was in addition to my regular ranch chores, which were not paid duty -- it
was my indentured servitude to my family, and everyone I knew did the same.
I gave notice to my father at age 10, and went to work for a large farmer irrigating his fields. There were a few priviledged kids where I grew up,
but for the most part, we all did much the same, and it wasn't considered extraordinary. Once a year, we all got out of school for a week for the
potato harvest, and again for opening of deer hunt. So it went.
I think that pioneering spirit gets diluted somewhat by living and breeding in urban sprawls; I think the sense of competition is so great that some
flourish and others secumb to the grind and loose their heart.
Perhaps I was asleep (God, I hate that expression) as a young adult, but I didn't fear my government. I didn't always trust the politicians, but
I believed that my government had a job to do, and we had jobs to do, and one supported the efforts of the other.
What a great country it was. Whatever I put my mind to, I could do. I had six different businesses over time, and they made it or failed (all but
two) based solely upon my own elbow grease and ingenuity.
I have never purchased a brand new automobile in my life -- just never valued a new car the way some do. No shame to wanting a new car.
I never expected my government to bail my ass out of my own troubles, and I was never disappointed. I was once homeless, and after that made an
effort to give others a hand up as I was given.
I don't see much of a sense of teamwork or people who value helping others, and I can understand how some get that way, truly. It's easy to look
around and see what is wrong, who doesn't seem to do much to further themselves, but difficult to set aside our judgements and extend a helping hand
to someone. That's the REAL investment, IMHO, that is needed -- encouraging businesses to pay better wages, keep American citzens employed, not
outsource their production, knowing all the while that it will initially cost the consumer much more.
Ever pick sugar beets or slip melons? There's a reason that those jobs often go to those who are not citizens....... they are willing do do
whatever they have to for crap wages to feed their families, and there's no shame to that. No, the shame is on the consumer, who whines and gripes
about the high cost of things and buys most of their goods at Walmart or other cheap outlets that do little to support or stock home-built goods.
Not to say that there is much that is built in the U.S. anymore. Last year, my Bride and I paid about USD $1200 for a tandem tricycle, a
Worksman trike built in the U.S. of A. since the late 1800's. yes, it was
expensive and an extravagance, but it's solid. It's like me...... doesn't go fast, but it's heavy work and durable. We need more goods like
this, and if a business can't survive, then it needs to fail naturally, and be supplanted with another business than can survive.
Yes, we need social service programs, and there are those that need help that truly cannot help themselves, or need a hand up. That is also part of
the American spirit. What we do not need is the mindset that the gubment will take care of your and yours if you just elect to drop out. We have
the right to work our butts off, and we have the right to starve if we are otherwise able-bodied, but choose to become a spud (no offense to the tasty
starchy vegetable of my youth).
Of course, [you may think], how DARE I say such things?? I didn't stay, nope, I left my beloved country. You're right, if so. I really have no
right to criticize. It's true, we'd had enough, and our perception of some patterns indicated to us that it was time to scoot.
I don't think the American spirit is dead; I just think that many are numb, and afraid, and we've lost the illusion that our political pundits give
a damn what we think about anything. These next few years will tell the tale, as we watch the possible global abandonment of the United States.
Who could blame them? As you mentioned, frequently Americans abroad are viewed as arrogant and offensive; I've seen it here myself. So the U.S.
becomes a lower order dog, relinquishing the top dog spot. Good deal. Just what the doctor ordered. Maybe then we can get back to the order of
the day, which is the rebuilding of the country -- the infrastructure, the investment in education, the business opportunities, free enterprise, and
good old American ingenuity.
is it just me, or do you hear a fife in the background?
Rant over. Thanks for the space.
[edit on 5/11/09 by argentus]
