Over the last few months I have perusing a much broader selection of blogs and the comments thereof. I don't want to sound pedantic or holier than thou, but in a lot of cases I am simply amazed at some of the comments related to the current circumstances that we (the country, the populace, the economy, the individuals) find ourselves in.
It is not that people are upset, scared, concerned about what is going to happen to themselves and their families. That is perfectly natural. What is upsetting me are the cries that all of this is "unfair", and that this "shouldn't be happening". "Shouldn't be happening?" "Unfair?"
How did we get to a position where people assume that living in the lap of luxury by any historical or current international standard is a given? When people read about Zimbabwe or Somalia or Afghanistan or any of the number of other places that comprise the majority of the human race do they think they reading fiction. Do they stop for even a second to understand that they have been living in an incredible rare period of time when they are literally wallowing in luxury? This is mandated to us? We're supposed to expect that without having done anything to earn it it should just keep coming?
If you are a religious or spiritual person, I'd ask you this. Do you think God put you on this Earth for the purpose of having everything you want without worrying about it? Do you know the story of any saint or holy person that has ever achieved those higher states without suffering and sacrifice?
If you are a secular person, surely you believe in evolution, in the survival of the fittest. What happens to species that become over specialized, that can adapt to changing, harder, challenging circumstances? Oh that's right, they become extinct.
So what are we as a people going to do now that we are being faced with challenges - serious challenges - challenges that are going to demand sacrifice, fortitude, perseverance, will power, and a tolerance of pain and suffering. Are we going to huddle in groups a cry and whine because we are being challenged, because all the luxury we once had is going away?
Or are we going to understand that the only real growth, the only real reason for being alive is to respond to the challenges of life no matter how hard, no matter how long?
7 comments:
that is definitely one of the attitudes that made me happy to be leaving the US when I did. I have trouble putting up with whiners.
Whew! What blogs were you reading? Also- you sound like the grump.
I really enjoyed this post! You addressed several view points. I'm not sure we're going to go through "saint-like" suffering, not that you implied we were. Suffering in the US means what exactly? The threat of foreclosure looms over you, but not really because the last thing the bank wants is to own ANOTHER house? Going on unemployment for a couple of months and redoing your resume then going on interviews? Giving up Starbucks? Ok, that one was suffering a bit. Making do with less isn't suffering. Trying to make do with nothing is suffering.
Hey, Michael. Tom Zabrovsky here. How'd you get to the southwest?
Tom - moved in 93 from Maryland to escape business failure and to pursue lifestyle
I think the only way real change can take place in this country is if we have the rug pulled out from under us and learn to live within our means again. People don't know how to be careful or how to plan for the future.
Not that I'm looking forward to it, but I think the rug is going to be yanked...
These attitudes, I believe, are the result of The Nanny State mentality. Everything thinks that they deserve to be cared for and that it is their Birth right. I on the other hand say, should deal with it as it comes and work hard to provide for our families until we get ourselves to a better place.
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