eugene
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After retiring, I have spent time studying American history and as far as I can tell what we’re seeing today is what we’ve always been. I read blogs/comments and Americans appear to me to be a bunch of compliant, bitching, blaming people who really care less about anything or anyone beyond their living room. And as I contemplate my life from the vantage of 73, I’ve been that way myself. It’s the American line ie we’re smarter, better, more democratic (actually we’re a republic which is a statement in itself) and just plain better than anyone else on the planet. As for violent brutality we’re a bit better than Nazi Germany but on the continuum somewhere. Just as easy to manipulate, program and control but, of course, think we’re so free. When things are tough, we blame the other guy and when they’re good, we don’t even do that.
From the get go, I thought this was all due to global slowdown but American distraction has turned it into an energy issue. Assuming there is some new level at which things will stabilize and an ever increasing global population, it’s only a matter of time until energy limits are slammed into again.
People absolutely hate insecurity and avoid it at all costs. Consequently, we have a future of optimistic predictions, crazy solutions, deep pessimism, massive denial and all the other things people do as they scramble to feel “secure”. Will be one helluva ride.
I always enjoy the “lecturer” who shows up in comments sections. If you had just done everything perfectly (like me) you would have made a lot of money. Too bad you’re so stupid. The reality the “success” was due to a good bit, if not all, luck/coincidence. Unfortunately, those of living in our “stupid” world have things happen that are unplanned or we, actually, make an imperfect decision once in a while. I remember, as a very young, inexperienced man, doing similar lectures. Couple of unplanned layoffs, some illness, a divorce, you know, life kinds of things that happen taught me some humility and the lectures stopped. In the end, things worked out, reasonably, anyway and not because I’m some kind of genius but made a couple of decisions that worked out.
Many yrs ago, as an Air Force pilot, used to go to Vegas (I’m not a gambler) and listened to endless tales of brilliant gambling, how much I won, etc but learned there were always part of the story left out.
From reading most comments, watching TV, etc, I don’t see much of being able to wrap our heads around how the tens of millions living on 50K, let alone 20-30K, live. The ignorance re the invisible masses of Americans is staggering to say the least. I live in an area where the average family income is 35K so thoughts of wind power, solar power and all the rest of the “solutions” I commonly see may as well be on the moon. These people are going without medical care, food, etc. Buying a set of tires for the car is a major expense and we talk of electric cars when they are struggling to pay for a half worn out used one.
it is obvious to me that the vast majority of commenters and bloggers are living a standard of living far beyond the masses. I read a statement (MSN columnist) stating the increase in energy costs was having minimal impact on the economy. What planet is this guy living on?
I find myself becoming ever more disconnected from the world I read and watch. Things are so abstract I can’t relate. I, too, have trouble wrapping my head around things but it’s the modern world I can’t relate to.
