The-Atlantic-thefemalesurvivalist

Every morning I take a good walk in the woods. The colors are beautiful, changing a bit earlier this year. I find myself thinking all sorts of random stuff, analogies for the current world mess.

My last post about the tunnel may have raised eyebrows, What the hell is she talking about?
No doubt you've heard of that proverbial tunnel, that there is a light at the end of it? All the troubles we go through, but there's hope just around the bend? That sort of thing.

Well, economists are now forecasting years into the future of the same old mess, maybe worse than what we are now experiencing. All these federal programs to create jobs are turning out to be flops. Flops, absolute debt raising, false hope-dependency creating, flops.
Of course there are also major scandals, but as one Harvard professor put it, nothing illegal. Immoral, certainly, but all legal maneuvers by top corporations and banks to enrich themselves.


So I thought about the analogy of a solar panel when all you have is rain. Not going to work. The solar panel will work once the rain is gone.
Just like all this national debt from gluttony of wars, dependence on foreign oil, roller coaster stock market, regulations for mandatory health care, and out of control consumerism without resources to pay for it. Its holding back the light. We have to get these things solved.

The people Occupying Wall Street, camping out in Atlanta, and all across the country? Before you start a protest, figure out what you're protesting. Protesting Greed? How is banging a bunch of bongo drums, dancing with balloons on your head,  and marching with signs asking "Where's the Love" going to make any CEO do anything? Greed is not illegal. Neither is not hiring your ass.

So, get you a torch, make something happen, start a business, prepare like  survivalists are doing. Get a realistic list of goals, a mission statement. Are we wanting socialism? Firing every congress person and revamping the entire thing?

I don't have the answers. Not sure I even have the right questions.
 
My bottom line is there is no functioning light at the end of this economic world wide mess. No one knows when things will turn around. There are jobs for those willing or able to relocate, to learn new skills, become self employed. Its hard, but while we're under a capitalistic system, business owners and CEOs have the right to not create any jobs.

Anyways, that's my excuse for yesterday's post and I'm sticking to it.

I watched In the Money yesterday, a news program on CNN, and Bill Maher. I know! Both liberal leaning stations.

But the same thread was evident in both broadcasts. We're in the midst of a new reality, a "generational reset" of expectations that began and still continues, sence 2008. Michael Moore was part of Bill's panel. I like him if for no other reason the guy will say what he thinks, passionately.

At the end of Maher's show, most of the people present agreed a turning point, a peaceful revolution was building. People have had enough, yet the momentum has not reached the tipping point.

Knowing CEOs get paid ungodly bonuses while 14 million are unemployed and 17 million are underemployed (like Dad working for McDonald's, part time, that kind of thing) and the government paid 16 bucks for one lousy muffin and 8 bucks for a single dam cup of coffee....that's a $24 dollar breakfast http://news.yahoo.com/16-muffins-8-coffee-served-justice-audit-023623142.html .

Sort of makes the common person pissed.

All kinds of theories fly about how and when the people will reclaim their power. It sure won't be with any of the GOP candidates we currently see debating.

Just my two cents, anyways.

I watch Your Money on CNN every Sunday at 3:00 p.m. Today they started the program, then changed to the 9/11 Coverage of the President Landing and shaking hands.

Its almost like the terrorists gave us a Holy Day. Americans feel solidarity, a oneness we forget on other days. A very sad time for all.

But, on the money front, a recent poll showed that 82% of Americans believe we are still in the same recession. You will hear very few "experts" say this. They claim we are in danger of a second recession, the first one having ended in 2009.

But, if our economy is based on consumer's spending, up to 70% they claim, and consumers believe we are still in the same recession, wouldn't this be the time to trot out the old adage: Perception is Reality?

Now, I don't always agree with that adage. Things can look totally true and obvious, and be 100% wrong. I'm reminded of the time I shot a pile of mulch around a tree, Sure it was a brown rabbit. I need my glasses.

One of the guests on the show noted that we have 1 Million less jobs now than before that last similes of 800 million was spent. Not the desired outcome. Funny how they expect small businesses to hire when the current employees aren't even busy. No customers!

The approval rating for congress stands at 14%. This is bad news for you all, congress people take note. All this fighting and B Essing when our country needs intelligence is not doing you any favors.

Lets see, they claim that durable goods ( the big stuff like refrigerators and appliances) sold very well a few months ago. Well, dugh. If my refrigerator breaks, doncha think I'm going to replace it? Eventually durable goods do need replacing, we can put it off only so long.

That sounded like a rant getting started. But, I'm going to say kudoos to Ken Rodoff, Professor at Harvard University for saying what we all believe, its the same recession.
 

In my Web Travels I came across this link and found the blog to have a lot of good stuff. I expect to spend the next day just getting a taste of it! Of course, it will go in my  favorites, for future enjoyment and education.

http://troublesometimesarehere.blogspot.com

As we wait for our government to do its job, quit jerking us around,  just raise the debt ceiling cause it has to be done,(even if just a few billion dollars) it's important to enjoy life.

I was reading a treatsie http://www.economist.com/node/21524079
last night about the unemployed getting used to not having a boss. Even self employment emplies a boss, oneself. It further stated that having a boss sucked. I'm with you there.
The article was about Post Materialism. I found that word intriguing so went right on over to Wikipedia to see what it was.

A bunch of jargon later and I'm left with this simple idea: a life philosophy where Being is more important that Having. Its about being self determined and actuated.

I think Minimalism is a good synonym for Post Materialism. Those of us into minimalism don't plan on changing anytime soon. They say our national economy is about 60% consumer spending. Heads up: if you economists are waiting for us minimalists to step up to the plate and buy stuff, forget it now.

OK, so this article also dealt with the idea of the Threshold Earner: a person who had a specific economic bracket they wanted to fit into. They are content earning that amount. Once that amount is earned, they use their time to enjoy life with the idea that more "down time" or unemployed time was a good thing. A guy asked Thoreau's what on earth should he do with all his spare time during retirement?  Our hero, Henry David advised, " well, then just keep working until you can afford your free papers."

I admit to having an unnaturally strong work ethic. I'm trying to funnel that into creative endeavors, all of which do not have to produce tangible goods.