We're in for a year, at least. The Recession. WE're all in this together; nobody will remain untouched.
Just the other day, our favorite breakfast place, Grant's in Gold Beach, twenty-four miles south of us, was no longer serving breakfast. We were crushed. Wait a minute, we made the drive to eat here, and the place no longer serves breakfast? What a shame!
In our school district, we are closing one school and housing all elementary students together, to save bussing, maintenance, heat and water, and personnel costs. But, this will mean that seven people at least will not have a job, and their families might move out of town, impacting our businesses, real estate, and the very schools we are trying to maintain with cost cutting.
Some people don't get it. They look at the problem with a singular vision, how it affects them directly, failing to see that everything in a community connects to everything else. Our taxes support our government services, which in turn affect our quality of life.
We all need an attitude adjustment. No more, what can the government do for me, or how can the government take less of what I make, to a new point of view: HOW CAN WE WORK TOGETHER TO SEE THE BIG PICTURE, TO ENSURE OUR COMMON FUTURE?
The new mantra should not be how can we pay the fewest taxes, but how can we insure that our taxes support our ideals, our vision of the future. And YES, RICH PEOPLE, you made your money in this place, with our resources, with our support and laws, you need to support government services at the rate proportional to your wealth.
30 comments:
I think you are absolutely right on both counts: we ARE all in it together; and the first thing w need IS an attitude adjustment. Well said.
Well said! It's so very frustrating to read and hear of the divisiveness in Washington right now. Too many people with their own agendas instead of making the agenda about getting the country back on track. I guess I'm an eternal optimist and still have hope that we will overcome.
Great post.
Whoa! On your soapbox, are you? Never mind that I totally agree. Obama's words on education were very important last night. We have to make sure that all young people finish high school & go on to some other form of education whether it be community college, an apprenticeship, or university. What some people don't appear to realize is that even the disenfranchised in our country support all of us along with the middle income and the wealthy. Like my husband says we're going to have to pay for those unfortunates in one way or another. I'd rather see this support through education rather then paying for upkeep in prisons.
Hmmm, talk about on the soapbox!
Absolutely right.xx
Absolutely, LV!
Unfortunately, most have been brought up to look out for No1 first in times of trouble.
Dave King-I'm glad I'm not alone on this topic.
Amy-divisiveness got nothing done in the last eight years.
Cheryl-yes, schools, not prison and other social programs that will not prevent problems. Obama has it right.
Natalie-How sweet of you to stop in today. You're supposed to take it easy and recouperate. But then, that's what makes you so special, always taking care of others.
A Woman oNI- I need to learn your real name soon. Thanks for stopping by.
Chairman Bill-Welcome to this blog. I will have to visit and exchange rants with you.
I agree that it was selfishness (world wide) that got everyone into this mess but it will only by everyone pulling together we will all get out of it...
English Sheperd- I'm barking back at you.
If it's any consolation, I am optimistically thinking of moving to the US for part of the year, bacause struggling in Italy for the past 10-15 years has been so much worse than where America is now. I am with you 100%, and yes Obama has it right. I am the mother of a young child and my n.1 preoccupation is his education. Ciao cara
Rosaria, attitude adjustment, how right! You and I are old enough to remember the times when everything was scarce, and still we were quite happy. As your Italian friend says, America is now suffering on a high level, but it is NOT poor. If this attitude adjustment would grow, then even a mulitude could be fed with two loaves and five fishes... We are all in the same boat, but that is a great chance to look at my fellow rower!
If it is of any comfort - this 'me attitude is universal. The recession is hitting everywhere. Our Gov't has chosen to put our county into 42 billion dollar debt - by giving every aussie about $900 and every school about 2 million. Of course there is a catch - the schools are not allowed to improve existing structures - they have to build new ones. So many Aussies are planning to spend their $900 overseas or tucking it away in saving - when the Gov't want you to spend NOW (in Australia) and then there are those who are going to put themselves into further debt by purchasing a luxury (over $900) with no means of paying off the debt (interest will be a killer). So, welfare will be stretched and the tax payers dollar will go towards rescuing the short sighted.
What a problem. I really don't understand politics very well - does it show?
If only we all worked cooperatively for the common good and welfare of our communities - such would be the perfect plan!
I guess if it starts with one person (me)or (you) - well that makes two already.
Attitude adjustment? We can do it!
It's strange how recession can affect people. A taxi driver I rode with recently replied when I commented that the roads are surprisingly empty that "Sir, when there's not much business going there're nothing for people to travel to, so many vehicles are off the road, and hence they're emptier!"
I am a strong believe in more tax paid by those who can most afford it.
A society should be judged on how they treat those less fortunate than themselves.
xoxoxo
Lola,I didn't realize Italy was having such problems.
Angela, yes, we were poor but accepting of our lot and working hard to succeed. More and more people, though, when they became successful, forgot to help others, became selfish and self-serving.
Mary-thanks for the lesson on Australian politics. We could learn from each other if we were not so self-centered and stubborn.
Anil-welcome to my blog. Thank you for stopping by.
Renee-Well said.
It has been sad and startling to see the ripple effect all over the world, and in our own backyard. I drove by a bakery I had missed for a few weeks. There was sign saying, "Our business has closed." I drove aawy with tears. They personalized this economy in a sign on the door.
Thanks for dropping by my blog and leaving such a kind comment!
I've always lived below the poverty line, and I really think it's amazing to watch others join me. So much more company now, all in the same boat, as they say. As a lifer, let me tell you, it's not that bad. I can't even imagine having some of the money everyone's worried about loosing.
It is amazing how all those guys who got wealthy with their gambling are now squealing at the prospect of higher taxes and having to hand back their unearned bonuses.
it can even be noticed here, in a diamond-rich country which relies on exports of diamonds. sales are way down. interesting times, but trying to be positive as ever, and counting my blessings that our business isn't, as yet, affected... :)
Your words are so true. We were just discussing at Bible study last night how quickly it could be one of us who is hit hard. Now, more than ever, is the time to help each other in word, thought and deed.
I am still dismayed at the salaries some heads of banks and corporations are taking for themselves. Yes, they have given up incentives - how kind of them! But who in the whole wide world is worth $9 million a year (certainly not the CEO of a Canadian bank!!). There is still much to be done by some of these, in my opinion.
Thanks for posting such thoughtful discourses.
Thank you for your wonderful comment today. It's great to see you were an educator - my first novel listed, on the acknowledgement page, the teachers who inspired me.
Bless you and all those who teach or have taught.
What a lovely concept. Such a terrible pity human nature wont, I think, let it work. We seem to be, as a species, a greedy, apathetic, intolerant bunch. Dont think this will change unless there is a tangible threat to the human race, you know, really tangible, in your face threat. 'Big yellow thing in the sky' (Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy) Now that might see us all pulling together for once.
Lakeview, that’s the right attitude. It is time to reassess our priorities and to give due value to education especially. My novel S.A.D. (not published yet) is about school politics and community. I’m happy to connect with you. Nice photo too!
The Things we Carried- I've learned your story and have a lot to learn about mother's love. Thanks for stopping by.
Andrea- yes, if you have never been there, you would not have sympathy or understanding either.
Lulu- Thanks for stopping by.
Karen- I do hope this recession stops here and now. It has been too viral already.
Crystal- CEO's had it good for decades; they didn't have to perform to get their bonuses. Why were we not complaining?
David- I'm honored by your visit.
Marianne- I believe humans can work at improving their basic instincts of greed, deceit,,, We can't say we have made much progress, though.
Sarah Lawrence- I'm looking forward to your book. Thanks for stopping by.
27 Comments! I hope mine gets lost in the shuffle! The terror is that there will not be enough earners to pay for those that can't earn. I believe in bringing fears out into the open and the bail outs don't keep me from "fearing fear itself'. Sometimes a wood should burn in order to promote new growth, but what politician would stake their reputation on saying "let it burn"?
Mark,
This is probably such an enormous problem that no one solution will be sufficient. It's like the teen who took mother's car and ran into a tree. We need to get her to the emergency room first.
Hi Rosaria, thanks for your kind words yesterday. I am feeling a bit better today, have had a few good chats to wise people. Hugs,Natalie.x
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