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Chasing the Dollar
- Aug 13, 2009 at 3:06 PM
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- Comments (42) Total Views (808) Everyone can see this journal post.
Driving to work this morning, I kept thinking of how capitalism has really done a number on our nation. Actually, I have been pondering this for quite some time. Sure, there are many aspects of America that other nations envy; our entrepreneurial spirit, endless opportunities, and fairly low taxes. With those come the not so pretty; greed, corruption and wastefulness.
On an individual level, greed and corruption can be seen in the way lawsuits are carried out. People no longer sue for what is necessary. I have seen this time and time again, from people that I know or work with. I am often shocked at how people readily admit that they did not need all of the money, but felt it was their right to go for the maximum amount. Heck, there are billboards posted on the streets where I drive that encourage people to visit a website to see who they can sue. Does anyone stop to think how this type of behavior affects everyone else?
On a societal level, we allow many of our choices to be manipulated by the industries who want our money. The majority of the population simply goes with the flow without stopping to ask questions. There are so many areas where this applies, but the main ones that come to my mind are the way we birth and feed our babies, as well as the food, vaccines and medicines we put into our bodies. Rarely does anyone stop to question if these decisions are improving our quality of life. Every single for-profit company has a vested interest in where we spend our money. Who do you think coordinates the majority of these studies or smear campaigns? Next time you read an article or see an advertisement trying to sway you, go to the source. You may or may not be surprised to learn that the funding almost always comes from an industry that has a monetary interest. Yet, time and time again this goes unnoticed by the masses and we allow ourselves to be manipulated and controlled by the very companies who want our money.
There is no denying it, we are a very wasteful nation. Our society puts so much emphasis on buying our way to happiness. This may lead to temporary happiness, but eventually you will want that slimmer, more updated model. How many of you actually wait for your old "stuff" to break before you buy new? Do you realize that household items like furniture are made to be thrown away? A furniture repair shop told me this when I found out it was going to cost more to fix our couch than to buy new. Our wastefulness can even be seen in our shopping habits from convenience items, individual packaging to throw away containers. This "throw away" mentality is a huge reason why we are consuming more than our fair share of the world's resources.
I apologize if I am coming across as depressing, but all this has really been bothering me lately. I went to college for Finance and Marketing, and was taught to believe that capitalism is the best system is the world. Now that I see the repercussions of what this system has caused I am no longer a believer.
Comments:
I agree wholeheartedly...
So true, Lorel. I am a reduce/reuse/recycle queen. I even have my kids doing it. My 13 year old dragged home a broken futon that the neighbors threw away and fixed it up and put it in his room. These are the same neighbors from whom I got a vintage red cart to put in my kitchen. I love it.
You crazy hippie. <3
Personally I feel that in order for a society to work at it's peak we need a fair balance of Socialism and capitalism. Lately it's been heavy on the Capitalism. It drives me nuts, especially when so many things that get thrown out are less than a couple years old.
On the flip side you can find these things for cheap or even free if you know the right places to look. Military Housing and colleges are KEY locations.
Kristi, I agree that we need some balance.
The hard part for society is that it IS possible to have capitalism and a moral compass. I don't think that it is capitalism per say (sp) that has brought about greed. I think that it is human nature. Unfortunately, capitalism is a perfect breeding ground. I do know that I a grateful that I can work hard and make a better life for myself and my family.
My biggest problem... saving all the things that could be usable if I had the time to fix them up... now my garage is a mess again.
Our society won't change until people realize they can be happy with less, and that they have to work for what they want.
As part of a society, we have to realize we have responsibilities, as well as rights. I've heard too many people lately say "Why should I pay more, or give up some of what I have?" , specifically about healthcare, when they don't even have an educated or informed opinion. It's all about gimme, gimme, gimme and don't let someone else get ahead of you.
Great journal post!
So true, Lorel. I am a reduce/reuse/recycle queen. I even have my kids doing it. My 13 year old dragged home a broken futon that the neighbors threw away and fixed it up and put it in his room. These are the same neighbors from whom I got a vintage red cart to put in my kitchen. I love it.
Great post! I agree with you!
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I too am no longer a believer. "Things" do not buy happiness, health and laughter do.
Your timing when it comes to a "sue" greedy nation is spot on a conversation I had at lunch. My boss told me that my husband should sue the company that let him go for 2 million dollars. Now my husband had said if he wins the edd hearing he'd considering suing for 2 years salary and benefits lost but he never ever would have considered going all greedy and asking 2 million. Absurd. I still don't know if we go after the wrongful termination suit, it's something to ponder but we're so stressed as it is another situation would surely send us over the edge.
My coffee pot is broken, but I didn't buy another one, I switched to tea.
- parrishsky
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