Friday, June 12, 2009

Today's The Day

Today is the day the nation turns their TV watching to all digital. Another sign of our technical advances. To me, it's also an indication/reminder of how our country is doing. The switch was supposed to be made months ago. But, it was determined that not enough people were ready - so, the current administration decided that the date for the change will be pushed forward. From what I can gather, those broadcasting were ready - just the citizens that would be tuning in were not. What's happening to our country? What happened to...if you're not ready there's a consequence. No lives are at stake if a household is not able to watch television for a week or two...or a day or two - depending on how quickly you decide to purchase and hook up the equipment. My guess is that most of the country already had the technology to make the switch without doing anything at all. It makes no sense to me - it's as if the government is stating that we, as a country, don't need to take responsibility for our own actions. It's also a huge statement of - 'There's no reward for following directions or being prepared.'.
I see a trend...this seems to me to be just one example of 'the government' trying to fix what the 'people' have (or have not) done. It seems our economy could take a different turn if we (as a nation - it is our tax dollars that are being used) didn't give money to big companies that have 'gone under' by a previous definition, or help out the housing business because some huge blunders have been made in the past - just a couple of examples. I'm not saying I have any big answers - I'm just saying it doesn't feel American in the realm of economy. It's American in - let's help whomever we can however we can. (If that's the case - then what's the deal with so many citizens having a problem accepting immigrants?) It seems that America used to stand for the land of opportunity. We don't seem to stand quite as tall as we used to. It used to be that if a business failed because of bad ethics, lack of planning or bad timing - it still failed. It wasn't rescued by those who felt they could take tax dollars to bail them out. I'm not sure where I'm going with all of this - just that I'm worried about our country and I think individuals need to be more accountable. Unfortunately, it's also individuals who suffer for some decisions/actions that others are responsible for - or at least should be. I just want to know where the consequences are for those who took the actions. Maybe we just live in a society where our actions affect not just our lives - but, the lives of others as well. I'm sure those who bought homes a few years ago on loans they really didn't qualify for took no thought about the fact that those who would be trying to buy/sell a home now would suffer - along with the economy. Maybe I'm concerned because there are apparently enough people out there making exceptions (like bank employees giving out loans) to the rule that we really can't trust others anymore. We used to be known as a hard working, good work ethic country that was proud of who they are and what they had accomplished. But, it seems lately it's also been about the greed and not just about the competition to keep the business alive. Wish I had 'all the answers'. Maybe we could start with 'everyone' living with integrity.

2 comments:

  1. Interesting thoughts, Teresa. Now, you know that I will probably disagree with *some* things, because I'm a political moderate and a supporter of the current presidential administration in Washington. But I think you have hit a very important point when you say that we live in a world where our decisions now have a ripple effect that touches so many people's lives. I think, to some extent, this has been true in the past, but I don't know that it's ever been like it is, now. I'm amazed at how interconnected things are--how some bacteria in a peanut plant in Georgia effect every state in the union. How a hurricane in the gulf coast means there's a rush on bread and milk and gasoline in the Carolinas. It's incredible. As far as helping whoever we can, however we can... it sounds like a Christian mantra, doesn't it? I believe we are still a hard working country, with a lot of integrity... people are just doing the best they can.
    Thanks for sharing your thoughts!!

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