A Silver Lining?

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If it can be possible to find a silver lining in this Depression, it is perhaps the exposure of the corruption and hubris of so many at the top of the economic food chain in a way that is undeniable and forces us, all, to face our own problem with the undeniable greed that has led to so much inequality. I don't care what the movie said, "Greed is NOT good."

After you get enough to cover your needs, what good is more? If you eat, have shelter, stay warm or cool, clothe yourself, can do all of the same for your children, have a little set back for emergencies or old age, enjoy a little "fun" (however you define that), what will you do with the rest? How many cars can you drive at once? (I am guilty here--I hold title to a car, an SUV, a pickup and a motorcycle; in my defense, they were all bought used and paid for in cash.) How many rooms do you need to comfortably live in? I don't know the answers, but I think we need to consider them.

I do know, that if you have a lot, then what you will do is spend vast amounts of energy, & probably money, trying to figure out ways to keep anyone else from getting any of your excess: off-shore accounts, tax shelters, gated & guarded communities, gated drives to homes, private schools for your children, too many homes, too many cars (I already confessed), too many clothes and shoes, and on and on and on.

The planet is being sorely over-taxed. And we, in this country consume way too much and waste even more. Check out your carbon footprint. Make changes where you can. Develop a little more compassion, give more to help those less fortunate than you. Remember, those you meet on the way up, you will probably meet again on the way down; treat them as you would wish to be treated.

If you want a planet for your children and grandchildren to live on, then all of us must re-examine our consumption practices.

CHINESE PROVERB ABOUT MONEY

WITH MONEY YOU CAN BUY A HOUSE, BUT NOT A HOME.

WITH MONEY YOU CAN BUY A CLOCK, BUT NOT TIME.

WITH MONEY YOU CAN BUY A BED, BUT NOT SLEEP.

WITH MONEY YOU CAN BUY A BOOK, BUT NOT KNOWLEDGE.

WITH MONEY YOU CAN BUY A DOCTOR's TIME, BUT NOT GOOD HEALTH.

WITH MONEY YOU CAN BUY A POSITION, BUT NOT RESPECT.

WITH MONEY YOU CAN BUY BLOOD, BUT NOT LIFE.

WITH MONEY YOU CAN BUY SEX, BUT NOT LOVE.

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