Society

It has been a while since I have had a post. I don’t have much to say as to why; I guess the two of you who read this will be happy there is a new post out there. I am not sure where this post will end up but I do know there are a few things kicking around in the old noggin.

I would like to start off with a slight observation about recent events. The recent event in particular I am referring to is the earthquake in Haiti. While we can all agree that this was a terrible tragedy for those affected, and a large natural event, I find it interesting that so many people, from the famous to even local people a find it a priority to help raise funds to assist in the recovery efforts.

Now don’t get me wrong, as a Christian nation we should help those who are less fortunate or in need of assistance. Unfortunately that last sentence is where the problem lies. If you were to listen to our elected leader, we are no longer a Christian nation and thus would be exempt from any world aid or assistance to foreign countries. Now we all know that since profit can be made by helping others we will never cease giving aid. The other issue with that sentence was the assisting less fortunate and taking care of others. Millions if not billions will probably be raised to help the Haitians. How many Americans would that benefit if we used the money here at home?

I am not saying to give money out to everyone, but why don’t we help educate those who live among us to support themselves. Use the money to strengthen our population at home. I honestly think some people give for the showy aspect and simply because it’s the trend. Once again, I don’t see the problem giving and helping others but shouldn’t we take care of our own first?

My second rant that has been kicking around is how much our country has become a fee loading, selfish society. If you disagree with me, look around and see how many people you know are on some form of assistance, be it government, church, or family assistance. The common excuse is “well the economy is bad” and I agree the economy stinks but that doesn’t mean you need the newest toy or gadget and eat out all the time.
Here is an example of what I mean:

I know a couple who lives with one of the spouses parents. The Husband makes good money and can easily afford an apartment on his salary alone, yet they choose to live with the parents because they enjoy the lifestyle they have grown accustomed to. When asked when they are moving out, they respond with as soon as we can get caught up on our bills, but they are able to eat out at some high dollar steak houses more frequently than they should. They drive a new car and have all the latest gadgets. When the issue is pressed regarding the budget and it’s clearly pointed out to them that they can manage on their own, the honest answer was, why not, the parents allow is to stay there, we don’t have to pay rent, utilities, and can afford to give the kids the nicer things they want. I was actually told “if I don’t take advantage of it someone else will”.

This example makes me ill and I wasn’t too thrilled with the conversation and it changed the way I viewed the person. They shouldn’t care if they have the newest gaming system or that they can or can’t eat out when they want. They might think that they aren’t hurting anyone but I have seen parents, grandparents and family members drained financially and emotionally in these types of scenarios. The sad thing is that family usually doesn’t say anything on the way into the brink. The people on government assistance tax all of us. I understand if they are only on it while they are doing all they can to recover from whatever situation got them there in the first place, but to blatantly take advantage of family, well it pisses me off! If you are living under somones roof and not paying rent, help with the utilities and food regularly, not from time to time.

All of us struggle from time to time but doesn’t there come a time when you look in the mirror and you tell yourself “I have to do this, I am the leader of my situation and although it will be tough at first cant we all see that after the sacrifice come the greater reward?" Feeling independent, the added respect of others and having your children learn how to be an asset to society and not a burden on society?

The saddest part of these actions for me is the damage caused to those around them that they choose not to see. That damage could have a rippling effect for many many years to come. Oh well, I guess that’s why I don’t talk to too many people. I have found my opinions are best left contained. I shudder to think about how society will be in a few more years.