Here we are, looking at each other in disbelief that here we stand. The funny thing is this is nothing new. Collectively, we've been here before and we'll be here again if we fail to affect change. How do we affect change, you might ask? It begins in the womb ... the next generation.
THE SARAH CONNOR EFFECT:
Just for a moment, I want all parents to imagine knowing the end of the world (and possibly civilization) is coming to an end. Furthermore, imagine that you hold the knowledge that your child is civilization's one hope.
This scenario is in fact very real and is the simple truth.
As our economy crumbles and our government trips over itself to rectify all wrongs, we stand at a crossroads. This is Van Wilder's "Dare to be great moment." This moment has absolutely nothing to do with congressional grandstanding or our Presidential hopefuls saying everything we want to hear. This moment is for the Moms and Dads. It is their opportunity to teach future generations the meaning of principles. To teach our youth the meaning of yes and no ... it seems overtly simple and uncomplicated, but isn't that the point. Somewhere down the line we forgot to teach our children the lessons of failure while everyone got a trophy ...
Now Obviously, I'm noy saying that the world is coming to end but I'm no chicken little either. We stand on the brink of a financial crisis on a scale yet to seen and the financial world as we know it about to change. And with all of this clamor around you, there before your very eyes is the answer to it all ... your children.
In closing, I am reminded of a quote by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, "Not in the clamor of the crowded street, nor in the shouts or plaudits of the throng, but in ourselves lie victory and defeat." Remember this quote as you anxiously await the next great "bailout" plan or listen to our next president promise everything they cannot do ... the child you are tucking in at night is the answer.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Monday, July 14, 2008
Public Diary
Dear Diary:
Isn't it odd that I am writing to you such that any curious person can read it? I can't even remember the last time we touched base. That last time might have been high school? Who knows.
What I do know is the fact that a lot has changed since then ... there is marriage, home ownership, children (2 to be exact), too much debt, too many televisions (HD of course), and lastly, a world gone mad. Phew ... that was a mouth full. Sorry to be so jaded?! Don't get me wrong, I'm an optimist at heart and I have plenty to be thankful for in this lifetime, however, I can't help but feel that things are going in a direction that require attention and action.
Revolution perhaps? I don't want to sound like some neo-hippie calling for an orgy at the park; I'm thinking uprising ... not militant or violent (the French already had dibs on that one) but a revolution of the people, for the people, and by the people. Our government will not do this for us anymore because equal representation is not equal. Again, please don't get me wrong, I think we live in the greatest country in the world, we just need to start acting like it!
If not revolution, then what? Write your Congressman ... perhaps "Dear Abby?" Sure, why not, there is no sonic boom louder than the human voice. The problem is that we don't use it anymore. Who is the last politician that you can remember that actual meant what they said, and said what they meant? You're a diary! What do you know about politics?
Ok, ok ... I promise not to bore you with politics. As the name "Vintage Humanity" implies, I long for the good old days. I miss simplicity. I miss the promise of a better day, hope, and truth. I think these things will always endure, but they remain fossilized, and like any great scholar, we must dust off the bones and put them on display for the world to see again.
Please read this diary ... in fact, you can even write in my diary. I will read and I will respond.
Isn't it odd that I am writing to you such that any curious person can read it? I can't even remember the last time we touched base. That last time might have been high school? Who knows.
What I do know is the fact that a lot has changed since then ... there is marriage, home ownership, children (2 to be exact), too much debt, too many televisions (HD of course), and lastly, a world gone mad. Phew ... that was a mouth full. Sorry to be so jaded?! Don't get me wrong, I'm an optimist at heart and I have plenty to be thankful for in this lifetime, however, I can't help but feel that things are going in a direction that require attention and action.
Revolution perhaps? I don't want to sound like some neo-hippie calling for an orgy at the park; I'm thinking uprising ... not militant or violent (the French already had dibs on that one) but a revolution of the people, for the people, and by the people. Our government will not do this for us anymore because equal representation is not equal. Again, please don't get me wrong, I think we live in the greatest country in the world, we just need to start acting like it!
If not revolution, then what? Write your Congressman ... perhaps "Dear Abby?" Sure, why not, there is no sonic boom louder than the human voice. The problem is that we don't use it anymore. Who is the last politician that you can remember that actual meant what they said, and said what they meant? You're a diary! What do you know about politics?
Ok, ok ... I promise not to bore you with politics. As the name "Vintage Humanity" implies, I long for the good old days. I miss simplicity. I miss the promise of a better day, hope, and truth. I think these things will always endure, but they remain fossilized, and like any great scholar, we must dust off the bones and put them on display for the world to see again.
Please read this diary ... in fact, you can even write in my diary. I will read and I will respond.
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