We've just gotten our troops out of Iraq and are now in the process of withdrawing our troops from Afghanistan, and things over there are returning to "normal": their people are killing each other in the name of Allah. Did we accomplish anything? Did we, indeed, make America safer? To justify these actions (not "war", mind you!), we used the same excuses (loosely) that we used in Vietnam, but, at least back then, the government thought we could afford it, economically; I don't think they ever consider the physical and emotional costs to the nation. Now? "Ah, just put it on the credit card, and let the future generations pay for it!" How are they going to pay for it? On the other hand, it is wonderful for the businesses involved in manufacturing for the war effort!
Our economy is slowly picking up, but our country is still producing very little to sell to other nations. The millions of well-paying jobs that have disappeared since the '90's have been partially replaced by lower paying jobs, many of which are part time. The middle class is disappearing, and if our economy is based on "consumerism", what are people going to buy "stuff" with? I mean, this really is a rhetorical question. . .
Man, I don't mean to start off the week with a bummer, so, here, for a bit of musical hilarity:
http://tinyurl.com/7lbbxj7
Watch the drummer!
And, for just a beautiful bit of mandolin playing, and a song I've always liked:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCKlHejwy2k
And, for a final positive thought. . . It feels like Spring outside; 5 straight days of beautiful weather, and more coming! After 5 weeks of not being able to get out on the bike, this is refreshing, to say the least. And, the sunsets are beautiful!
No comments:
Post a Comment