This week's topic on TOT is: "People often say that our country is going/has gone to 'hell in a handbasket'...do you agree? If so, what do you think is driving this...politics, changing family values, something else? Or, do you feel like we are generally doing okay considering things going on in other parts of the world?"
Okay, so I've thought about this topic for a couple of days now, and I just can't seem to get two thoughts to stay together on this one. I start thinking about one topic I may want to focus on for this post, and then I find myself thinking about a completely different subject. First of all, I have to admit that I get pretty intimidated when it comes to talking about politics and the state of our country. I feel under educated and unsure of where my opinion stands on quite a few issues. I think to myself, "Who am I to tell someone how they should live their life?" I know I certainly do not enjoy it when someone tries to force their opinions on me. I will listen to what you believe, or about what you stand for any time of day, but if I don't agree with it, then that's my right. I will not be rude about disagreeing with what ever conflict in opinion may arise, but I also don't want to debate it. I am happy to agree to disagree and leave it at that. The problem with this attitude is that most people want to not only be heard, but they want to feel like they are right about everything. That's why I just avoid the cliche topics such as politics, religion, and what have you in everyday conversation.
Anyhow...Do I feel like our country is going to hell in a hand basket? I would have to say that I think our country has always had it's fair share of problems to face since its existence. I think all countries struggle with unemployment, homelessness, hunger, health care, education, all of the "hot button" issues. I think they probably always have. I believe if you have a given situation where a large number of people are living together in one large place, then you are bound to have conflict, social problems, ecological problems, economical problems....just problems in general. What do I think drives these issues/problems? I think a small part of it has to do with people being overly self-centered. I think our society is constantly pushing us to focus mainly on ourselves as an individual rather than as a member of the community. I know I'm certainly guilty of being so wrapped up in what's going on in my world, and what small crisis we are dealing with as a family that I can often neglect my friendships and relationships with family members. Forget about trying to actually contribute in a positive manner to my community and actually lend a helping hand. Is this the right way to live. I don't think it is, and how do I know that. Well, I'm no expert and as I stated above, I don't pretend to be one. I think I know for myself, that's not the way I want to live because I get so many good feelings when I am thinking or acting outside of my bubble to help benefit others, and that just can't be wrong.
That's it for me on this one. Short and sweet. If you were looking for a different answer to this question-perhaps one you can agree or disagree with-check out the blogs listed under "ToT" on the right side of the blog.
PS-just found out today that a very close relative was fired from a job that she's worked at for the last 16 years because "she failed to complete a payment envelope correctly." Once in 16 years, she forgot to put her initials on one report. Now that's something that is wrong with this society. This corporation wants to trim expenses by hiring some young person with little work ethic and no experience just so they don't have to pay them as much or shell out the benefits as opposed to keeping someone that has given their blood (literally), sweat (also literally), large amount of time off, missed family vacations, and tears (read: someone that actually cares about their company and job). That is the kind of thing that needs to be fixed in our society. Okay, just had to rant.
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