My Addiction

I love watching television. There is nothing better than getting comfortable on the couch while getting ready for a good show or movie. I have been an avid viewer since I was a toddler. I remember the first shows I watched. They taught me letters, numbers and moral behavior. Now we have cable that offers hundreds of channels. Almost any taste can be satisfied no matter how obscure. My only complaint is that despite the plethora of choices I find very little that interests me.

As I said there are many themes on many channels. Unfortunately many of these themes have one thing in common. They all come under the umbrella of "reality tv." When did television offer greater reality and truth than our own lives? I do not think that they do. I believe that these reality shows exist for one reason only. They are created to make us feel better about ourselves in relation to the idiots we watch on television.

People are put into situations that are scripted. The scenarios are contrived. The motives are false. From cooking to dating to competing all of these shows are based upon false premises. The producers are creating make-believe and they hope that we will go along with the deception. If ratings are any indication we go along like sheep to the slaughter.

The only reality I have found has become my favorite type of programming. I enjoy documentaries. The subject of such is irrelevant. I enjoy them no matter what they are about. The whole point being that, whatever the issue being discussed, the documentary shows what actually occurs in the world. I enjoy learning about new issues and seeing how other people live. This view cannot be obtained via so-called reality television.

Why do so many people watch this tripe? These are the same people who have no problem gawking at the accident at the side of the road. They certainly will have no compunction when watching the train wrecks offered in prime time. We revel in the misery of others. The Germans and their schadenfreude have not cornered the market; we as Americans have. We cannot help but develop greater contempt for our fellow humans as we lose respect for them on these shows. We all sink deeper into the abyss of immorality.

We need to say no! We must collectively denounce these forms of entertainment as the degrading filth that they are. They do not uplift the spirit nor raise our conscience. We are not asked to strive for greater but to wallow in the muck and mire. The viewer has not gained from the watching of these shows but has lost some part of their humanity. When has abuse become an acceptable form of entertainment?

Turn off the television. Read a book. Take a walk. Have a conversation with someone you have not spoken to in a long time. There are better uses of your precious time. Many activities are like food. Some are like eating empty calories and leave you wanting. Others fill your body and soul and make you feel fulfilled. Some televised offerings are worthwhile if you are selective. Select those that fill you up and not break you down.

My God Is Better Than Yours

So much is done in the name of religion. We pray and attend services. Morality and faith are learned. Lest we forget: Acts of kindness as well as violence occur in the name of whichever Deity we worship. Not all that we do as part of our religion is done with the holiest of intentions. It is a good thing that there are many paths to enlightenment and redemption. What saddens me are the arguments. People still insist that there can be only one way to find God. Maybe and maybe not. What matters is what can be learned from mainstream religion as a whole.

This is not a post espousing one set of beliefs over another. There is room enough on the Earth for all of us to live and learn together. Each religion has its own related holy book. The details may differ but the overall themes remain the same. As I have said before we can learn from each other if we try. We can also learn from the varying perspectives that different religions offer their adherents.

Many themes are universal. Goodness over evil. Hope versus despair. Generosity rather than selfishness. The myths behind the stories vary yet their morals are what tie them all together. Each religion offers its own unique take on history. How we got here and what we are to do as humans is explained. The explanation you receive may depend upon which priest you ask. The fact that we are here and must live in harmony is a theme found throughout all great belief systems.

There is no reason to feel threatened by those whom might worship differently than you. All of us wish to become more faithful and live by the tenants of our particular religious dictates. We need to understand that though the minutiae differs the intent is the same. Look upon your religious brethren as you look upon those around you. We are all but pilgrims on a long journey in search of the truth.

Dying For Nothing

The safety and security of our country is of high importance. It takes many brave men and women to accomplish this task. Many of our soldiers will spend time on the battlefield. They are trained for this. Much of what they witness will be beyond what was covered in that training. They will suffer wounds as a result. Some wounds are visible and some are kept within. We hardly provide what is necessary to treat any injury a soldier is left with.

Young people are recruited with talk of money, glory and fame. The media offers a truer picture of battle than our military does. In reality our sons and daughters are ill prepared for what lay ahead. All the exercise, weapons and discipline cannot adequately prepare one for the unexpected. Basic training is just that. It is the most basic information a soldier needs before being placed on the front lines.

Once they are there these modern-day warriors are not provided with reasonable support and protection. The water they use is often found to be tainted. The clothing is not appropriate for the environment. The vehicles become easy targets due to their lack of armor. If the proper equipment is given there is surely not enough to be given to each who needs it.

As these brave heroes return from battle they soon discover that their country just does not care. The government denies that their ailments exist. They also deny any part our own chemicals might have played. The few VA hospitals cannot possible handle the growing number of those seeking care and treatment. Psychological counseling, which would be of help to all, is rarely mentioned as an option.

We expect our soldiers to work, fight and die for their country. If they somehow manage to survive whatever "military conflict" they are deployed to, they can forget about getting the help they deserve. We use members of the military like they are tissues. They serve their purpose and are just tossed aside. Our men and women of the armed forces deserve better. It is about damned time that we as a nation expend enough money and effort to fix those poor souls whom we have broken. Our humanity demands it!

Getting Along

There are so very many different people in the world. There are different looks, cultures, faces and styles. You cannot always find those who think like you. Sometimes our neighbors seem so alien. Would not the world be better if more of us were alike? Conformity would make life easier. Nothing we see or hear would shock us. Others' behavior would be about what you would expect. This is never going to happen though. We know this yet how do we deal with all the unpredictability?

I cannot tell you how many relationships exist based upon a lie. One common lie is that our partner will, with our guidance and help, become the person we wish they would be. Our children need to be more like us rather than display their own individual personalities. We could tolerate strangers better if they would just act more "American."

We seem to have such a hard time when people do not look or act in the ways we think they should. We falsely believe that the differences are some sort of threat. We certainly act threatened when someone crosses our path that does not behave as we are used to. Their look gives them away. Skin tone, clothing or accent are the obvious indicators that something is amiss.

Let us face facts. We as a nation are xenophobic to a fault. We react to variety in people as reason enough to go straight to DEFCON 1! Arm the missiles, ready the bombers! I am speaking metaphorically, of course. I am not suggesting that we bomb anyone. I am saying that, internally, we place ourselves into the ready position whenever a threat is perceived.

History backs up my assertion. We have demonized various groups throughout history. To name a few: Vietnamese, Russians, Japanese and now anyone even remotely looking Mexican or from any Middle Eastern country. Where does it end? Why must difference be perceived as such a great threat? Get a clue folks; it is no threat whatsoever.

We laugh. We cry. We bleed. We eat and sleep and dream. Believe it or not we have the same dreams. No, I am not referring to the one where we are naked in fifth grade and the teacher wants to give us a spanking with a yardstick. Okay, maybe that is just me, but I digress. We dream of acceptance and love and happiness and freedom.

All of us want the freedom to be who we can be and the right to be left alone and become that person. We all desire the opportunity to fulfill our dreams and a fair land from which to see those dreams come true. Give people a break! No matter how different they may seem they are much more alike than you give them credit for.

I know that most racists cannot be helped so I am speaking to the rest of you who still have an open mind. We are all human beings! Put aside your prejudice. Open your eyes, minds and hearts. Take the first step towards the creation of a better world. Put out your hand to your brothers and sisters. Say hello to your neighbors. Make all people feel wanted rather than someone the government would rather haul away and never see again.

Why Should I Care?

I was watching a documentary about water. I felt compelled to stop the film and log on to post this entry. The movie talks about water rights, the poor and corporations. I have a progressive mindset and therefore enjoy a good documentary. There is a part in the film, where it becomes obvious, that the particular company displayed cares nothing for its poor customers. This concept is universal; be it a person, a company or a government. Only when someone cares to create change does a problem get fixed. The question is: How can we make people care?

It is easy to be selfish and self-centered. Our society supports narcissism. Our economy makes it seem expensive to concern ourselves. Who are these nameless, faceless masses anyway? Why should I help them? I have problems of my own! I have too much on my plate as it is. There are organizations that will help them. We spend too much on taxes already. What more can I do?

Do these sentiments seem familiar? It is quite a stretch for many to care about more than the man, or woman, in the mirror. Compassion is a trait that strengthens. It is not a sign of weakness as some may claim. What affects a few will eventually affect all; one way or another. We cannot change the world. For some, the best they can hope for, is to make their corner of it better. What matters is that you do something and that you start today.

Research is the key. Learn about a people. Discover their problems. Choose a particular part of the world and start to read whatever you can find. It is easy to donate money. Giving of your time is just as valuable. You could volunteer for an organization whose goals are similar to yours. How about spreading the word so that others get involved? Speaking and writing are great ways to show that you want to make a difference.

Governments and corporations and neighborhoods are full of people. Sometimes it just takes one soul who cares to get the ball rolling. Do not be afraid to stand out. You will find many people who are receptive to your words. There are more people than you realize that care about the same things that you do. I have said this before: It just takes one pebble in the lake of man to create ripples of change. Be bold! Grab the pebble of your choice and see what happens. So much depends on it.

I Am A Hypocrite

I have offered advice. I have offered bits of wisdom. I have made suggestions for people concerning various aspects of their lives. I have tried to practice what I preach. In reality I know just how hard it is to follow the various dictates found in my blog. I freely admit that I do not always live up to my own expectations.

People love to advise us as to how to handle life's rough spots. Everyone thinks that they know best. I try to help using my experiences and logical thinking. Being told what to do is not the same as doing it. I am like anyone else. I work hard trying to live up to what this blog professes. It is not easy. I have periods of success and failure.

Making changes to our life, whether big or small, is an ongoing process. It is scientific in a way. We think we know how to fix something. We try it and see what works. Sometimes a change can stick and be long-lasting. In many cases we have to go back to the drawing board and reassess. It is all about taking baby steps. One small change at a time.

I am not saint and I am far from perfect. This does not stop me though as I write. I do my level-best to offer knowledge and information that will benefit the reader. Not all that I write will fit every person and their needs. I myself struggle daily to make my life into the vision that I see. I keep moving and keep trying. I admit my failures and find new paths to my goal. My blog is like a shmorgasbourg. Take what you can use and leave the rest.

The Evil Within

No person is a saint. We all have the capacity within us to perform great deeds. Knowing this I cannot help but wonder why so many are killed on a daily basis. Statistically speaking there are births and deaths each day. What concerns me are the deaths that seem so senseless. The media loves to make a point of telling us the details of every horror story in every part of the world. I just want to understand why. Why must so many individuals give in to their darker side?

People kill for a variety of reasons: War, revenge, self-defense. What they all have in common is anger. Anger is used either to steel yourself before you pull the trigger or used as the excuse to do so. It seemed like at one time people would offer a reason for taking a life. Now it appears to happen indiscriminately.

I think that the cause is obvious. Newer generations are not taught to value life; their own or others'. If we held that life is a precious gift we would think twice, or even three times, before ending it. This goes for murder and suicide equally. People might be less apt to just blow up as their first reaction to strife. What happened to diplomacy and negotiation?

There is evil inside of all of us. What separates the wheat from the chaff is the extent that we fight against our own nature. Do we gawk at an accident or look away? Do we get pleasure from the misery of others or attempt to ameliorate their wounds? We can either take responsibility for our actions or blame others and continue our negative behaviors.

It behooves us to strive to become more than we are. Human nature notwithstanding we must overcome our inner demons and enable the goodness that is in our hearts. To be greater than the sum of our parts is a laudable goal. When in a situation that angers you go beyond your gut reaction. Think rationally. Do not give in to that voice inside you that works to drag you down. Rise up and be the angel that may save someone's life. That life may be your own.

Only An Illusion

There is one thing we want. We want it more than love, money or fame. The harder we hold it the more it slips from our grasp. We all want control. There are so many issues we contend with on a daily basis. We interact with people and technology and neither ever really do exactly what we want. If only we could have control over what occurs. The sad truth is that it is but an illusion that we have created to try and make ourselves feel better.

Things will inevitably go wrong in our life. As much thought and planning goes into something there will always be random acts to contend with. We think that, maybe over time, we can control what paths our lives take. To some extent this is true. We can prepare ourselves and learn from our mistakes. Please do not kid yourself though. What really counts is the choices we make and how we react to our circumstances.

Who are the ones that we hope will just do as we say? Our spouses do not listen half the time. The children have a mind of their own. The dog or cat is certainly not paying attention. That cashier has better things to do. Even our computers do not take us seriously. We need these people, and computers, to simply do as we ask. Do not they understand our needs? We have places to go and things to do!

Frustration cannot be helped. People will not necessarily care about what we want from them. What can we do and how can we cope? There are techniques that can help us stay calm, reduce stress and communicate effectively. It takes time and patience. We can learn ways that help to ensure our needs are met. Here are a few examples.

Understanding that the other person is worthy of your time is a good start. Imagine that they are a family member. Be diplomatic. Connecting with another human being brings its own rewards. Whomever you talk to must be made to feel important. They will then be more likely to listen and care about your problem. Never underestimate the power of a kind word.

When you speak with your family you must remain objective. Eliminate judgment and criticism. Be open to who they are and what they feel. It does no good to tell someone they should not feel the way they do. This only puts them on the defensive. Understand that feelings are legitimate. If you deal with loved ones on that basis your relationship cannot help but grow.

Sympathy and empathy go a long way with anyone you come across. People need to know that they are not alone. We need to feel connected to others. It helps to be open about our experiences. We can learn from each other. All that is needed is a willing ear and the ability not to interrupt. Communication is a two-way street.

A few more pieces of advice come to mind. No one will ever meet your needs unless you state them. You are more likely to get what you want when you clearly state your desires to that person who is in the best position to help you. Do not let fear stop you. There is also the need for planning. Do not use magical thinking and assume that all will occur as you hoped. Do due diligence and be ready with plan B!

Relaxation can do wonders. Be it yoga or meditation you can reduce stress and build your bodies' defenses. A little "me" time each day helps you forget about the world and concentrate on you. No price can be placed on a sense of well-being and inner peace. Taking time to make yourself happy is the best way we can show love to ourselves. Caring for us first enables us to better care for others.

A little advice about computers is in order. As I mentioned computers are an integral part of our day-to-day activities. Take care of yours. Turn it off when not in use. De-frag the hard drive and scan for viruses and spyware. Like any appliance or electronics it will last longer the longer you maintain it. There are plenty of web sites that will teach you all you need to know.

We try so hard to keep control. Nothing ever goes just the way we hoped. Since we cannot make the world bend to our will we have only ourselves to depend on. The techniques I outlined will help reduce stress and anger and help to create a more balanced life. What happens to us is the result of the choices we make. Choose to do what is right each day. What will this accomplish? The next day will be that much better!

Woman As Object

Much of what I wrote in my last post may be attributed to one root cause. It is easy to inflict pain when the object of such is seen as evil. Women are the targets of scorn and derision. This has its basis in history. Some are taught this through their culture. Some learn this through "religious" teachings. In either case, when women are not treated with respect, they are treated as perfunctory objects.

Young girls are treated like chattel in various third-world dominions. They are traded to adult family members as child-brides. The family of the child may receive money, land or farm animals in return. Usually the transaction takes place as a means to keep the peace. Arrangements like this are also common among families of so-called cult groups. The worst example is the sex-trade. Young girls are routinely bought and sold to satiate a pedophiles' desire.

Teenagers have their own unique set of problems. Female teens are just learning about their own sexuality and sexual power. Desiring attention from others or due to peer pressure they may seem to dress provocatively. In reality they are simply victims of whatever styles of clothing are made available to them. Young men have their own hormonal problems to contend with. This is simply no excuse though for behaviors like date-rape or sullying one's reputation via the rumor mill.

Society gives us mixed messages when it comes to women. Advertising shows ladies as sex objects. We then receive conflicting dictates when told to behave like gentlemen. We cannot have it both ways. Women should not be objectified to begin with. Displaying her sexuality should not be seen as an open invitation for a man to do whatever he pleases. This is made difficult when it comes to pornography. Are women empowering themselves or feeding into the notion of woman as play toy?

I learned long ago that there is one common technique when it comes to that which one does not agree. When one cannot intelligently discuss or debate an issue the result is minimizing and demonizing. There are many men, angry men, who cannot intelligently come to terms with all that encompasses the opposite sex. They feel threatened by that which they make no effort to understand. Much of the evil that is done to women is done by these men. They use excuses that should be proclaimed as invalid by our enlightened society.

Moral-relativists and their ilk allow these atrocities to continue. They do not believe in absolutes. I certainly do. There are some acts that are pure evil. We must stand up for women everywhere; no matter what culture or religious group we might offend. Women are not things. They are not to be used as pawns no matter the justification or how ingrained the thinking behind it is. There are many organizations dedicated to the equality of women. Start your research and start to care.

Empowering Women?

Females are the weaker sex. Women are second-class citizens. Is this true? Yes, it is. Is this fair? No, of course not. But in our patriarchal world these suppositions have become the norm. In almost every society, every culture and in every country females are treated as less than. What does less than mean? It means less than males. Women everywhere, and for much of history, have been kept down by men.

There are too many examples to be discussed here that support my assertions. I will cover just some of them. Women were not allowed to vote in this country until 1920. This was due to the fight for women's suffrage. In other countries there have been similar battles for equal rights. Some of them have been successful while others have failed completely. What has been the result? Just look at those countries where women are forced to wear clothing so that their bodies are completely covered. In others it is a cultural norm to perform genital mutilation on girls as young as infants. This horror is perpetuated in the name of purity and chastity.

Equality in the workplace does not exist. Why should it? Year after year we fail to pass something as simple as the equal rights amendment. Women rarely reach the top of the corporate ladder. They make less money and hold fewer positions of authority than their male counterparts. Heaven forbid a woman should behave like a man! The same behaviors exhibited by men are seen as positive yet treated as a negative if coming from a woman. This double-standard is the height of hypocrisy.

Health care is yet another area in which women and women's issues are given short shrift. Women endure greater pain, and on a regular basis, as compared to men. Menstruation occurs monthly, often with pain from cramps and bloating, for which few effective treatments exist. Men really have no clue as to how a woman suffers before, during and after pregnancy. I have heard many horror stories of hospital stays spent in the maternity ward.

Many of these health issues are not solved due to the fact that mostly male health problems are studied. If men had to endure what women do there would soon be multiple treatments and medications for female medical issues. Going to the doctor for what help exists is often a challenge. How many decent and competent male OB/GYNs are there? It really takes a woman to understand what other women go through. Getting into the stirrups is uncomfortable enough without a cold male doctor being the one to hold the speculum.

There are social issues as well. The first is clothing. Clothing made for women, especially larger women, is made by those who just do not seem to care how ladies look. On top of this fact women's clothing always costs more than men's. Second is communication. Men expect women to think and express themselves like they do. This is another example of the one-way street mentality that permeates our society. Third is emotions. Men express frustration through anger. Women, in many cases, express it through crying. Anger is seen as a positive trait while crying is treated as verboten.

One of the most egregious forms of social inequality concerns the law. Rape is the ultimate violation of a woman's rights and her person. The onus is on the victim in proving the crime took place. A rape victim is naturally reluctant to come forward and face her attacker. Our society makes it worse by heaping shame and embarrassment on she who is assaulted. They are seen as weak and are often blamed for the horror they have endured. Rape kits used in hospitals are administered by indifferent and uncaring medical professionals. This hardly bolsters a rape victim's confidence.

Physical abuse is also an under reported crime in relation to others. Be it a boyfriend, spouse or significant other women are attacked by men in increasing regularity. The real shame is in how the courts handle such incidents. After many years of suffering there comes a time when a woman fights back. No matter how much she may have endured she is often the one arrested, prosecuted and imprisoned. Judges and juries seem to have little sympathy for female victims of abuse.

Here is the truth my friends. Women are the stronger sex and, deep down, men know it. Men are threatened by women and hence the many ways that they are kept down. You may find fault with my argument. You may say I am making generalizations. If you are honest with yourself you will see many examples all around you of what I claim as true. There is but one solution. Women must support each other as they assert individual and collective power. Men must drop their defenses and open themselves up to the wonder that women bring to the proverbial table. Only then can true equality exist as men and women finally coexist in peace and harmony.

It Is A Secret

Do you want to know how to get rich? There are so many ways! According to late-night television there is real estate and buying products wholesale just to name a few. Some individuals only need to think the right thoughts or have faith in some unseen power to receive the wealth they so richly deserve. There are of course "those" who do not want you to know this secret information. For almost every penny you have you will be allowed into the information seller's inner sanctum. You can be one of the lucky few allowed to know what the secret is.

The above paragraph pretty much sums up every come on one might hear from "get rich quick" schemes. There are so many. They involve products, land, signing up other suckers or just the selling of information itself. Some shysters try to convince you it is all in how you think. You must not be afraid to be wealthy. Yeah right! Who among us could be offered a wheelbarrow full of cash and be "too afraid" to take it?

There are legitimate ways to gain wealth. They take knowledge, patience, time and hard work. There are no shortcuts. There is no secret. Let us use a bit of logic for a moment. If you knew of a surefire way to gain riches would you be so stupid as to tell anyone about it? Of course not! Why would you want others to take away what you work so hard for? The last thing you need is competition!

So many informercials offer some system that guarantees your bank account will grow. They have web sites and books that are yours as soon as you give forth your credit card number. Even then there is further help and information to be had. Again you must fork over more of your hard earned money. When does it end? It ends when you wake up or when your money runs out.

P.T. Barnum is quoted as saying that a sucker is born every minute and two to take him. Do not be that sucker. Do not be the one who cheats the unwary either. Anything worth having takes time. The more you want the more effort it will take. These snake-oil salesman have been around since the beginning of time. Do your homework. Reign in your greed. Be a critical thinker and do not let yourself be caught in their web of lies. I know you are smarter than that.

People And Pedestals

I have a few disparate ideas I wish to talk about. They both involve how we treat people. In one case we take advantage of them. In another we take them for granted. I have a real problem with the usury rates of interest being charged to low-income borrowers. I also find it hypocritical that so many suddenly miss and mourn Michael Jackson. Both points are on my mind and both reflect what I call wrong-thinking.

A well-worn saying is "the rich get richer and the poor get poorer." Banks charge fees when your account is overdrawn. If you have no money to begin with how can you pay extra fees on top of it? If you are desperate for a car there are companies that will provide you financing. The interest rates they charge add up to almost half a house payment. The worst abuse comes in the form of payday loans.

Some people may receive these loans in their communities. Others see commercials on television. Wherever you get your loan you should be ready to pay a lot of money for a very long time. The interest rates can climb into the 500% range and higher. The fine print is rarely read and the traps laid out are many. I wish I had better advice for those who use these loan services, other than to say, just do not do it!

Regarding the death of pop icon Michael Jackson the whole thing has gone too far. People who could not have cared less about him are suddenly crying on camera and declaring their undying love. Naturally his music is selling like hotcakes. The media is eating this up. They love nothing better than speculation and controversy. This all begins when we place people on such high pedestals.

Everyday people deserve admiration because, unlike entertainers, they do not expect it. We behave as if stars are such perfect people that we forget that they are merely human after all. When some famous person does something that goes against our perceptions we respond in shock. Why should we be surprised that stars are not gods? The higher we put them the farther they have to fall when they inevitably show their true colors.

We abuse the less fortunate by asking for more than they can afford to give. We shun the more fortunate when they reveal their humanity. Let us not push down nor raise up our fellow human beings. Let us see people for what they are. We are fallible creatures. We need, love, bleed and die. Only God gives when we do not deserve it or spare us punishment when we have earned it. The rest of us should simply try to do what is right and get along with our fellow men and women.

Corporate Fear

Intellectual property brings with it certain inherent rights. Ideas should be protected. Making money from your ideas is the American way. Companies pay employees for their ideas. Quite a bit of income is earned in the process. There is no harm in this until a better idea comes along to threaten a company's supremacy. Bad things occur when companies, seeing a threat to their bottom line, stand in the way of progress. Innovation is stifled and competition is eliminated. This should not be the way America does business.

Automobile manufacturers have fought for decades against more fuel-efficient vehicles. They have done their best to convince us that bigger is better. We have been more than willing to play along. The car has always been a status symbol. We love to thumb our collective noses at progress. Hummer owners especially are enamored with their suburban assault vehicles. Driving to the grocery store or dry cleaner is always fraught with danger!

Even when electric vehicles were being built most car makers were unhappy. Any threat to the "big 3's" dominance resulted, and still does, in increased lobbying efforts. Our environment never stood a chance against all of the money flowing to politicians. It should therefore be no surprise that the first electric cars were junked. Even now when some automakers work toward more fuel-efficient modes of transportation they are only throwing us the proverbial bone.

Cars will get more miles to the gallon. How many and how long it will take is the question. They will not become substantially better; better for the Earth or better for our pocketbooks. Auto makers and politicians will always be willing bedfellows. Let us not forget the energy companies. Oil, whether for our gas tanks or for our manufacturing processes, will be number one for many years to come. Alternative energy sources have a hard row to hoe.

King coal has been putting out a lot of propaganda as of late. Their commercials suggest that their product is a clean energy source. Who are they fooling? Coal is a dirty fuel, stripped from this planet in a dirty manner and fills our air and lungs with its dirty by-products. Ask any relative of a coal miner just what anthracite does to the human body. Black lung is a disease that kills.

I acknowledge that we need electricity. Coal is the predominant method in creating electricity. Power plants provide us the lifeblood we need to thrive and survive. Nuclear energy also offers a way to power our homes. There are alternative energy sources. Geothermal, wind and solar are much cleaner options for our various needs. As long as the big energy companies collude with our government we will be slaves to that which slowly kills us.

As I opined in an earlier post the drug companies do not always do right by their customers. Our lives, their length and our health all benefit from prescription drugs. They help us and heal us. What happens when a patent runs out? Other drug manufacturers have the right to create generic versions. They will be much more affordable. The original drug maker loses a source of funding. Sometimes they allow this to occur and concentrate on their new offerings. In other cases they fight tooth and nail to prevent the loss of their revenue stream.

Drug companies commonly use two methods to extend a drug's patent. In one scenario they use the courts. They convince a judge that there would be some type of harm if another company were to have access to their formula. The only real harm is to their bottom line. Another way, which is more common, is to create a new drug. The new drug will be chemically different from its predecessor. The problem is that the difference is minor. It is nearly identical from a medical standpoint yet different enough from a legal one.

Here is an example. Astrazeneca makes the drug Prilosec. This medication is now available over-the-counter. A new drug was waiting in the wings. The company wanted to hold on to their customer base so they created Nexium. Both drugs block acid. Both are for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. Nexium is billed as being even better than Prilosec as a course of treatment. Based upon my research the two drugs are almost chemically identical.

Drugs, transportation, energy sources or other staples of our existence cost money. There will always be companies that will sell them to us. We all know that progress in technology occurs over time. People manage to find a way to do it better though not always cheaper. Progress is stifled when greedy companies stand in the way. Fear of losing money cannot be the only motivation of corporate life. Survival of the fittest refers not just to man but also to business. If leaders of industry want to survive then I suggest this simple mantra: Innovate rather than stagnate.

My Personal Philosophy

I have created, over the years, a number of concepts that help me grow. They give me perspective. How we look at a situation is just as important as how we handle it. Based on my last few posts I wish to offer these few words of wisdom:

Learn from the past. Enjoy the present. Prepare for the future.

All I want is to help people reconcile and accept the truth in their lives. I want to offer support and encouragement through my words. I have no idea just who may read these postings nor what they may mean to them. I can only tell myself that what I do is good. Why else would I bother?

When you drop a pebble in a pond you create ripples. Each post is my pebble.

Thank you for reading.

I Want It Yesterday

One of the downsides of our culture is "instant gratification." Who can blame us for our impatience? So much of what we desire comes to us faster than ever. Food, Internet access, television shows and movies on demand are always ready. Our every whim can be satisfied at a moments notice. The technology that allows this is a blessing as well as a curse.

It has trained us. We are like Pavlov's dog. We expect far too much to occur when we snap our fingers. We do not see that some decisions should not be made in haste. The world moves so quickly. We think that we must move in concert with the crowd. This is more than just stopping and smelling the roses. The choices we make require planning, research and thought. Foresight must become a learned response.

See that special item in a store? Pull out your credit card and it is yours for the asking. How will this affect your finances? Do you really need this bauble? A friend taught me long ago that any decision should have a waiting period. One day is not too long to assure yourself that what you are doing is right.

Our future is not assured. There are costs involved even when we die. Life insurance removes the burden from your loved ones. How many individuals actually consider this fact before it is too late? Insurance is generally cheaper the younger you are. An IRA also helps to ensure your final years are satisfying. The more you save now, the better your tomorrow will be.

The concept of foresight does not only cover financial concerns. Preparing for your future can benefit you through education, home buying and health maintenance. The decisions you make today, large and small, will have some affect on what happens in the future. No one can truly prepare for every eventuality. Informed planning, hope and prayer will keep you in good stead.

It is perilous to go through life assuming that everything will work out to your advantage. Only gamblers and fools leave their fate to chance. Intelligent people know better. Anything worth having takes work. Anything worth doing requires sweat. The road less taken is rocky for a reason. It may be hard to traverse but it will lead you to a place greater than you can imagine. I hope to see you there!

It Is Only Money

How often have you heard this phrase? It is usually uttered by those who have little of it - or by those who take it for granted. We are pushed to spend every day. Commercials tell us that we "are worth it" and that "we deserve it." This attitude helps no one. It blurs the line between wanting and needing. A frugal mindset is essential in dealing with our consumerist culture.

Frugality benefits us no matter what we consider buying. In the grocery store we can choose less expensive brands. We can be more economical when car shopping. A vacation is just as nice while staying at a cheaper hotel. Some repairs around the house do not require an expensive handyman. How we prioritize our funds is also a sign of frugal living.

The first consideration when budgeting is our needs. You do keep a budget? You must use some method to reconcile your finances. We need to know what we have and where it goes. Our immediate needs must come first. Rent or mortgage, car payments, food and utilities are due each month. The goods or services that enable us to live and work are on the top of the list.

Debts are next in line. We can save a lot of money by paying them off and related interest before the amounts become staggering. It is a simple calculation. The interest you pay on a credit card is greater than the interest gained via savings. It should be no surprise that, in the long run, we will have more later if we pay debts sooner.

Saving for the future is a sound policy. The proverbial "rainy day" and our eventual retirement require funds that have been smartly invested. We all must educate ourselves about the various investment vehicles available. Risk must be assessed. Do not take the word of any banker or investment advisor. Do your homework. Be sure that the choices you make are in your best interests.

Lastly we have the wants. We want a nicer television or a better home. Some of you may wish to splurge at a favorite casino. There is nothing wrong with spending money on ourselves. There are questions that need to be asked. What will this money do for me? Can I truly afford it? Is what I gain worth what I give? These questions are good when spending or when making any life decisions.

We hate discussing our finances with others. It is a private matter that is usually kept within the immediate family. To some extent this makes sense. What we make is no one's business. On the other hand, if we were to discuss some aspects of our finances with others, we may learn a lot. Many life issues are better understood in relation to others whom have been there. Learn from others' mistakes so that you will never have to make them.

Dead Presidents

Money is not the root of all evil. Love of it is. We all need money. We need things. We want services performed by others. Money is pretty much the way to make sure our needs are met. There are anti-capitalists that see money as evil. Money is simply a tool. It is no different than a hammer, a nail or this guy my wife works with. Any tool can be used in a manner never intended by its creator. Reality is that money is the great equalizer.

Different people earn varying amounts of money. This will never be equal. This fact also supports my point. Not every good or service is worth the same in value. A fresh loaf of bread is delicious. Filling up your shopping cart with bread must have a greater cost. This inequality is inherent in our capitalist system. Those who hold a more Socialist mindset would disagree.

Equability is a laudable goal. When it comes to things like hiring practices or university admissions I am all for equality. There are some basic facts that cannot be denied. Not all endeavors provide the same level of value to a society. A cashier, for example, may assist many customers during their workday. A manager works harder. They handle many daily tasks that require a greater level of skill. A business owner works harder still.

Here is the bottom line. No one would work a day in their lives unless they got paid. I am sure there are inherent benefits to any job. One feels a sense of self-worth and satisfaction when completing tasks. The baker, for instance, looks upon their creation with pride. But what will the baker do when he needs other foods for his diet? Who will he turn to for garbage disposal or repair of his vehicle?

There must be something in common for all who toil so that goods and services can be fairly exchanged. Bartering is a fine ideal but unfortunately it is rarely used. Money not only allows us to get what we want but it also creates a measure by which things are valued. Why else would people strive to better themselves if there was no standard by which to measure their success?

I can hear the groans now. Success is not measured by how wealthy someone is you might say. Maybe not. What does give someone an indication of their value is the amount of money they are given. Most people are never satisfied with their pay. What is undeniable is that money is given, we in turn use it, others receive it and the cycle continues. If you can think of a better system I would love to hear it.

The painful truth is that capitalism works. We need corporations. We need the wealth they create, the employment they offer and the goods or services they provide. It is because of this system that the anti-capitalists have the time to march and protest. Much of what we take for granted each day occurs because, somewhere along the line, money changed hands. Money allows us to work, play, sleep and dream. Penny for your thoughts?