Perspective...

This "economic crisis" has really made me think about things.

I mean the media has distorted this stuff on Wall Street to where you would think that the world is absolutely coming to an end.

I had the privilage of working the RAM fair here in Buchanan County this past weekend and actually seen first hand how people suffer without health care. It truly is sad to think that some people have to wait 24 hours or more out in a cold vehicle just to get a tooth filled.

That being said, each person that came to the RAM had a vehcile to ride, and thus had gas in the tank, and had to have some insurance on the vehicle to be driving it. Also, most of the people were of a healthy weight, and the great majority were overweight. We truly live in a blessed nation where we have overweight people in poverty. Have any of you ever thought of that concept? When you think poverty on the global scale you think of people without food and water. In America, we have OVERWEIGHT people in poverty.

I say all of this just to make the point that no matter how bad things may seem, we live in America and for the most part we have things pretty darn good. I mean as bad as things are, none of us are really suffering are we? I am sure there are some who go to bed hungry and cold at night, but very few. I also doubt that anybody on this board has ever gone to bed hungry or cold.

My IRA may be shrinking, but I am not hungry, I have a roof over my head and a vehicle to drive...God is good.

Not trying to be rude but thats the republican way of thinking. Every republican I know thinks that way and every democrat I know wants to talk about how bad it is.

Not meant to be political at all my man.


Just how I feel.

Understood, it's just reminded me of my die hard republican uncle. If only there was a middle ground.

The reasoning behind my post was just to aknowledge how blessed I am even considering the circumstances.

I mean, if you have a Television to hear the media tell you how bad things are, you are still better off than a good chunk of the global population. And if you have a television, that means you have electricity, which also means that you probably have heat. Thus you have a lot to be thankful for.

Do you know what I am getting at?

My son served some Army time in Kosovo. On Saturdays, he and his crew taught the Teachers and Principals how to detect land mines in the Playground. They also had to conserve electricity and was only used a portion of the day. Very cold climate and lots of snow. We are a blessed nation and a blessed people. Could things be improved? Sure, but we also should be thankful for what we do have.

Just to touch on "overweight" people in living in below the property level. Think about this, what foods are the least expensive? CRAP! Stuff thats bad for you. I don't think this people are going hungry, don't get me wrong but I guarantee you they aren't eating healthy foods. It's somewhat expensive to eat healthy, at least all around.

But I agree we for the most part are very well off here in America. Though we have to CARE about what our government does, we have to care where they lead this country. We the people own this country. Forget the media, they are just trying to get ratings. The real concern is all the crap they people really do cling to, not just guns and religion as Obama once said. We are a nation of people who also cling to cell phones, ipods, big screen tvs. We have been so lucky. Though it's sad that at the thought of losing these things, and only then would people start to pay attention to the corruption and greed going on Wall Street, and in the government.

Democracy works wonderfully when it isn't comprised by those in charge being brought off or bribed by lobbyist and special interest groups, or their wall street buddies. Remember that, it's the only way we can fail as a nation IMO. The people have a big hand in changing that, though I'm afraid that the majority are blinded. As long as we have our ipods and big screen tv's who cares what's going on in Washington? Somethings got to change...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Forget the media, they are just trying to get ratings. The real concern is all the crap they people really do cling to, not just guns and religion as Obama once said. We are a nation of people who also cling to cell phones, ipods, big screen tvs. We have been so lucky. Though it's sad that at the thought of losing these things, and only then would people start to pay attention to the corruption and greed going on Wall Street, and in the government.
</div></div>

Very well said.

I guess my overweight comment could be read as extreme but that was not the intent.

The concept of overweight people in poverty was an attempt to illustrate how the perception of "bad off" in America is just ridiculous. We have so much to be thankful for. People think that if they dont drive a Lexus and have a 5 bedroom home they are suffering.

In agreement with you, the fact that there's food on the shelves to choose from and they can buy them at all, and that transportation can be had, is better than in so many countries.

If there's a roof, utilities, a job, (heck I still have two that I like- better than a lot of folks!), clothes on my back, things really aren't so bad.

There's a good series in the Roanoke paper right now about some VT graduates doing work in Puerta Plata - you guys should read it http://www.roanoke.com/wb/177444

Also, if you want to feel blessed and also to see how things could be improved. Volunteer. You meet some wonderful people and 99% of the folks that are helped appreciate it. Volunteer with Wise County Habitat for Humanity, the local Hospitals, Nursing Homes or just go out and help someone. I promise that it will make you feel better.

You are absolutely right . I deliver meals for my church every month and not only is it a Blessing to those I deliver to but more of a Blessing to me . To see some situations these folks face makes my life look like a bed of roses . A true eye-opener .

Im blessed because God allows me to wake every morning beside my wife and kids. Nothing can get any better than that.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The reasoning behind my post was just to aknowledge how blessed I am even considering the circumstances.

I mean, if you have a Television to hear the media tell you how bad things are, you are still better off than a good chunk of the global population. And if you have a television, that means you have electricity, which also means that you probably have heat. Thus you have a lot to be thankful for.

Do you know what I am getting at? </div></div>

Yes, I know what your getting it. I agree America is by far the best country in the world, I just hope we can continue to keep it that way.

I also do volunteer work, although maybe not as "conventional" as some are used to, I find that having the ability to participate at all is a blessing it itself.

Speaking of charities allow me a moment to plug this one:
http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/occ/
Operation Christmas Child
Details on this will be in The BSG Post, not sure if it's this week or next. Pick up a paper - read about it - participate.

We do a ton of volunteer work at our facility. The Special Olympics torch runs,poker runs,take donations for adults who are mentally challenged,take food bank donations (next event is the trunk or treat in Clintwood where our rides will be pimped Halloween-style and we'll be toting bags of goodies for the wee ones).

I know 82abn and I have talked about the work with Special Olympics,and I tell you that right there will touch your heart-I don't care who you are.

I think they are doing that trunk or treat at our church. What is the deal with that anyway? It kind of confused me.

When my church did that some time ago it was the kids just doing trick or treat in the church parking lot essentially.

http://lds.about.com/od/activitiesco...ruckotreat.htm