Hey Americans, are we really that bad off?

1. 60

   cooldadposted 12 years ago

   Hey Americans, are we really that bad off?
   
   Perspective seems to be something we have forgotten about.  Sure, the economy is bad.  But look around you.  You still have a roof over your head and food to eat.  That's more than most people around the world have.  When you fell like your life is terrible, just think, you could be a starving Ethiopian.
   
   Suck it up, work hard, do the right things in life and everything will be alright. Life isn't fair sometimes, get over it.
   
   

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2. 60

   dramatis personaeposted 12 years ago

   What a wonderful perspective............I'm so totally with you on this..........it could be so much worse..........count our blessings!

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3. 69

   junkoposted 12 years ago

   I believe most people choose to be happy, those who are happy are happy by choice. We are not sad that we are not living in Africa or of African decent. WE ARE GLAD TO BE AMERICANS. However, we are sad some days and nights. We are sad because America could Be like Africa in a few years. Droughts in the heartlands, economy downfall, no jobs, hunger, hate, and fear. Top that off with, every American citizen has excess and the right to bare Arms. I guess it is better to starve in a rich country then a poor country.

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4. 60

   cooldadposted 12 years ago

   Horatio: I don't know your situation, but I'm not going to feel sorry for a grown man sharing a couch and apartment with other grown men.  I think you missed the most important word in my question: PERSPECTIVE.  That couch you share is a luxury to many people in the world.  I've been down and out before in my life.  I know what struggling is like, but no matter what happens in my life, I know someone else is worse off than me.  I'm thankful for everything I have, even if what I have is minimal. 
   
   It appears that you have enough time to be on the internet writing on hub pages, so maybe you have time to upgrade that couch.  Before you pinhole me from one question I write, read some of my hubs and then decide if I'm a "dinosaur". 
   Take care brother, I look forward to reading some of your hubs, I will give you a chance before I pass anymore judgment.  Cheers.

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5. 85

   hazelbrownposted 12 years ago

   Well, it's always good to be thankful for what you have.  I do think that many Americans ARE that bad off.  Like the kids without enough food and the people living off the streets, and so many more.  We really are that bad off if people are still willing to turn a blind eye to these people.

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6. 60

   Sam Dolloffposted 12 years ago

   Perspective certainly has a lot to do with how we feel about our current situations.  I have seen hurting and heard those that are hurting give thanks for what they do have even if it something so small as a postcard.  Thank you for writing this hard question.  We should all take a closer look at our lives and be thankfull for what and more importantly who we have in our lives.

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7. 61

   Jonesy0311posted 12 years ago

   I completely agree. Aside from the recent economic downturn, Americans have had it too good for too long. We have developed a sense of entitlement. People making $20,000 a year want big houses with garages to store their fancy cars with shiny rims. Many seem to think that the government owes them something and no one wants to take responsibility. If crime is up in a neighborhood, we blame police and law makers, but no one wants to be proactive even in their own community. Americans want, want, want. The U.S. is by no means perfect and I don't consider it the greatest nation in the world anymore. But, i have been to a few thrid-world and war-torn countries. I was happy to come home. The problem is that most people's world is as big as the period at the end of this sentence. They have no perspective larger than their job and their hometown.

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8. 59

   Jason Oleinikposted 12 years ago

   Cooldad, you always ask the best questions. I'm Canadian and I do know that the economy in the US bad right now, but I think that North Americans in general take things for granted. Life in third-world countries is much more difficult.

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9. 60

   Alourouaposted 12 years ago

   While I don't condone being ungrateful, I think this kind of attitude can potentially be destructive. There is a difference between being grateful and being complacent. It's not about wanting more; it's about fighting to keep what we've worked so hard to gain. Simply referencing people who are less fortune to make it easier to accept disaster isn't going to help anyone at the end of the day. Be grateful for what you have but don't watch everything slip away because "it could be worse." If anything, seeing how bad it gets in less fortunate countries should motivate people to prevent the fall of their republic.

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10. 79

    Uninvited Writerposted 12 years ago

    Some people have it very bad. However, no North American's can say that their starving child has died in their arms due to a drought. At least there are places we can turn to for help.

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11. 68

    onegoodwomanposted 12 years ago

    Not that you have no voice, for YOU gave that away in the interest of government "care"...........go you.
    BUT that is why    our rights are fading away..............
    
    give a little, appease a little, accept the " whittling" away.............
    
    
    STAND UP or  STOP calling yourself an American.................one who battles, with the cost of life, for freedom and individual rights.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    Either give up, or fight for.................that IS the difference.
    
    
    Generic, manipulated, laboratory, food does not interest me in the land of farmers, growers,  or ranchers.
    
    YES..........it is now, really THAT bad...........it is, take your stand.

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12. 0

    Old Empresarioposted 12 years ago

    That's fine; but I still think human progress has stopped and society is regressing back to the intellectual dark ages.

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13. 0

    erikjohnsonposted 12 years ago

    I think you have a good point.  BUT!  Do you trust these politicians are truly representing us and spending our tax dollars in the best way?  We vote for these people.  SO we have to hold them accountable.  Also, how bad do you let the economy get before your mentality changes.

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