Below is an essay I wrote following the announcement that Borders was ordered to file bankruptcy. Many of these ideas have been in my mind for some time, but I have just now put pen to paper. Please read this in its entirety. I will warn you that it is six “Word” pages long, but don’t let that deter you. Copy and paste; forward this to everyone in your address book. I would love to see this circulate throughout America, and would be ecstatic to receive it in the future with people’s comments and insights. Add your own observations, and respond if so compelled. I just ask that my original essay not be deleted or altered in any way.
Thank you so much
Wake Up America!
Part 1
I was just reading the “top stories” on my phone, one announcing that Borders has been ordered to file chapter eleven. I have many fond memories, sipping coffee, while browsing stacks of books I could never afford in an effort to scale it down to one to two purchases. I’d go there with my kids while they nibbled on Snicker doodles, or with my dad who glanced through pages and pages of automotive magazines. Sometimes I would escape to Borders by myself to work on my writing or a study I happened to be doing, ordering latte after latte, and wondering if I had gone there to relax or revamp. I certainly will miss the local Borders if it is included in the one to two hundred stores set to close following the store’s effort to restructure itself.
Though the saddest part of this story involves the six thousand jobs that will be lost as a result of the closings, of great interest at the end of the article were comments by some of Reuter’s readers. An “lhathaway” stated that she “remember[ed] when Borders opened up in [her] area and put [the] local bookstores out of business. Maybe there’s some karma coming back around…” However, “siversen’s” response seemed more intelligible and appropriate: “They didn’t put your local bookstore(s) out of business. You and your neighbors did. You quit buying from the local bookstore(s).” Can I get a “here, here?”
America has far too long played the blame game, and been trying to get something for nothing. It’s time we wake up, and start really analyzing the decisions we’ve made that have gotten us into this economic and social situation. I am no financial analyst, and I’m far from the smartest person I know; but a little bit of common sense and moral obligation go a long way.
First I would like to share my observations regarding America’s purchases and finances. Can I just say that not everyone can be rich, but we can certainly all live comfortably, if we’re willing to make certain sacrifices and assist those willing and able to work? I’m not talking about a socialist or communist society; I’m talking about individuals taking the initiative and making a difference. Is 9/11 so far from our minds now that we’ve forgotten how to prioritize and lend our neighbor a hand? Do we need another catastrophe to kick our butts, and make us move to action? I’d like to think the answer is “no.”
I grew up in the eighties and nineties where we were all told that we could be anything we wanted to be, we could all go to college, we were all expecting to be CEO’s, and everyone was a winner. This simply just is not true. The majority of us are in less than pleasurable or even menial jobs, not everyone could afford to go to college, and many that did never graduated. It’s ridiculous to think that EVERYONE can be a CEO (who would work for the CEO’s?); and the hard truth is that, in order for there to be winners, someone has to lose. I am okay with that. Life is not easy. We can still build up our youth without feeding those lies and propaganda. We’re setting our children up to fail when we promise them unreasonable and juxtaposed aspirations.
So here we are, those who graduated in the 1990’s, watching our parents nearing retirement age. Some of us had parents who were prosperous, and now consume their investments spending their “hard-earned” money on cars or vacation homes or other non-essential luxuries. Then there are those who have lost their pensions, their investments, or their savings due to healthcare expenses, loss of job, or some other unforeseen dilemma. The third category of parents is still working their tails off with no end in sight to their toiling. These are the ones who will work long past retirement age and will either drop dead during their “working” years, get sick and die suddenly, or end up in an old folks facility (if those even exist a few years from now) where their children abandon and forget them to continue their own lives unbothered and unhindered. I’m not bashing nursing homes in the least, but you know this happens more often than naught. Everyone wants someone to take care of them, but no one wants to invest monetarily or in others’ (or even their own) lives.
Part 2
Yes, so this is life. This is how we, as a society, live today – the haves and the have-nots; the rich, the poor, the middle class, and the struggling middle class. We can take control, and we can make change. We have to be willing to work and make sacrifice, though. It won’t be easy. What I am going to suggest may offend many of you, but it needs to be said. If you’re my friend and you respect me and love me, you will consider what I have to tell you, and forgive me if I am harsh. I also want you to know that I am not claiming to be holier than thou. I, too, have been sucked into America. I, too, have been guilty of indulging in things I could not afford or should not have bought. I wish I could have known in youth what I now realize as an adult. It’s not too late for me, and it’s not too late for you. Let’s teach our children now because the media and our schools sure as hell aren’t making a positive influence on the youth. Let’s live life fully, and leave our children a legacy, not a tragedy.
I’d like to expound on the comment previously cited regarding Borders. It is all too true that we put our local business out of business. We are greedy and overweight, and we want instant gratification. We want all the newest and latest, and we want it at the best price. Good business sense, right? Wrong! Have you ever considered the cliché, “less is more?” What if we were to consume less, but of higher quality? What if we really thought about our purchases and the power they have to control our future? I am not bashing all big box stores; they employ a number of hard working citizens, and they provide many of the items we use on a daily basis. I, for one, shop at Target and have a Costco membership. I try to a avoid Wal-Mart like the plague, only because the majority of their products are foreign made, and their original claim to fame included (and this is totally paraphrasing) selling American made products for Americans. What happened Wal-Mart? Run too many Americans out of business? Sorry, I said I wasn’t going to bash big box stores…moving along.
I do try to shop locally whenever I can, and I attempt to buy American made products when available. (Unfortunately, there aren’t enough American companies left to provide certain products not made overseas.) I feel good knowing that, though I paid a little more, I’ve helped my local retailer by purchasing from his store. When you return to these little shops, you get to know the owners and employees and they get to know you. Ever think your repeat business and loyalty may be rewarded with a heads up on a sale or a discount? Even if this isn’t the case, you’re building up your community.
“I’m on a fixed income, though,” you say. “I lost my job, and I must shop at Wal-Mart or I won’t be able to put food on the table?” Really? Are you so destitute that you’ve gone days without eating; or wiped yourself without toilet paper? Well then by all means, go with the cheapest product at the cheapest store!
Maybe, though, just maybe, (drum roll please) you could consume less? Trying to lose a few extra pounds? Have too much month left at the end of the money? America is big, and it shows. Cut down on your consumption and/or shop a little more wisely. You go through five loaves of bread a week, but only a bag of oranges? Buy your bread at Costco, and your oranges from the corner store. Then you’ll be helping both stores as well as your budget. Chances are you’ll get a much better quality product if you buy that fruit from someone who cares about what they sell.
Consume less. Now I’m going to go off on a tangent about why I am a vegetarian. Don’t shut down yet; hear me out. I think some of you meatatarians might be pleasantly surprised, and I know I’m going to tick off my vegetarian friends, but I don’t care. We need to find some common ground here anyway people. First of all, the Food Pyramid recommends that you consume 8-10 servings of (healthy) carbohydrates, 4-5 servings of fruits and vegetables (though they’re beginning to say that this number may be closer to 8), 2-3 servings of dairy, 2-3 servings of meat, fish, chicken, or other protein, and oils and fats sparingly. Agreed? Now, think about your dinner plate. Chances are if you follow the traditions of most Americans, your plate is severely unbalanced. Your protein is 2-4 times what you actually need, smothered in gobs of cheese, your carbohydrate is probably something unhealthy, and your fruit or veggie merely sprinkles the edge of your dish and may not be touched at all. Wash that down with a 3 cup sundae, and plop down in front of the TV for the night. Aaah!
I am a vegetarian for moral reasons (I’m also highly visual, so that helps). I am not a vegetarian who chooses that diet because I think that animals are sentient beings and shouldn’t be harmed. They are sentient beings, but they have been put on this earth for man’s use. When God gave Adam dominion over the animals, he also afforded him the responsibility of caring for those animals. (Look at it this way: God also made man to rule over his wife, but that doesn’t give him any right to abuse her. He is to love her and partner with her and care for her). I really think the Native Americans had it right when they only killed animals out of need, not greed. It’s a shame that we virtually wiped them and their way of life out merely because we had the power to do so.
Anyway, I think it is okay to raise animals for food, but there is NO REASON other than greed to mistreat those animals while they are here. My grandfather was a farmer and he used to talk to his livestock, and even stroke them and sometimes name them. Then he would slaughter them. I used to think it was kind of weird, but you know what? It takes a certain person to be a farmer, and that is how it was meant to be.
Please reconsider your diet. I’m not going to go into the mistreatment of animals in farm factories; you can research that on your own if you so wish. Know that these huge factories are places of torment, and unhealthy for employees and animals alike. Try buying less meat, and better quality meats. Include more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet (it really is so much less expensive). Make meat and dairy purchases from free range farmers for the love of your health and the humanity of those involved in putting that steak on your plate. You really don’t need so much, so chances are, you CAN afford the free range. Put these farm factories out of business, and give the farming back to the farmhands and farmers. The only ones truly losing jobs will be the greedy mongers who own these hells. I know not all of you are Christians, but that still does not matter in your decision. For those of you who call yourself Christians and turn a blind eye – shame on you!
Part 3
Now I will address the final part to this elucidation. I am not a socialist, nor a communist. I don’t hate the rich or the poor. I believe in helping those in need, but not those with their hand out. I am going to address this from a “Christian” viewpoint, but I urge you to read on even if you do not hold to those beliefs. You really might want to try reading the Bible sometime – Christian or not. There are some amazing principles in there that applied to life and business ethics would make a world of change. I’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who, in at least theory anyway, wouldn’t want to adhere to the basic moral principles in this book.
I think that one of the things that has always made America great is its opportunity to prosper. Again, I want to point out that not everyone can be rich. I believe that those who are rich have every right to keep their wealth, while those who have need should be helped. There are far too many people who make a way of life on living off the system. The system is just about devoid of funding. It’s too bureaucratic, and over-staffed with slackers, while understaffed with capable, honest, hard-working Americans. The people who truly need assistance are abandoned, while the unwilling and capable suck off the taxpayers. It’s funny how hard some of the latter work to live off others and avoid finding a job. If they put half the effort they do working the system into a job, they’d be profitable, respectable citizens. That said, I know our “system” has problems, and I wish I had a more informed and intelligent suggestion to offer.
Many of us are capable of giving or setting aside 10% of our income without even realizing it. Once you’ve made some changes in your spending habits, you might be surprised that this could actually work. I’m not a financial planner or analyst, and I have my own share of financial difficulties. I purloin this idea from the Bible. If you do consider yourself a Christian, I urge you to tithe first. Amazing things will happen if you’re obedient and trust in the Lord. Since I know not all of you hold to this, let me throw out a few other ideas. You could give back to your community. You might sponsor a child overseas. To those whose red flag just went up thinking that we need to help our own before we give “hand-outs” to other countries, think about this: our poorest, most dire citizens will never experience the harsh realities some third world peoples suffer on a daily basis their entire lives. Many of these children will grow up, and will, directly or indirectly, affect your world, and rule over you when you are too frail to object.
Another option might be helping to fund a party or reputable politician to bring about change. Let’s get these slackers and clowns out of office as quickly as possible with our resources and our informed votes. They’re so busy arguing and building up the national deficit, they haven’t the time for change. Your objection might be that you work hard for your money and you’re not giving it over to some bum or crook. Fine! Stick it in the bank until you find some worthy cause. I’m sure you will, and if you never do, you’ll stockpile a goodly amount of savings over time. Whatever you do, take your 10% and for the love of all that is good, do something! If you’re not ready for 10%, start smaller.
We have to make changes, people. I’m not saying this will be easy. Let’s hold the authorities and ourselves responsible. On a side note, one of the many problems I see with our current financial situation is exemplified beautifully in my own school district. When you log on to the website, there’s huge writing stating what our state hasn’t paid in funding to our district. Deficit this, deficit that! We have had lay-offs, and have cut programs from our curriculum. Yet a few weeks ago, I received this full-color mailing. It gave some basic and necessary information, but included in one of the articles was something that just about made me scream. My children’s school district is suffering great financial losses (aren’t we all?). Yet they’re installing a new keycard system where certain people at certain times of the day will be allowed to enter the building. In the event of an emergency, police and the fire department will be able to code in remotely. Given the current financial crisis, is this really wise? If they were so concerned with the student’s safety, why did no one call when my child was home sick, and I never called him in? If I had sent him to school that day and he never arrived, when was I supposed to be informed; seven and a half hours after he left that morning? C’mon I’m not that gullible. Someone’s pockets are being lined from this “strategic” move. It is just this sort misappropriation of funding that is draining our resources, and must be checked.
Where does this leave us? What can we do? If this is all overwhelming, start small. Visit your local retailers to see what they have to offer. Pray about or meditate on purchases before making them. Buy your small items from small businesses, and if you have to have that fifty inch TV, go to your big box retailer. While you’re at it, purchase the warranty. You’ll build their business resources and have peace of mind; and if you can’t afford the warranty, chances are you really can’t afford the television either.
Be healthy and informed. I’m not saying we all need to be vegetarians, but support your local farmers. Buy free range whenever possible. Try to incorporate a few vegetarian meals every week. Chances are you know someone who is a vegetarian and would be more than happy to share their favorite recipes with you. If you’re really on a kick and want your own cookbook, go to Borders…or…wait…the bookstore, and browse some cookbooks. Collect some basic ideas or make the purchase if you think you’d like to make at least half of the recipes in it. Poof! You’ve just supported an author and a local business!
Vote with your dollars. I don’t want to see fast food chains or other “convenient” establishments go out of business; my kids love McDonald’s, and we don’t need any more job losses. Go there once a week, though, or once a month…not once a day.
Cut up those credit cards, or keep one with a low credit limit for emergencies, reservations, or online purchases (and pay it off promptly whenever possible). Exercise your right to vote, and don’t allow the government to “fix” America by doing exactly what got us here in the first place – overindulgence, overspending, and overextending. You simply cannot spend or consume what you don’t have. I hate to think that the world looks down on us. Let’s be a superpower again, and extend grace to those in need. Love your family and your children. Spend time with them, and save whenever it makes sense.
At no point do I want you, reader, to think that I don’t see my own shortcomings. I’ve been guilty of being a hypocrite, a minimalist, an overeater, and an over spender. I’m trying, though. When people ask me what I do, I sometimes joke that I’m a writer who doesn’t write. I can make excuses, but it is my own choice and priorities that hinder me from writing. It is my own fault; I am accountable. I did write this, though I have to believe that it was God’s hand in it; or if you don’t believe that, than think of it as a Higher Power, or some cosmic energy and order of things that inspired this essay. Just know that with all of my endless excuses, when I actually felt compelled to write this to you, my baby napped, and even after a number of interruptions, I found time and motivation to jump back into this endeavor.
I am terrified of the future our current path is leading us. I want to leave my children a legacy, not a disaster. I don’t want them to pay for the sins and poor choices we made as individuals and as a society. I am scared, but I have hope. I have hope and trust that one person can make a difference. I have begun my small part in this; now what will you do?
