Stacked against us

When I was in the military, thousands of Americans were losing their lives in Southeast Asia, in a little country called Vietnam.  I was not in that country but I was in the military nonetheless and ashamed of the war our leaders were waging.  Why did I enlist in the military?  Because at that time in my life, I had dropped out of College and could not find a job because I did not have my military requirement out of the way, so I joined partly because of that fact and partly because if I did not join I would have been drafted.  During my training, I spent a large amount of my time trying to get released from the military for medical reasons and stopped once my military trainer informed me that if he released me which he said he would do, I would be running away from what I did not like for the rest of my life.  Of course, he was right, so I stopped trying to be released and concentrated on enjoying and taking advantage, as best I could, my current opportunity.   In other words, develop a positive, proactive attitude.

 

In America today, our freedoms have allowed for the following to take place:

·         Republicans blame Democrats

·         Democrats blame Republicans

·         Independents blame both parties

·         Both parties ignore the independents

·         Liberals blame conservatives

·         Conservatives blame liberals

 

And, while most Americans fall into one of these categories, our national media corporations broadcast nightly what is negative in America, leaving only the last 60 seconds available for a segment on something positive.

 

When I was in the military, I was resentful of those who had managed to receive waivers.  When I was unemployed, I was resentful of those who had managed to keep their jobs.  When I was diagnosed with cancer, I was resentful of those who did not have cancer.  While my life continues to take on aspects of negativity, my 91 year old mother who was treated with disdain from relatives when her parents divorced, who is living without her lifelong partner (my father), and who has survived breast cancer, continues to maintain a positive outlook on life and continues to see, sometimes find, the joy that is available every moment of every day.

 

My mother continues to give more than she wants in returns, continues to make sacrifices for others, and continues to share what little she has with others who have even less.  Each day is a blessing for her and for those around her when she is in their presence.  She does not think politics anymore or whether it is Democratic or Republican philosophy that will work.  She looks at decisions that need to be made in light of what should or should not be done to protect life and offer people opportunities to live life as she has done.  In all my years, I have never heard her complain unless it was about me not doing my homework.

 

In our land of opportunities and freedoms, I am sure that some readers will still find fault or give excuses for why my comments will never work, but I would find it very ironical if they did because in all the college business courses that I have taught, the central theme and underlying foundation of all business practices is to maintain a positive, proactive attitude.  So, let me conclude, by offering a list of some of the items I see as positive in America:

 

• Black Friday sales at an all time high
• Professional sports is doing very well
• New movies are being released with record attendance
• Both Country and Rock musicians are selling millions of records
• NASCAR races are drawing record crowds
• Restaurant parking lots are full
• Divorce in America is not on the rise
• 80+% Americans are fully employed
• Inflation remains under 3%
• Our economy grew at 2%
• Record contributions are being made to our politicians
• High technology firms are growing
• Americans are living longer
• Gasoline sales are up
• College enrollment is increasing
• College endowments are increasing

Yes, there is a lot for which to be thankful, even though for some of us think the deck is stacked against us.