CULTURE CHANGE

CROOKS, Liars, and the rest of us . . .

By Alex Hutchins

Kinda reminds me of a small European village during WWII as portrayed by Hollywood; but, I assure you, this is no European village, it is a very large, wealthy, natural resource laden country; it is my birthplace and it my home for as long as I live; yet, it has turned into a “gambling casino free-for-all” mentality leaving the rest of us amidst groups of crooks and cowards, blessed in part by one of our self-endowed right of free speech; and yet, we seem to more endowed with greed that with anything else.

This trinity of souls, still referred to as Americans, rests on the “fruits” of previous labors and accomplishments, seldom venturing out of its tortoise shell surroundings, unless being hauled into court (and ultimately going to jail), or prancing and dancing behinds the skirts of our political party mistresses, or finding ourselves in awe because we cannot comprehend the witch (sic) into which this country has turned.  If we were in the UK (which we are not) we would hear a “God save the Queen” shout out, but here in our “holier than thou” secret gardens we hear football screaming “Amens!” 

And, speaking of football, isn’t it interesting that the Football Commissioner finally penalized the New Orleans Saints for having and condoning a on-the-field “hit squad?”  But, for me, it is not as amazing as hearing that Madoff’s biographer has made a statement that she thinks Madoff would rather have people see him as a liar than as a failure.  With these two scenarios alone, we can clearly and easily see that America has made a culture change.

This culture change can also be seen in several States passing “Stand Your Ground” laws where Americans can shoot DEAD other Americans who they perceive to be threatening them.  How wonderfully stupid is that:  allowing the average person to solely define the word “threatening”?  Only in America, as they say – whoever “they” might be.

We have Crooks and Liars in both Political Parties, in our Businesses (both large and small), in our School Systems and Religious Institutions, among our “Role Models” and parents, neighbors, and friends and in some cases among ourselves when we take office supplies from work home with us.  It is a culture change pure and simple.

When I was growing up in the 50’s and 60’s, it was “cool” to rip off each other and especially the US Government, especially the IRS when filing taxes and the attitude was captured in the lyrics of Steppenwolf’s song, Fortunate One.  I recall people working for cash to avoid taxes, and how some college students finding a way to receive Government grants when they did not qualify or actually needed them; but, many adults thought those people were “oh, so clever.” 

The problem with living in a society of “Crooks and Liars,” is that the damage is minimal if accomplished on a small scale; but, almost exponential (I would suggest) if perpetrated on a large scale.  For me, therein lies the problem.  As our “problem” increases and intensifies financially then so too is the downside of this culture change.  For instance, if I steal office supplies for work worth a dollar or two or stay on break a little longer than usual robbing the company of productivity and I am the only one in the company that does this; then, the downside to the company is minimal.  However, if 90% of the employees do this on a regular basis, then the potential financial loss can be huge (relative speaking).  If this culture change attitude (crooks and liars) is expand to 80% of our businesses is again huge (relatively speaking).

This financial loss does not even compare to the financial impact on Americans when our “crooks and liars” attitude is applied to investments, real estate, and retirement programs.  Now, we can not only visualize this phenomenon but actually experience it first-hand.  Hypocritically, we are infuriated, angry, and bitter to say the least because now we are talking about OUR money and not someone else’s money.  

We are angry with the 1% when in reality it is the additional 9% (or 10%) that has really exacerbated the “crooks and liars” problem for the rest of us.  And, depending upon where you are on the “rest of us” continuum is a predictor of how financially devastating the “crooks and liars” attitude will be “played-out” on you.

But, we should realize that the remaining 90% has tools with which the 10% will never be able to compete.  First, we have the vote and the power of our collective votes to remove all the assholes from office from top to bottom.  Second, we have purchasing power and we can choose to either spend our money or not spend our money.  We can also do this collectively. 

Did our “crooks and liars” attitude start in the 50’s and 60’s by a few and gradually grow to encompass a majority or is this attitude a natural by-product of any affluent society?  The growth of a society (affluence and wealth) is predicated upon greed; otherwise, there would be no growth at all – simplistic but true.

Can you imagine what life would be like in the United States if no one ever dreamed of being in the 1% or even in the 10% but all were content on remaining less than that? 

What unintended consequences would that culture change mentality cause here or for that matter in the rest of the world who may or may not have adopted our same philosophy?

Which would be worse?