Ben; thx for the reply. Ben Ruset <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> Al wrote: > > The weather guy on the local NBC affiliate said the other day as they > > were discussing something caught on video tape, " I mean, come on. Who > > doesn't have a video camera these days? > > I don't have a video camera. :) Exactly. The point was just how out of touch the "haves" in our Western culture are. > > > 15% of the worlds population uses 90% of the worlds consumables. > > Why are there poor societies? People live in resource poor places, or > the system of government in the area is corrupt or unable to improve the > quality of life for the citizenry. It's their fault we (generally, as a nation) drive a 2500 lb. SUV 1/2 mile to the "convenience store" instead of walking; creating the fattest people in history? (rhetorical question :) ) > > > Americans are so busy feeding the throw-away consumer treadmill, they > > are completely out of touch with the reality of the world situation. And > > the marketers (Madison Ave,) are doing their best to keep the wool > > pulled over "our" eyes. > > I would say that it's not just America, but all "Western" societies. Yes, I wish I had made that clear. > > > Kids refusing to go to school because they don't have the latest $250 > > sneakers. I have a friend who loves Tommy Hillfigure <--SP He only buys > > Tommy clothing. > > Then that kid is out of style. Tommy Hilfiger has not been "cool" in > quite a long time. Thanks for proving my point. :) > > That said, I have had some Tommy clothing that has been through hell and > back. It's held up well under use - probably better than clothes that I > could have bought at Wal-Mart. While the clothing may be "stylish" > oftentimes it is also made better. Something that is a little more > expensive but lasts is better than something cheap but only lasts two or > three washes. But that's you, and a few other "smart" consumers. Just guessing here; most purchases are made for style. Level of importance: Brand 98% how many times it goes through the wash 2% > > > He thinks his "worth" can be measured by his "stuff". Get the right car, > > get the girl. Wear the "latest" shirt, you are a success. > > Unfortunately right now our society places a high value on image. And where did that come from? Is that the message we learned form: our parents? (sometimes, and/or a little; but what parents say and do is often quite different. ( don't cheat; then get a ticket for speeding)) our civic leaders? (hahaha) our religious leaders, our teachers? I came from blind greed capitalism. Capitalism that thinks it's OK to make a science of exploiting the the weakest in human nature. In my opinion, it's not OK to "Pavlov's Dog" me with Intel's, Bing Bing Bing Bing. (you know the audio, it just went off in your head, right on que) > > > I mean who do we think we are? Are we entitled to cut all the old > > growth forrest, extract all the crude oil, etc.. in 150 years, leaving > > nothing to our great grand children but debt to China? > > You think any other nation does as much for environmental conservation > as the USA? We lead the way in preserving the environment. I really meant, again, Western Culture, like above. Sorry I didn't make it more clear. The scary part is the rest of the world is waking up and saying; "Where is my 2500 lb. SUV to drive 1/4 mile to the video store?" regards, Al "There are four boxes to be used in defense of liberty: soap, ballot, jury, and ammo. Please use in that order." -Ed Howdershelt (Author)
