I think the American Dream started dying in the 80's - but it was a slow, gradual death, so that most people did not realize what was happening - sort of like slowing boiling a frog to death.
Typically, the man would work and the wife would stay home raising the kids. That's when it all started to change. For the first time, one income was insufficient. Both parents had to work. Initially, the wife would only work part-time, or maybe the husband would get a second job a few nights a week. But shortly, even that was not enough.
At that point, both parents had to work, and a new business called "Child Care" was born (basically, glorified babysitting). You drop your kids off in the morning - somebody else watches & raises them - and you pick them up in the evening when you return home.
Not surprising, there were soon instances of children rebelling against their parents - then ignoring them - and now the current trend of killing them while they sleep.
There are many other reasons for this phenomenon (the rejection and removal of God from the schools & daily lives), which then lead to the worship of money and self and "it's all about me."
Now, those kids have grown up, and you start to see it in the morals and philosophy of the country as a whole. Rather than loving your neighbor and caring for others less fortunate, the new mantra is clearly "every man for himself" and only the strong survive.
You reap what you sew and clearly the decline is accelerating.
(Well, that was interesting. I didn't know there was a 2,000 character limit per message. Have to split this into two.)
Yes, I've been receiving more frequent updates on the Hellas. One says that real estate prices have crumbled. However, this gentleman said that when he was in college, he used to work in Hellas during his summer breaks doing bartending and then seeing the country. He said it was one of the most beautiful places he can think of - and - no matter what happens short term, those beautiful beaches and islands will still be there tomorrow when the sun comes up.
In other words, Hellas will always have value. It may be distored now in a negative way - but there will always be demand for what it offers - and eventually, it will return to equilibrium.
You're a strong person, Sotiris, very intelligent, and more thoughtful than most. Hang on, my friend.
Yes, the politicians aren't leaving any stone unturned. The past two elections have illustrated how divided the country is - the winner receiving just over 50% of the votes. I see that more and more on almost all the main issues: whether to legalize m*******a, g**y marriage, illegal immigration, more welfare help to the poor OR lower taxes on the rich, abortion, democrat or republican . . . everything is half the country fighting the other half. Several years ago a Russian General predicted that the U.S. would divide into 4 or 5 smaller countries. I don't know about 4 or 5 - but it could easily divide into 2 right now.
I'm not happy with either choice for president & will end up getting s*****d either way. Things will probably be kept low-key through the holidays - but in January - I wouldn't be surprised if the world really started falling apart.
I don't say much because people just look at me and ask, "Why are you always so negative . . . it's depressing to be around you." And people wonder why I eat so much for comfort . . .
Anyway, is Hellas going to drop out of the EU and/or stop using the Euro? As the country's leading voice, what do you say?
10 September 2012, 01:54
I think the American Dream started dying in the 80's - but it was a slow, gradual death, so that most people did not realize what was happening - sort of like slowing boiling a frog to death.
Typically, the man would work and the wife would stay home raising the kids. That's when it all started to change. For the first time, one income was insufficient. Both parents had to work. Initially, the wife would only work part-time, or maybe the husband would get a second job a few nights a week. But shortly, even that was not enough.
At that point, both parents had to work, and a new business called "Child Care" was born (basically, glorified babysitting). You drop your kids off in the morning - somebody else watches & raises them - and you pick them up in the evening when you return home.
Not surprising, there were soon instances of children rebelling against their parents - then ignoring them - and now the current trend of killing them while they sleep.
There are many other reasons for this phenomenon (the rejection and removal of God from the schools & daily lives), which then lead to the worship of money and self and "it's all about me."
Now, those kids have grown up, and you start to see it in the morals and philosophy of the country as a whole. Rather than loving your neighbor and caring for others less fortunate, the new mantra is clearly "every man for himself" and only the strong survive.
You reap what you sew and clearly the decline is accelerating.
10 September 2012, 01:54
Yes, I've been receiving more frequent updates on the Hellas. One says that real estate prices have crumbled. However, this gentleman said that when he was in college, he used to work in Hellas during his summer breaks doing bartending and then seeing the country. He said it was one of the most beautiful places he can think of - and - no matter what happens short term, those beautiful beaches and islands will still be there tomorrow when the sun comes up.
In other words, Hellas will always have value. It may be distored now in a negative way - but there will always be demand for what it offers - and eventually, it will return to equilibrium.
You're a strong person, Sotiris, very intelligent, and more thoughtful than most. Hang on, my friend.
9 September 2012, 04:55
I'm not happy with either choice for president & will end up getting s*****d either way. Things will probably be kept low-key through the holidays - but in January - I wouldn't be surprised if the world really started falling apart.
I don't say much because people just look at me and ask, "Why are you always so negative . . . it's depressing to be around you." And people wonder why I eat so much for comfort . . .
Anyway, is Hellas going to drop out of the EU and/or stop using the Euro? As the country's leading voice, what do you say?
Always great to hear from you!!!
7 September 2012, 01:39
7 September 2012, 01:38
5 September 2012, 00:19
3 September 2012, 16:20
1 September 2012, 22:47
23 August 2012, 22:44
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19 August 2012, 22:06