Lost or just in hiding?
It seems that only yesterday we lived in a sane world. We all knew where we were going as long as we played by the rules. Or at least we notion we did. Obviously, those in payment changed the rules in the middle of the game or decided not to play by them. Now we have to adjust to the same game with many changes ahead and certainly a separate set of rules. I was born in the 1950's, a product of the Korean disagreement and part of the baby boom generation. Many who had been in World War Two and the Korean disagreement were now heading home to get married and start families. The time to come was enchanting for many as we went from the Truman administration, one of the greats, to the Eisenhower administration. This was the starting of the boom in the 50's which took us well into the 60's. There was not a shortage of new inventions to buy and the interest rate environment was low. There was a newness of all things and many of us I am sure did not know that we were as a matter of fact poor. Our house of eight lived in an 1100 quadrilateral foot house. Our standard of living could only improve. Our returning troops men were ready to live the American Dream after the reduce of life and limb on the battle field. Home was where the heart was and they were ready to spend.
Through a seeing glass
Back in the 50's everybody was buying washing machines, stoves, refrigerators, television sets, new cars as well as houses that were now springing up everywhere to take care of the growing buyer demand. It was not unusual to see a brand new Cadillac parked in front of a ,000 home in Texas. Suburbia was taking shape and to many this was the American dream. To own your own home and to have protection from the storm was the new norm. Usually the mum stayed at home while the father was the primary bread winner. Growing up in those times seemed more carefree and new. There was so much to search for as was evident in the Moon landing just 40 years ago. The stress of getting ahead and making a return on your home buy was not even an issue. Taking care of your house and making sure that we were safe and get was more prominent to the parents in the 50's and 60's. The American Dream did not consist of going to college in my house since it was never discussed. There was nothing wrong in being a mechanic or salesman, my father would say.
True Glass Door Refrigerator
Who's in charge?
As we headed into the late 60's and 70's we were advent out of someone else conflict, the Vietnam War. Much had changed in the late 60's and once again the American Dream changed. Many did not care to own anything. The Revolution of the late 60's would reshape the mental of young people. We as a matter of fact had violence and riots on American college campuses. America as we knew it was in disarray and we were confused. We were now more rebellious and were not buying into the establishments American Dream. If the American Dream included prominent our young citizen to be killed or to kill many wanted no part of it. Many of the songs of the 60's reflected this attitude. We lost faith in our government as well as we witnessed the demise of President Nixon while Watergate. There was gas rationing while the Oil producing countries of the Middle East took benefit on our dependence on oil raising the price from a a barrel to . We did not know who was in charge, but whoever was had sure done a pretty bad job of things. I did not understand all the ramifications of what was going on while going to college in the 70's as I do now. The mistrust was permeating straight through the American community at a rapid clip. Does that sound well-known today?
The Great new innovation
The primary super computer was invented in the 60's by a gentleman working at control Data Corporation. This new engine did not take hold until the 1980's with the general public. Computers were big and clumsy and many who remember had no inkling of what was to come for the exception of a few fantastic minds. At the time owing a computer was a luxury and not a necessity as it is today. The computer would be the new transportation and transfer of information tool of the future. This would make our lives easier like the washing machines of the 50's. Yes, this was part of the American Dream that we had never imagined. Those who risked their fortunes and time in this industry would gain gigantic riches. It was also while this time that the stock markets rose to great heights creating an gigantic whole of wealth for some but not for all. It did not seem that everybody was participating in the American dream. Many did not spend in the markets and were still in bank certificates of deposit since the rates had been so high. The dream had perhaps changed in a blink of an eye. Now it was about keeping up with the house next door. Who ever had the most toys was the winner was the mantra.
What has as a matter of fact changed?
The implosion of this new technology in our lives somehow steered us into forgetting what the American Dream was all about. From the 80's to the present we have concentrated on getting more and more while giving less and less. The internet boom created the dot.com boom which at last led us to the bust in 2000. everybody was more concerned about making more money, having more things and taking good vacations. It was no longer about food, protection and clothing and the security and security of our family, but how much we could make buying or selling real estate, investing in hedge funds or day trading. We had lost our way while being led by those who knew they could pull the wool over our eyes. We have much to blame for losing sight of the American Dream and we need to recapture it once again. The American dream is not to be taken lightly. We must learn to go back to the basics that made this country great, take care of our family, give to those in need and learn to be thankful for what we have. The dream is not lost it has only been derailed for a while. You can make a disagreement and anything you pass on will come back ten fold. Start living the American Dream once again.
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