Well, the holidays are here. However, there doesn’t appear to be much to cheer about. Both the U.S. and Canada are involved in another war in the Middle East. Their two governments appear to be floundering about, trying to figure out where to slash costs and how to balance budgets. Our economies are still fairly flat, wages are stagnating and unemployment remains high. Generally, people appear to have lost faith in governments and financial institutions.
The middle class is again feeling the crunch, with personal debt levels climbing to record highs. All the while a recent poll by the New York Times exclaims that the American dream is out of reach. About two-thirds of those Americans polled said they still believed in the American dream, apparently the lowest result in roughly two decades. Similar evidence would no doubt support the same middle class belief in Canada. The same poll showed that a slim 52 percent majority of Americans think the country’s economic system is fair, giving everyone an equal opportunity to succeed, while 45 percent think it is unfair. The majority see their household financial situation as remaining the same or worst, and cannot save enough for a decent retirement.
O.K., I guess that we’re all going to have to begin tightening our belts. After all, luxury goods are for the rich. Once you’ve put food on the table, paid for shelter, faced medical bills, put aside monies for the kids’ education, given governments their pound of flesh — there’s not much left in the kitty for a little entertainment. Oh yeah, the cost of fuel has temporarily gone down, but for how long? On the other hand, the cost of other essentials has gone up — little things like food, clothing and day care. No wonder the average American and Canadian are becoming increasingly sceptical about the so-called “dream”. The dream appears to be turning into a “nightmare”.
Yet, despite all the doom, gloom and naysayers, hope remains eternal. Maybe the dream isn’t dead yet. Maybe it’s just languishing somewhere. After all, happiness is a frivolous and elusive state of mind. Perhaps, at this time of the year we should put aside all of our materialistic desires. Instead, we should count our small blessings like close family, friends, good health and everyday freedoms. Be charitable, for there are always those far less fortunate. Pursuing the spiritual side of our existence is what the dream should be all about. Let us share holidays with others and wish for a good New Year for our two countries!
FROLITICKS 