I have decided not to pay any of my bills until I receive my government bailout. Why should I? After all, I have carefully maintained my finances and kept in mind my limits. The same cannot be said for many of the companies who have sought help from the government – their needy, greedy hands outstretched for their portion of taxpayer money. The very same taxpayers who find themselves in dire straits because of the practices of these companies. So why pay my bills with my own money, when I could look to Washington to bail me out of my financial situation? Of course, I am just Joe Shmoe the average American. I am not a high-priced executive who has undoubtedly at one time lined the pockets of the politicians from whom they now seek help. No, I am a freelance writer, a term itself a setback at times as some publishers seem unable to get past the "free" part. They think "freelance" is synonymous with "free," not adhering to the same standard in payment - either in compensation or schedule - that they hold freelancers to in fulfilling their part of the contract.
The housing trend illustrates a deeper issue, with annual home sales that seemingly got us into the current economic slide as a simple case of supply and demand. Homes are always being built, but numbers over the past few decades show that they are not always bought. The question is do they not sell because people do not want to pay for – or more realistically cannot afford – them? On the other hand, is it because of a housing market continually oversaturated with annually new, and unnecessary, homes? A study published in the journal, Science, showed that the Earth’s “wilderness” – defined as an area untainted by human influence – is vanishing. Eventually, it will be gone altogether in the not too distant future. Like historian Frederick Jackson Turner’s proclamation in 1893 of the “closing of the frontier” in American history, we are in the midst of a broader context in world history. It does not take a scientific mind to realize the correlation between this disappearance and the vastness of human development, particularly over the latter part of the 20th century and into the current one. As the human population increases, so too must it expand further and farther outward beyond the line.
The question is, is this expansion necessary? Do we have to build mile-long strip malls to quench the thirst of consumerism, erect office buildings that sit vacant in perpetuity waiting for phantom tenants, or construct subdivision upon subdivision in once-remote areas while inner cities crumble and rot? As rhetorical a question as it is, the answer is resoundingly no. Such growth in terms of newness does not change the bottom line of diminishing return environmentally, socially, and ultimately, economically. However, that is not an answer in line with the capitalistic credo that "if you build it, they will come." In the end, though, I am still not paying my bills until the government bails me out – Mr. John Q. Taxpayer who drives the economy by buying the products of the companies they have and plan to bailout.
©2008 Steve Sagarra
Despite current global political and economic issues, Thanksgiving is even more a time for giving thanks. As witnessed earlier this month, the transition of power, while not always amicable, sustains the principles that have governed since the inception of the United States. Though not a guarantee, “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” is still a tangible ideal beyond mere words on an aged parchment. Ultimately, opportunities exist consistent with the choices we make, with only our own hesitations for seizing upon them the true limitation. For those and other reasons, Americans should be thankful to live in such a country.
As the Cold War came to an end, those born during that tumultuous period of the late 1980s/early 1990s are now coming of age and leading toward the future. In the U.S., the founding members of that post-collapse generation voted in their first presidential election; some of those same individuals are engaged in defending and spreading those values in places like Afghanistan and Iraq. It is a blessing that the voice of the people matters, and to have those willing to sacrifice to protect that right. It was not the case in parts of the world twenty years ago, and even today, the fight continues to ensure and maintain it around the globe.
One of the best ways to experience expressions of thankfulness is a visit to the airport. There is no joke here about people gratified about landing safely or that their arrival/departure is on time. It would be too easy. No, the true source is in the people themselves. A mother, refreshed from a vacation with friends, hugging her little boy once disembarked. Thankful for the week of rest, more so for the one thing that matters most in her life. Or the soldier, fresh from a tour of duty himself, waiting for his buddies to arrive in town as well. It will be like old times, before the world’s problems called. Thankful they get another day.
Then there is Helen, recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Thankful it was caught in time, well aware that it could have been worse. Whether it contributed or not, she admits to a twenty-year smoking habit. Perhaps, it could have been lung cancer; thankfully, it was not. Her friend is en route from Omaha, taking the first flight out once she heard the news. They have not seen each other in ten years, but it will be just like yesterday Helen enthuses. When they meet, the joyful tears and enthusiastic roar echo throughout baggage claim. Perhaps it has been ten years, but it is just like yesterday.
Too often, we are bombarded by the grotesqueries of humanity, weakening the potential of the human spirit to overcome such things. Though not unique in the course of mankind, it is an uncertain world in uncertain times. Even so, as you sit down with friends and family this year, take the time to consider for what there is to be thankful. You may find that there is a lot, even if it may seem trifling.
©2008 Steve Sagarra
For the obvious reason of being a historian, I am a nitpicker when it comes to historical movies. I get it from my dad, who was a history buff. It is so bad that no one will see a historically based movie with me any more - but I am always the first consulted if something needs clarification/verification! Needless to say, I was excited to come across 10 Most Historically Inaccurate Movies.
I love the fact that Braveheart makes the list, as I always cite it for the historical fallacies outlined in the article. Do not get me wrong, it is one of my favorites for its story and overall entertainment value. I also find it interesting that two other Mel Gibson movies – Apocalypto and The Patriot – make the list. However, there are two - 300 and 2001: A Space Odyssey - that I feel do not deserve the distinction. Stylized for a comic book audience based on another historically flawed movie (The 300 Spartans) that inspired him as a kid, Frank Miller stated that his graphic novel upon which the movie 300 is based is not accurate. It is meant to be entertaining, not history. Likewise, to include 2001 would be to include every futuristic movie that has not panned out; it is meant to be science fiction, not science fact.
I understand that movies are for entertainment, constantly chastising those who use movies as their sole reference source. As Maximus asks in Gladiator, another to make the list, "Are you not entertained?" Indeed, I am. Granted, good or bad, movies are a mass means for exposing people to a subject. Nevertheless, I often find that the true history is just as exciting, if not more so, than Hollywood’s version – and sometimes it is also truly stranger than the fiction. I just want people to be more critically aware to which version they are being exposed by taking the time to learn more about it.
©2008 Steve Sagarra
