Simple Songs,
I hear what your saying loud and clear and you have every right to feel a deep level of frustration with this. Yes, I think the American Dream is a lie, whether it was intentional or not, and we are in a heap of trouble because we, as a society, bought into living beyond our means. This has not been good for the world. It is very sad and totally unacceptable that the people who should have stepped up to the plate and communicated this to the masses ( the writing was on the wall many years ago) never did. I have been waiting for a responsible energy policy since I could vote. It has yet to happen. The trouble with getting so focused on this, is because of what it is doing to you right now.

It is important, IMHOP, to take a step back and yes, disconnect from the things that are getting you so upset. Let yourself breath a little bit. Much of what we see or hear is not balanced. It is quite polarized and there seems to be so much anger and hate associated with it all. It is not worth it. I'm not suggesting burying your head in the sand, but a little detachment can go along way to helping you take a break and look at it later with fresh eyes and perspective.

There may be some really neat ways you can play a role locally in helping change things, but it will be hard to see when you are feeling this way. No matter what happens you alone cannot solve the worlds problems. You can find your balance again. Manifesting these feelings isn't worth it. Instead consider what you would like as an alternative for you. Then maybe there will be a time to turn your focus towards another purpose.

I know it may feel that way, but I don't think you are in a tiny minority. There are many good people like you spread out in this country and around the world. Real change happens when people come together for the common good. This is going to take a while, but I am choosing to have hope. It is far better than the alternative.

Hang in there <<<hugs>>>

Laura

Now see, I have a totally different take on this. I do believe in the American Dream, because I've seen so many great stories of people who came to America with nothing in their pockets and then turned it all around and became successful and happy. After living in England for a bit, I can also see where there are MANY more opportunities in America than here. Even my Tom sees this. Just because things are not as good as a long time ago, doesn't mean it's all shot to hell. Maybe I'm just the eternal optimist. Maybe I want to believe that eventually the pioneer spirit which began America, will resurface so that the people will take their land back from the greedy businesses.

As for the news, I view it online, just looking for anything majorly important or worthy news items (like discoveries in medicine/health, etc..) to simply take in what is important to me. I don't read every single blurb, or the bickering in politics. I just scan what will affect me, and what I need to know (like security alerts if I'm travelling). I really like to be informed. But I'm not interested in what Glenn Beck says, or Bill Maher, or anyone else. Those are just pointless opinions to me. In this way, I'm able to briefly view the news without getting upset over stuff.

OK Simple Songs,

I'm going to be a complete nerd. I was thinking about you and this topic this morning on my way to work and came up with this little diddy sung to the tune of "Let it Snow". Ready?

Oh the pundants are busy fighting,
and it's really not inviting
But as long as they make it so
Let it Go
Let it Go
Let it Go

I can't believe I posted this LOL

(((hugs))) SimpleSong.

I've been busy.

Ditto to what everyone has said, great advise.

Its hard. I really don't think that there is a time when it wasn't hard. Or a time where it won't be hard.

But looking at events in a perspective of time/history/future still gives me hope. Otherwise just having a perspective of this present will seem hopeless most of the time.


I consider where women and minorities were in 1960s compared to now and where were heading. And I have to say the ship may be underpowered but the course is set correctly. I suppose hoisting the sails at the right time will help.

The "American Dream" needs an update. I look at it as the human dream. Because US is a human experiment open to the world (from a long term perspective). And the dream and the experiment is expanding beyond the borders of the US. Its painful and slow, but its happening.

Bette Midler had a song saying "from a distance". And sometimes we need to take a step back and look at it from a distance both specially and temporally.

www.youtube.com/watch