bobbobwhite

Trust: The Biggest Casualty of 2008

Most posters here seem to think that all will return to normal after this economic "inconvenience" has passed. However, the present debacle is not just an inconvenience as it is not something anyone under the age of 85 has any experience in seeing through, and it may well be the end of the American way all of us have known as a result. We have been taught to be perpetually optimistic in the face of everything working against us, as that is the largest part of the unique American attitude toward life that is so different from the way life is seen in so many parts of the world. Which view is more realistic and helpful in the long run? That is in serious question these days as the American way is put to its perhaps most severe test in its short world history.

The concept and reality of trust is based in personal honor, and honor seems to be a rusty leftover from the past for most of our greedy citizens these days in our "buy it now and pay for it later, maybe" society. "Show me the money" has replaced duty, honor, commitment, and persistence in the declining America of today.

PS: At the supermarket yesterday, I saw many typical Americans pay for their groceries with credit cards, but all the Asians paid cash, every single one. Anyone with a functioning brain should see a lesson in that.