I say, if you’ve got ‘em,wear ‘em.
‘Cause it’s tough sledding out there and for many there won’t be clear sailing for a long time, if ever.
Why, according to a special report in The London Free Press (July 31), some people are even thinking about moving out of Deforest City. Where to? I don’t know. Maybe Mexico?
I do know, however, most comments listed in the special report (‘The summer of discontent’) seem to indicate that increasing expenses, taxes, taxes upon taxes, levies upon levies and just about any form of government one can name are to blame.
The comments from 19 readers were peppered with exclamation points and strident questions.
Let’s look at a few more closely.
“Moving out of the city seems to be the answer.” (Pete, July 31, London Free Press)
Really? Moving out of the city seems to be the answer?
I don’t think so, unless you get more for your house than you paid for it, buy into a smaller mortgage, live more frugally (in a rural community or along a country road) than you do now and can adopt a new lifestyle far from your current lines of support and employment.
["Where would you go? Cleveland is so far away!: photos GH]
(Moving away has its pitfalls. Think about it. Get back to me).
“Is there going to be anyone left with money?”
Yes, plenty of people, but their numbers are being trimmed while we speak.
Many people have more money than they know what to do with and will be living in their big house with smoke pouring from fat steaks on their BBQ long after their neighbours go belly up.
If you have a relative like that and are feeling the pinch, start getting on good terms with them. Say nice things to them next time you see them. E.g., “What a nice basement you have. A whole other family could live down here when tough times arrive. Hey, I like the smell of your aftershave.” Stuff like that.
Some other people - not in the super rich category - will have money because they know how to live - get this - not only within their means but under their means.
(“Live under your means” should be my phrase of the week - I like it so much).
People who are in the habit of saving money regularly rather than spending it as if there is no tomorrow will still have money 20 years after their neighbours move away to live in a relative’s basement.
In other words, some people will be left with money even if energy costs, etc. rise again, and again. And costs will rise.
Marc made this comment:
“Hoping people will conserve through higher rates is idiocy.”
I disagree.
How long have we known that we consume an endless list of resources excessively, in needless, wasteful ways? During good times, when resources are cheap and plentiful, we seldom put some away for future use or for the next generation. You’ll run out of fingers counting up resources our grandchildren will require that are now under attack.
Reducing consumption voluntarily doesn’t work. We just want more.
But if gas, water, oil, pizza, hydro, land, clothing, cement, lumber, milk, copper, bread... (whoops, I’m out of fingers) ...prices go up, we’ll buy or use less.
Attacking the wallet works. Colourful ads about water shortages don’t.
In the 19 comments from readers I only read one that didn’t clearly lay discontent at the feet of the provincial or city government or the person who puts price stickers on bread.
Dee said, “We have to do something about this, but what? Does anyone have any suggestions other than griping? I’m open to suggestions.”
Let’s answer Dee’s questions, shall we?
But first, a walk on the beach, to think, to get to the root of the problems we face.
["Walk the beach. Try Pt. Bruce, but take running shoes"]
Man cannot live by bread alone.
Link to Series: Please click here to read Discontent Pt 4
***
If the beach is too far away then walk around the block.
Several times.
Shaun said, “Well people of London, bend over. The only ones not bending over are the politicians.”
Surely, after a quiet walk, we'll do better than that.
.
No comments:
Post a Comment