Sushi Money

     Lots of news about housing and mortgage problems facing countless homeowners across the country.  And a lot of other news about how terrible the economy is doing or the “major economic crisis” we face.   To think the writings of Karl Marx offers solace to some today?   OMG.  Why has this become a mantra where people seem to accept that any financial challenge we face is due to “the economy” or ”the system?”  It amazes me because, frankly, it doesn’t get much better than this.   I’m not trying to minimize the challenges that some face, but I have to admit it bothers me when people think these are really bad economic times.   Obviously where some see difficulty others find opportunity.  But are housing challenges, foreclosure and mortgage difficulties something new in American society?  We know it’s not.  Yet to read much of the media’s focus today you might think so.  You would also believe that the “financial squeeze” on the middle class is a terrible new problem we face.   As the 2008 election approaches these issues will only become more emotional.  Economic themes are prized for political polarization and rhetoric, and unfortunately it stirs the passions of so many people in a negative way.   Certainly there is difficulty and challenge for many in today’s economy, but that has always been the reality for people in any society!  Tell me who in the world lives in a utopia where everyone is happy and financial secure?  Compared to much of human history, and many places to live around the world, the economic fortunes we have today are pretty darn close to utopia.  Where else can you find such opportunity, freedom and potential for success?  Where?  

     I remember stories about my grandparents.  I only briefly knew one of my grandfathers.  But this is a story of two approaches to life and the economic burdens that two families faced.  One family, shattered by the Great Depression never quite recovered.  They struggled from day-to-day, with barely enough food to survive.  They didn’t own their home, and lived by the gracious assistance of family members.  The father didn’t work or find a job, but they kept the family intact until he passed away at midlife, never recovering from earlier challenges.   The family survived, the mother worked when necessary and the kids even worked to put themselves through college, making their own way successfully as they grew up. 

     The other family also lived through the Great Depression.  But it wasn’t something that destroyed their hope or approach to life.  The father always managed to find work, or something to do.  He went door-to-door asking to work when times were really tough.  Instead of barely eating, they grew a garden, hunted and fished.  They rented their home their entire lives, and never owned one.  Eventually the father did find work as a tool and die maker.  He worked for the same company for over 32 years, and was eventually let go.  He never received a pension or any retirement benefits whatsoever, and there were no laws that gave him rights as a worker.  The company believed it owed nothing to him, and gave him just that.  He may not have been shattered by the Great Depression, but he never quite recovered from the abence of loyalty after so many years of dedicated labor.  They lived on government assistance until he died.  But his children grew up, finished college and achieved great things in their own lives.

     Both families managed to get by and helped instill family values and a work ethic to their children.  One was more hopeful and optimistic, perhaps more proactive about life.  And both families were challenged greatly by economic forces they had little control over.   The children of both of those families grew up and worked hard during their own lives to succeed.   They raised their own families, appreciated what they had, and didn’t take success for granted.  And they knew that life had been a lot harder before- they had something to measure their achievements by.  Maybe that is something many of us forget at times because we haven’t faced the same challenges.  For those who have only known success or plenty, the absence of either must be staggering.  I appreciate this view of achievement versus success:

“My mother drew a distinction between achievement and success. She said that achievement is the knowledge that you have studied and worked hard and done the best that is in you. Success is being praised by others. That is nice but not as important or satisfying. Always aim for achievement and forget about success.”  Helen Hayes

     I would offer to those who think our economy is terrible that there are far worse places to live and struggle than here in the United States.  I have seen those places… I have seen children living in the squalor of cardboard huts selling their bodies and souls for food.  And I know that doesn’t change the reality of the situation for those who do face mortgage problems, foreclosure on their home, job losses, etc.  But I think there is a more insidious problem, and that has to do with the psychology and perceptions we share about our nation and the economy as a whole.  With enough focus and acceptance, our perception becomes our reality.  We tighten our belts.  Then we face greater challenges as consumer spending slows and the wheels of this great economic machine slow down.  Perhaps it’s part of the business cycle, but it bothers me that some see this as inveitable and necessary.  Others, while worrying of uncertain economic times, at least look for proactive ways to manage finances.  And some see opportunity and potential in how technology will shape the future.  We can always do more, and we can always try to improve ourselves and the lives of others.  But I think we need to look around at times and appreciate what we do have.   Mostly there is change… and that’s something we’re never going to be without.

“Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.”
                                                                                        Ralph Waldo Emerson

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