I lost my job a year ago. It was practically impossible to find another. Even though I had six years of undergraduate studies in art and business administration, no one was interested. I wondered, Why? Was it my age? Most probably. Was it my lack of experience, or more accurately., not enough? At any rate, it is scary. Especially if you have a family.
I wondered about all the other families suffering unemployment, financial cutbacks, and to add to it all, loss of homes, and unusually expensive gas and food costs. Only five minutes ago, Governor Patterson announced NYS was in the red. It seems like nothing but bad economic news everywhere. And the federal government has projected a very large deficit in billions of dollars for next year as well.
My question is this—how can we afford to pay for our normal costs of living and still be expected to cope with these huge deficits that will only bring more economic belt-tightening? I lived on a budget for many years and never asked for public assistance, even though I was eligible. I do not drive a car and use public transportation or walk. I have been “green” for forty years and can see, only when an energy crisis is upon us, does everyone finally recognize the need to develop alternative forms of energy. Crisis does bring on rapid change, but it also reminds us that we do not adjust to changes in a timely and intelligent manner.
Acting proactively is not encouraged enough; more likely, one who advocates creative and sensible alternatives is upsetting the apple cart or a troublemaker. Not one to fly in the face of sense and sensibility, my concerns center on the viable futures of the people younger than me. I have lived 60 percent of my life, and my needs are few, choosing to live more simply. To squander what should belong to the next generation is selfish and greedy. We must make the right decisions now—not in hindsight.
Curiously, I am not discouraged, only thankful. I see beauty everywhere. I also see people contributing in both small and large ways to improve their lots in life. Every new day is another chance to leave the world a better place to live in.
