People of other nations deal with starvation, disease, and lack education, yet are happy. They are happy with what they have, not knowing what they "could have" (in terms of other countries). Their national average of daily income per family is vastly lower than that of the USA, and yet they get by. They make due with what they have, and if they want more, they work even harder so they can afford it.
I will admit, I have not been following the "Occupy Wall Street" movement that much, well okay, more like at all. But, I have seen a few news clips here and there about it, read some posts on facebook even, and I've decided that I must be missing the point.
At what point do we, citizens of a wealthy country full of opportunities, allow ourselves to blame others for our debt, lack of money, dead end jobs, inability to have the next iPhone, etc? I was raised with the mentality to work hard to earn the money and resources to live, survive, and even be able to purchase a "want" from time to time.
Who are we to punish those who make more than us? Some how, some way, they have earned the right to make the money that they make (right, wrong or other). Rather than focusing so much time on why the wealthy are so bad, maybe time should be focused on balancing a household budget, or prioritizing a weekly schedule to allow time for a second part time job if needed, or on the poorest of poor who really don't have anywhere to turn and really could use some help to get back on their feet or a meal.
I'm not saying that no one ever deserves help or that people should go hungry if they don't have money for food. I believe there is a time and place to help those in need. What I don't understand is why some people are blaming the banks for their financial decisions and current hardships.
I have a bachelors degree and worked at a great paying job when I graduated from college. When my son was born, we made a CHOICE for me to stay at home with him. With that choice came many sacrifices from the very beginning. Eating out became a treat and luxury, instead spaghetti or even rice and beans became more of a common menu item within the house. Shopping for the latest and greatest new styles of clothing flew out the window, and frankly has not come back....I don't think it ever will. We cut out many expenses such as formula and diapers by choosing to breastfeed and cloth diaper.
Sure, it would be GREAT to have a boat to take out to the lake or actually go on a vacation, but for now, living a modest lifestyle filled with paying off student loan debts, saving money to help be prepared for those "just in case" moments, and teaching my children little lessons about smart buying choices is where I would happily be.
I won't cry that I can't have a new TV, bedroom set, or even those juicy steaks this week, because being in my financial situation has been and is my choice.
