Anti's and Pros

Exactly when did we become so 'anti' instead of 'pro' in our society? It's like we're suffering a collective self-esteem problem.

I'm 45. When I was growing up, it was not at all uncommon to have a t-shirt or bumper sticker that stated your views - they were always 'pro' views though. "Ford is #1" or "I love the Steelers!" or the like.

At some point, we transitioned into quasi-defeatist..."Sh*t Happens"..."Don't Blame me, I voted for Bush" (actually I blame those who DID vote for Bush - uh-oh - went political there for a moment!)

But then we turned a corner - now it's all about who sucks the most. We have our mischievious little Calvin peeing on everything. (Do we really want everybodt urinating on the things they don't favor?) It's not enough that "Ford is #1" - now "Chevy Sucks!" or we're giving the finger to the Cowboys...

Why is this...? Do we really have so little external strife that we have to turn our hate inward? Am I the only one who thinks this entire attitude belittles us as a Nation? It used to be enough that we would help those in need - that's what made us a stand-out as a nation. Now we have to be in everybody's face about it - putting everyone around us - and each other down?

I keep hearing everyone talk about the housing crisis and the bailout. The most common statement is something like "I work hard and pay my bills, why should someone else get help when I manage things on my own?"

Has America become the nation of "I got mine - go get yours yourself!"?

Don't get me wrong - we should not go around buying houses for those less fortunate than ourselves. (The housing aid does not. What we SHOULD do for folks less fortunate than ourselves is a whole other topic...) And I don't think people should be sponsered by the government to live beyond their means. But the impact on letting 9 million homes go to foreclosure would be FAR more devastating - and expensive - than helping those who are struggling as a consequence of circumstances beyond their control.

We need to reset. We need to correct the mistakes that led to this mess. And we need to take care of our own.

Let's start by being 'pro'. Not "I can afford my mortgage, you can't - so you suck", but "I'm fortunate enough to be solvent, how can I help you do the same?" We have had so much so good for so long, I truly believe many of us have forgotten how great we have it - and how much work it took to get us here.

This clip sums it up - Louis CK on Conan. (I confess I looked up more LCK and wasn't impressed - but I love his point here!)