MY TWO-CENTS; (comments/opinions)

"None are so empty as those who are full of themselves."  Benjamin Whichcote

- selfishness; (definition); devoted to or caring only for oneself; concerned primarily with one's own interests; benefits; welfare regardless of others;

From: Wikipedia:  Latchkey kid or child refers to a child who returns home from school to an empty home because his or her parents are away at work.  (Effects on children);  The effects of being a latchkey child differ with age,  Lonliness; boredom; and fear are the most common of those younger than 10 years of age.  In their early teens, there is a greater susceptibility to peer-pressure...potentially resulting in smoking and alcohol abuse, etc. 

Businesses and corprations became so greedy at this point in time, that BOTH parents had to work to make ends meet.  All I think businesses and corporations cared about during this time, is the bottom line...nothing else!   That trend continues in the year 2010...

"Selfishness at the expense of others' happiness is demonism."  Henry Ward Beecher

Before this period of time, an individual could get a document notorized for free at a bank; get air for their tires for free...but not any more!  We're talking about selfishness and greed here...and it seemed like it was a trend throughout the country, etc. "Everybody's doing it...so it's okay," seemed to be the call at the time!  If true ...that calling remains in effect in the year 2010...only worse! 

Art In the Park;  In was in the art world (woodcarver) for over 30 years, and I sold my work at over 40 arts and crafts shows all over the state of New Mexico.  I founded and was Director of the Fiesta of Arts and Crafts (Art in the Park), which was held in the beautiful Haynes Park Center in Rio Rancho, across the highway from Intel.  The sixth and final show attracted 110 exhibitors from all around the state. 

My plans were to move the show next door, to Albuquerque...with a population at the time of over 300,000 and continue the show.  That didn't happen, because of the greed that was happening in the economy at the time, etc.  Higher prices for printing; postage; advertising; rental facilities; copies; I had to abandon the show. 

With about a dozen shows in the area at the time, all but two are still up and running.  And, the shows remaining, charge about $300.00 for a space to the participant.  With this kind of fee, many of the exhibitors can't even get their fee back.  Another example of the greed in this country! 

"The greatest productive force is human selfishness."  Robert Heinien

Professional sports; This could be the epicenter of all greed!  Professional basketball; football and baseball...and most of these players are not worth the salaries they get.  Sports in all levels, are filled with liars and cheaters...and that fact is a big turn-off who followed sports all their life.  I haven't seen a basketball game in over 20 years; I haven't seen a Major League baseball game in over 15 years, including the World Series and All Star games, and the greedsters in the NFL (National Football League) are next on my cut list.  I'm not wasting my time with these over-paid millionaire cry-babies! 

There's more to life than the World Series; the NBA Championships; the Super Bowl a.k.a the Selfish Bowl.  I won't give a single minute to the crybabies in the pro sports...nor will I give a single minute to all the liars and cheaters in other sports.  Am I throwing the baby out with the bathwater? 

If it sounds to good to be true ...it probably is!  We've all heard recently about something called a Ponzi Scheme...whereby investors are bilked of their money.  Here, in New Mexico, it's called a Vaughnzi, named after Doug Vaughn, a real estate developer, who bilked over 600 investors of over 80 million dollars.  Vaughn filed for personal and business bankruptcy, so the investors lost their ass!  Do I feel sorry for the investors, you ask?  Not at all.  They are probably all selfish people with the intent of making more money at 10-25% on the promissory note.  If it sounds to good to be true ...it probably is...

Road-rage:  There are millions of inconsiderate, selfish people out on the road today (2010), talking on the phone, thinking how they they get themselves from point A to point B.  After 48 years of driving, I don't drive anymore, and I don't miss it.  I certainly don't miss the selfish, inconsiderate slobs out there on the roadway who just think about themselves! 

Wall Street/corporate world; Everyone knows the greed on Wall Street and in the banking industry.  Many years ago, me and my wife saw a movie called, "Wall Street."  And, in it the main character proclaims, "Greed is good!"  Nothing else neeed be said...

Music business:  Over the last 20 years, I think the music business has shot itself in both feet!  Who's going to pay $50.00 for a concert ticket.  Who cares if you had a #1 song in 1969?  One of my favorite entertainers was Ray Charles.  About ten years before he died, I wanted to see him, and I finally got my chance.  But, at $50.00 a ticket?  Not on your life...I wouldn't pay $50.00 to see God! 

Education; Another epicenter of greed all around the country.  The President of the Univeristy of New Mexico makes about $600,000 dollars per year, and that's small potatoes compared to the Presidents of larger schools.  He is not worth it, and neither is any of the other gangsters at the other colleges.  There are about 25 so-called Vice Preidents here at the University of New Mexico...all cronies of the Regents and of the Governor...all making high salaries!  Who has to pay for these over-paid greedsters...the students and parents and taxpayer's through higher tutions, etc.  All of this is criminal if you ask me! 

Medical; People in medical sit quietly on the sidelines, as they rip-off the American taxpayer, usually through Medicare or the VA...or both! 

Hollywood:  If there was ever a birth place of selfishness...it was probably here.  Actors, directors and producers don't deserve what they make!  If anybody deserves a good salary...it's the writer...after all, he or she is the original creator of the piece, etc. 

"There are two kinds of egos...those who admit it...and the rest of us."  Dr. Laurence Peter

Divorce:  Can anybody tell me why the divorce rate is still so high?  Oh...sure...sure lawyers use that worn out old phrase, "irreconcilable differences"  It's kind of like...my dog ate my homework! (yawn, here!)   When in fact, it's probably selfishness on both sides!  Put two selfish people together, and things will bust!  And, then add another selfish person in the form of a child...and it's hopeless!  I helped to raise two kids for over 19 years, and I come from a family of ten kids...so I know how selfish kids can be! 

Criminal behavior; I'll bet the reader a dollar to a donut, that everyone in jail or in prison all across the country, is there, because the crime they committed, started with selfishness on their part.  They wanted something...and rather than work for it or pay for it...they stole it. 

With an incident closer to home, I live in a Senior Center, with about 150 residents.  Recently, it was noted in the newsletter, that the candy (snack) machine had been broken into.  The owner of the machine offered a reward of $1,000 leading to information for the arrest of the individual(s).  The machine was apparently so damaged that the owner pulled it out of the building.  The robbers only got about $50 dollars out of the machine.  Another example of the selfishness in this country! 

"He who lives only to benefit himself...confers on the world a benefit when he dies."  Tertullian

In today's world (2010) of selfishness and greed...I would rather be alone the rest of my life...than to be with a selfish person! 

Sadly...the Age of Greed and Selfishness...to be continued...

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