Original oil painting by: Grandfather’s wife
Len has asked me to write about what I see as the prospects for our nation. If I were a believer in “credentials” I would desist, but I’m not. What I am is a man who has lived his life as independently of current fashion as possible and does not care about money, beyond what he needs to do the things in his “bucket list.” To be sure, he had long ago embarked on a financial path that was reasonably assured to produce that minimum and a little more.
So, my view is not shaped about concern for money or status; it’s about the nation’s psyche.
It has departed far from what had been conventional wisdom: it’s belief in God, family and virtues such as humility and tolerance. I am not at all sure that there is a way back.
If there is, it’s by way of a paradox observed often in history: A terrible time of trouble causes a populace to re-examine and repair its attitudes, one person at a time.
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About the Author: RD Blakeslee is an octogenarian in West Virginia who built his net worth by only investing in that which can be enjoyed during acquisition and throughout life, as opposed to papers in a drawer, like stocks and bonds. You can read more about him here.
Photos: Courtesy of the Blakeslee Family
Well said, Grandfather, well said. I believe that there will be tough times ahead, and the average American will struggle. This struggle will be exacerbated by some misconceptions in our society. These unfounded ideas include such things as:
1. one can borrow as much money as they want, as long as they can make the minimum payments.
2. One is special just because they exist, and anyone who tells them differently is out to get them.
3. If one’s opinions are different, his is automatically right, and the other is stupid for disagreeing.
4. One’s failures are never they’re own fault, but are caused by outside forces that they have no control over.
I’d love to see the country move back towards the virtues that made America great in the first place, but, like you, I don’t see it happening, short of a period of extreme trials.
Kindred spirits are hard to find (-:
Thanks, Jason
Jason and RD, Len and others experiencing Penzonia,
I would agree we visit this E space because of a kindred spirit.
I think we have been delt two hands.
Reality and make believe. Our brain moves us from one to the other.
We need to be aware when we are in fight or flight mode.
Len is in charge of this picture frame and I enjoy the opportunity to participate.
All I know this situation has created some thoughts and insights that are challeging. I would liketo know all the different ways some are structuring their day. We can only watch so many Shirly Temple movies during this depression. Yup I said the D word.
As I pen this, my new puppy is biting her tail. Think that is why man does not have one. But we replaced it with stuff.
Well off to the garage so I can build me a tin foil hat to go grocery shopping. Only thing I use that stuff for is baked potatoes and my indoor TV antenna.
: )
Interesting view of your life, which I view with tolerance (genuine I hope; not condescendingly).
Enjoy it.
Thank you for sharing your perspective Grandfather! I think what is happening is going to shake our nation and the world to its core. This is the result of many years of good times and attitude of “everybody gets a prize”. I’m reminded of this old saying (sorry, don’t know who said it, but it’s true):
“Hard times create strong men. Strong men create good times. Good times create weak men. And, weak men create hard times.”
Lather. Rinse. Repeat.
I agree, Shane. We have seen that cycle over and over in history.
Another old saying: “We can’t stand prosperity”.
“So, my view is not shaped about concern for money or status; it’s about the nation’s psyche.”
I think many people have gone completely off the deep end on the virus. The response to it, shutting everything down, is going to cause far more damage.
A lot of people believe that, Sharon.
But, If credible virologists are correct, that viewpoint and resultant widespread behavior base upon it, will produce a shorter, more severe peak in the pandemic. That, in turn, will cause intensive care facilities to be overwhelmed and will increase the total of deaths among the most vulnerable among us.
Thank you for your words Grandfather. I have been worried about the loss of decency, compromise, mutual respect, love of our natural environment , and civic engagement. I hope when things have now been reduced to true needs and everyone realizes all the unnecessary wants – we can come back together as a cohesive community. Desperately want back the Southern California of the 80s.
So glad to see some evidence that the last paragraph of the article may be happening! Thanks!