As I observe activities that occur, some daily, I think back
to when it all started. My recollections may differ from those
of others but most people will agree about the results.
In the past 25 years, our way of life has changed dramatically.
Unfortunately, the majority of changes have not bettered our
lives. One sad change has been the value placed on human lives.
Hardly a day goes by that the lead story on the news does not
relate to a shooting or stabbing. It does not matter where
you gather the news; it seems a consensus that life has no
value.
Morning
or evening news; radio, newspaper or TV — the
headlines are the same. A shooting, stabbing or beating
occurs for no known reason. Drugs are often lead subjects
related
to home invasions, car thefts and armed robberies that
take place daily, many by young people. Gang-style executions
are reported in many locals; some highly populated others
remote.
I watched the news in more than six states recently; all
carried the same breaking news.
The holiday season seems to bring an increase in the amount
of theft reports. Older people are so afraid of being robbed
or assaulted; they avoid shopping in malls by themselves. They
shop locally, in familiar surroundings, on their computers
or TV. Although shopping in your home can seem a safe experience,
caution must still be used. Identity theft is on the rise and
you need to be assured of being on a secure site before providing
credit card information.
All
credit card users should be aware — electronic
advancements have aided thieves by providing them with
small scanning devices.
As you stand in line or present your card, the device
can steal your data even from a wallet in your pocket
or purse.
Staying
aware of activities and observing those around you
is a must. Be sure to keep transaction receipts in case
a problem
turns
up from an illegal purchase.
Also prominently in the news is our plunge over the fiscal
cliff with daily arguments in Congress and endless commentary.
Perhaps the time is approaching when we will have to clean
house and regain some control of our elected officials. They
should be required to solve problems at hand before they can
recess. They also should be held to a pay rate in place when
they took office and not be entitled to a pay raise until problems
they are responsible for are solved.
As I see it, congressional pay increases should be voted upon
for the next office holders not the ones just elected, especially
in light of the sums they spent to gain office.
The electorates, we the people, are advised to live by a budget.
If we fail to do so, our homes are foreclosed upon, our stock
portfolios shrink and we can lose everything. What penalties
do our elected officials face if they bankrupt us?
It is not right that taxpayers must pay their allotted amount
of taxes at a set time or be severely penalized, yet those
responsible for spending the funds collected can not set a
budget. The inequity of our system needs to be addressed.