Maybe We Need Another Great Depression

I have been thinking quite extensively over the last few months, and I am horrified by what I see.  The government does not scare me as much as the people.  If we chose to do so, we could render the federal government helpless, with the exception of what we wish of them based on the United States Constitution.  That will not happen because of the people.  The American people collectively are far too weak to take that kind of stand; they are just too concerned about the survival of their chosen political party to worry about things so trivial as the good of the nation.  And that weakness of the people is what has allowed the government to take control of not only the nation, but in many ways, our very lives.  I do not wish suffering on anyone; never have, never will…I do think the problem with the American society is that we do not learn from our mistakes, as a nation, or even as individuals.  Please read the following with the understanding that is has nothing to do with choosing one political party over another.  Today, that is the least of my worries.  I do not care for either the Republican or the Democratic parties; my concern is for the people as a whole, and the direction we have not only taken, but the fact that we allow it, and never really understand what it is we are allowing. 

Maybe we need to go through what the poor souls went through in The Great Depression that started in 1929.  No, I do not want people to starve, or to lose everything they may have, or feel the pain and suffering.  What I do want to do is to use that period of time as a reference, in explaining the mentality of people today in this great country. 

I want to make something perfectly clear before people start yelling at their computer monitors.  There are good, honest, hardworking people throughout this great country, and I am in no way trying to put everyone into the same category.  And still, some of these good, honest, hardworking people will still fall into this category because of their mentality and behaviors.  I am speaking from my heart, not from a political pulpit, so my words should not be twisted to have a meaning other than the one intended, which will be obvious.

Brief understanding of the great depression:

On October 29, 1929, which was known as Black Tuesday, the stock market crashed and that is all it took to set the great depression into play.  Stock prices plummeted, and it was known by the end of the day that there was no hope of recovery.  People, today do not understand panic.  Masses tried to sell their stocks, but no one was buying.  The next part of the economy to be hit was the banking industry, mainly because so many of them had their client’s money invested in the stock market that was now worthless.  Many of the banks closed, and because of the rush of the masses to pull their money from the banks that remained, others were soon to close.  Next, the businesses and industries were hit by the depression.  Much of the operating capital was invested in the stock market, or in the banks, so many found themselves unemployed almost immediately.  Consumer confidence was non-existent, so those that had money spent it only as absolutely necessary.  The lack of spending hurt the businesses and industries even further, so it caused even more closures.

Here is the main point of my write:

It should be obvious to all with the above words on The Great Depression what it is to actually suffer, as a people, and as a nation.  I am literally embarrassed for the American people, today.  If you can look back to that one Tuesday in 1929 and complain about having difficult times, maybe you need to look at your life a little closer.  I wish everyone could go back and live one day in that eleven-year period of the depression, and see how much we actually have to be thankful for on a daily basis.  There is a vast difference between suffering and going through less than perfect times.  Our society, as a whole is not standing in lines hoping to get something to eat.  We have people today complaining that the air conditioning or heating system is not working in their $450,000 home.  We have people complaining about running over a nail and getting a flat tire on a new car they bought last week.  We have people who working every day and complaining about how much they hate their job.  We have people complaining about the cost of health care because it makes them to have to dig into their savings accounts.  We have people complaining about the cost of educating their children because they must now disturb their next egg they have set aside for later in life.  This is not suffering, yet these people and even those who have much less should stop the complaining and look at what they have before them.  This is not 1929, people, and we are not rioting in the streets, looting businesses, or robbing banks to feed our children.  The American society has developed into a mass of lazy, unthankful, immoral group of people that seem to have evolved into sheep that no longer have the survival mentality that the country was built upon so long ago.  Then we have the federal government, who is not only allowing this “POOR ME” mentality, but actually encourage it, as their actions so obviously make it clear to anyone who may be awake enough to see.  We are not allowed to suffer, at least that is what the government is telling us.  Even in failure, they are there promising to make all just right, even though they are allowing, and desiring that the individual responsibility of each of us to disappear to allow them to gain even more control of our lives.  I say to all who read this message that I am trying to send…Tonight, if you have a roof over your head, you had dinner, and you are healthy, maybe instead of complaining about how bad your life is, maybe you should think of what happened on October 29, 1929, and realize things could be a lot worse than they are.  We, as individuals need to get our acts together, and realize that we, not the government are responsible for our lives.  If you are unwilling to fight to do what is best for your family, then why should it fall of someone else?  We do have much to be thankful for, and if we do not wake up soon, that will simply no longer be the case.  I have said absolutely nothing that I do not apply to my life every single day, and I am thankful for each of those days as they come…vic damico

Tags: Politics

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Note...It is not my intention, or my right to demand my beliefs or my faith to apply to others, and I am certainly not doing so now...This applies to those who may need a reminder of what this time of the year actually means to many of us...It pains me to see the commercial aspects of the Christmas season, and we need to focus on what the season actually represents...vic damico

THE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS

A darkness fills the air

Meaningless actions have taken over

Disguised as happiness based on lack of focus

The meaning seems to be lost

Songs will be sung

Trees will be decorated

Gifts will be given

Food will be served

Toys sold as quickly as they are stocked

Grocers display items that are surely to sell

Two year old trees sold on every corner

All are made known with the aid of the media

Children are happy, although they are unsure why

Adult minds are consumed by a gift list

Store owners use the season for personal profit

And that dark cloud continues to hover above us

Maybe with all of the hustle and confusion

And all of the self-centered attitudes and thoughts

We seem to be blindly following those who are also blind

Never thinking of the following three words

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JESUS...

That is what this is all about...

Tags: Poetry

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Misguided Anger

In a country full of misguided anger

We sometimes find ourselves silent

To avoid producing further political waves

And our country feels the neglect

We separate ourselves from all opposition

While half of the country becomes invisible

As we search for a new form of comfort

We realize we are actually preventing it

The hatred that is used to divide us

Becomes our weapon of choice

We spit at those who may disagree

And complain when they spit back

Our country screams for resolve

but our anger smothers the sound

We search for a new beginning

While unwilling to dismiss the past

We say we want to progress

Yet we are blind as to what we have

As we change our current direction

We are lost as to where we are

We look to others for guidence

But reject their words because of fear

We constantly wallow in our unrest

And realize that we have failed the test

vic damico  12-03-2010

Tags: Poetry

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Thinking Of Our Military At Christmas

Each year at this time, I find myself feeling pride and sadness for a situation that is always a part of who we are as a nation.  It is impossible to not think of the brave souls who are scattered all over the globe, and do so because of the honor and dedication that is such a huge part of each and every one of them...The men and women who choose to serve in our military do so by choice, not obligation, nor for monetary gain, or for any selfish reasons.  We need to remember that all who are with our military are there on a volunteer basis; no one is required to be a part of this part of our society.  That, in itself, should tell us of the type of people we are looking at, and we should not only understand what they represent, but should realize where we would be without them. 

The The U. S. Military presence throughout the world represents the preservation of our rights and freedoms, and those who live within the borders of this great nation are reaping benefits that many of us here do not acknowledge.  We are allowed to live without fear here at home because of these brave men and women making sure we are allowed to feel that way.  They wake up each morning not knowing what the day may bring, and as sad as it may sound, if it will be their last day.  They understand this, and are willing to put themselves in this position out of love and dedication for the nation they call home.  It takes such a special person, with such a special heart to make such sacrifices on a daily bases to protect people they simply do not really know.  They are away from their families, friends, and those who would be a daily part of their lives for the simple reason that they care for their country to the point that they will set their personal lives aside in order to do what they believe to be in the interest of their fellow man.  

We need to have these brave men and women in our thoughts, our hearts, and in our prayers not just at Christmas time, but every single day.  We are in their hearts, or they would not be where they are in the first place.

I am so thankful to live in a country where this type of representation of human devotion and loyalty can exists.  I wish that all of the brave souls who give daily for the good of us all could know what  a special place they have in our hearts.  I wish they could know that we not only understand, but appreciate what they are doing in the name of good for those of us who remain on American soil.  I wish the familes and friends of those who serve in our military could know that our hearts ache knowing that they are separated from their loved ones.  I pray daily for their success and safety.  I wish somehow during the Christmas season that these wonderful people who give so much of themselves on a daily basis could know just how much they mean to us, and for our nation as a whole...God, bless them all...vic damico 

Tags: Poetry

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My Daily Challenge

As I wander through my daily existence

My presence is only because He allows it

My choices are my own, my decisions

Although clear precise rules are known

Grounded in my beliefs and understanding

Yet there are forces that pull against me

Temptation reaches for me constantly

Attempting to weaken my very soul

I strive to live life in a manner of faith

As the battle of life itself intrudes

Mandating that I work even harder

To achieve the exact same results

Weakness and pause are not my friends

Their disguises are inviting and manipulative

Confusing right with wrong and good with evil

Deceiving me as I travel through life

Friend and foe enter with each new day

Some bring blessings while others bring nothing

My spiritual filter must always be activated

Allowing me to acknowledge the difference

So with the entrance of each new morning

I give thanks for all the day may bring

The bad as well as the good serves a purpose

A pure heart allows for the distinction

I know not for sure what tomorrow will bring

Or the feelings or emotions that will be stirred

But I know nothing will come with the day

That I have not been equipped to conquer

vic damico 12-01-2010

Myspace Christian Comments & Graphics

Tags: Poetry

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From Atop A Mountain

From atop a mountain

Curiously I watched those below

Wandering aimlessly, seeming so lost

Unaware of their own existance

As they move daily with their lives

Footprints are left with every step they make

Evidence of unacknowledged destruction

Following them as they journeyed forward

No regard for the beauty that stands before them

Or the resources they seem to take for granted

Life is but a book with many chapters

Each day serving as a new page in history

Preservation has ben replaced by greed

Tradition seems to come only when convenient

Loyalty is to self, not life as a whole

Dedication is limited to personal gain

In this dream tears fell from my eyes

Upon hitting the snow they began to roll

Gathering the snow as they tumbled below

As they reached the bottom of the mountain

I watched as it covered all of the ugliness

vic damico  11-30-2010

Tags: Poetry

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My Search Within Life

Constantly looking at what is before me

Holding onto the desire for progress

Always using my past as a source of wisdom

Never losing focus of the overall view

Glancing to the sides for opposition

Eliminating them all one by one

Settling only for that which is worthy of existance

Intimidation comes with the territory

Nothing worth having comes without a fight

Thinking of my destiny remains my real focus

Entering darkness in search of the light

Reaching blindly for what is before me

Not knowing how or even if I will get there

Erasing negativity as I go, putting it behind me

Trusting my instincts as I continue to move

Placing fear and the unknown aside for now

Only allowing that which works for me to remain

Ensuring my movements remain forward and strong

To lead me to that place for which I search

Realizing all along that I must remain focused

Yielding only to that which works against me

Forging ahead on the path of least resistsnce

Rules of engagement apply every moment along the way

Insisting to myself that my will be strong

Endless efforts in an unknown direction

Not knowing for sure of my actual quest

Drowning in uncertainty as I continue my search

Sifting through it all as I look for the unknown

Secure within my mind yet exposed to outside forces

Utilizing all the tools that are placed within my path

Never faltering and with absolutely no hesitation

Selective cognitive thoughts push me onward

Having no room for failure nor do I anticipate it

Insisting upon finding that which waits for me

Needless complications serve as reminders

Everything I encounter serves its own purpose

Holding onto the knowledge I gather on the way

Always dismissing that which prevents or slows progress

Remembering each step and how it has served me

Making the path before me less cluttered and cloudy

Only my mind understands this constant journey

No one experiences life in exactly the same manner

Yearning for that which is unclear even to me

While I search for my predestined positions and goals

Only my will is pushing me on my way

Never looking behind me as it is now my past

Dealing with the present will move me into the future

Existing as a separate entity from time itself

Relating to the components of life as they surface

Fullfilling my desire to find inner peace

Unrealized qualities grow with my every movement

Leading me to that place that is constantly calling me

Music Playlist at MixPod.com

Tags: Poetry

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Music Playlist at MixPod.com

Just Classic Rock

Hello, my friends...Just to take a break from my political profile and the poetry, I decided to do a blog to share some of the great classic rock songs...Below is a list of the songs that are included...You can go to the music player at the top of the page and use the arrows to choose which song to listen to...Enjoy the music...vic...

Songs Available

Ohio.....Neil Young

Down By The River.....Buddy Miles

Brown Eyed Girl.....Van Morrison

Refugee.....Tom Petty

I Love Rock And Roll.....Joan Jett

Stairway To Heaven.....Led Zeppelin

Stranglehold.....Ted Nugent

You Shook Me All Night Long.....AC/DC

Hit Me With Your Best Shot.....Pat Benatar

Sunshine Of Your Love.....Cream

White Room.....Cream

Bungle In The Jungle.....Jethro Tull

Thick As A Brick.....Jethro Tull

Dust In The Wind.....Kansas

Cold As Ice.....Foreigner

Fall Of The Peacemakers.....Molly Hatchet (Beautiful Song)

La Grange.....ZZ Top

Pearl Necklace.....ZZ Top

Gimme All Your Lovin'.....ZZ Top

Legs.....ZZ Top

Dream Weaver.....Gary Wright

Mama.....Genesis

Twilight Zone.....Golden Earring

Rocky Mountain Way.....Joe Walsh

Can't Get Enough (live).....Bad Company

Ready For Love.....Bad Company

Smoke On The Water.....Deep Purple

Pour Some Sugar On Me.....Def Leppard

Listen To The Music.....Doobie Brothers

Dreams.....Fleetwood Mac

Never Been Any Reason.....Head East

Barracuda.....Heart

Mr. Crowley.....Ozzy Osbourne

White Rabbit.....Jefferson Airplane

In A Gadda Da Vida.....Iron Butterfly

Leather and Lace.....Stevie Nicks

Dog and Butterfly.....Heart

Comfortably Numb.....Pink Floyd

Two Out Of Three Ain't Bad.....Meatloaf

Separate Ways.....Journey

Foreplay/Long Time.....Boston

Right Now.....Van Halen

Traveling Man/Beautiful Loser.....Bob Seger

Satisfaction.....The Rolling Stones

Breakdown.....Tom Petty (Live)

Hold Me.....Fleetwood Mac

We Got Tonight.....Bob Seger

Abracadabra.....The Steve Miller Band

If you have any favorites, or just something that you do not see, let me know and I will add it...

Tags: music

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Thanksgiving Thoughts

Thanksgiving is not just a holiday

It is an emotion

A feeling

A time to look 

into our souls

I am thankful for my family

The roots of the tree

That grows with the family

Holding us all together

I am thankful for my friends

Those who were once strangers

Who have found a place in my heart

Never to be allowed to leave

I am thankful for my shelter

A place I call my home

I am thankful for the ability

To earn that shelter

I am thankful for my daily feedings

That which is often taken for granted

While there are those who are hungry

How dare us not to be thankful

I am thankful for my health

The ability to function each day

Dismissing the small aches and pains

I have no reason to complain

I am thankful for my mind

The ability to think for myself

To use reason and judgement

With all that life may present

I am especially thankful

For those who came before us

Setting the path that we follow

Using their wisdom to guide us

I am thankful for this planet

A provider of our earthly needs

An endless supply of nurture and beauty

Feeding us with its very existance

I am mostly thankful for God

The provider of all of which I speak

Overseeing all there is within us

Looking after us with our every move

Tonight, before you go to bed, sit down for a moment and just think.  Think of all you have, and the ability to not only provide yourself with these things, but the mentality to understand what they mean to you.  Think for a moment of all the beautiful sights you see in any given day, the sounds you hear, and the feelings that you experience because of all that passes through your daily lives.  Think of those who are less fortunate than yourself, and put your life into perspective as opposed to that of what others may feel.  We do have much to be thankful for, and it certainly should not be limited to Thanksgiving Day as a time to think about it.  We all need to understand that we are truly blessed with our individual lives.  And when you may go through less than perfect times, always remember the following.  There is always someone who is less fortunate than you may be.  Bless you all, my friends...Vic Damico

Tags: Poetry

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