The United States declared its’ freedom from Great Brittan 230 years ago. We the people of the United States celebrated our Independence Day last week, but how many people in this country really are free, or even feel free?

            That really is a rhetorical question. No one could have an answer for it that would be representative of our nation, or even for their neighborhood or household. This really expands across all borders, although when you get to certain countries you have actual slavery, if not servitude, but I am not going to get into that.

            I am talking about self-induced slavery that has been pushed by commercialism and expectations. I see people all the time driving new cars, wearing the latest fashions, going to the chic places to be seen, and I wonder how they do it. What percentage of the population buys a car when they go to an auto dealership? How many people buy a new car because they are just tired of the “old” one? And why is a car considered old when it hasn’t even been around a decade?

            The advertising world has convinced many people that they need to go into debt to keep up with the Joneses. Not a new concept for major purchases like homes, but certainly recent when it comes to clothing or groceries. The convenience of credit has driven the country into slavery to the Credit Card Gods.

            According to Alan Greenspan (back in February) Americans are only saving 1% of their income on average, compared to an average of 7% from the previous three decades. Now why do you suppose that is? Is it the “I want it NOW” mentality that has been brought about by easy credit, loans and the shows on TV showing lifestyles of the rich and famous?? Is it the “why not me, I deserve it” entitlement generation? Has the age of Aquarius turned into the me me me generation.

            The real question is what can we do to get away from the greed perceived need? Simplify sounds great, but I have to admit, I like my “things” as well as the next human.

            If you are just working to keep your head above water and not making gains, how do you see yourself retiring? Or even slowing down? There has to be a shift in thinking, maybe back to the multi-generation family pulling together tightening the belts, and living well through sharing and giving. Something has to give.