Thursday, September 25, 2008

Thursday 13 - Would Another Depression Be So Bad? - 9/25/08

With all of the turmoil about our economy, the calapse of huge corporations, and widespread layoffs, there is a lot of fear among the American people that we are in a recession and headed for worse. It made me ponder whether or not a depression would actually have an upside. My father's generation survived the Great Depression and the lessons they learned served them well their entire lives. Subsequent generations (including mine) have not experienced the hardships that built the character of our nation. My Thursday 13 this week are thirteen things that came to mind that might be benefits of another depression in America. Don't get me wrong, I am not saying a depression would be a good thing, I am just saying.............

1) An end to the entitlement mentality that permeates the American society.
2) A rallying together of families, neighbors, and communities in order to survive.
3) The end of farm subsidies and paying farmers not to grow crops.
4) A chance to let the rest of the world operate without our participation as our focus will be domestic.
5) The return of the work ethic into American society.
6) Narrowing of the gap between the haves and have-nots as everyone becomes a have-not.

7) People will learn do it yourself skills to become self-sufficient.
8) Oil producing nations will have a huge surplus as our needs for oil becomes greatly diminished. They would gladly exchange oil for food.
9) The return of the extended family.
10) The end of the debt based economy.
11) A reintroduction of basic values.
12) The illegal immigrants would go back home and there would be no jobs to outsource abroad.
13) There would be nothing of value for thieves to steal.

14 comments:

Mia Celeste said...

You've really given us something to think about. I hope we're not heading for a depression, but you're right--there is good and bad in everything.

Anonymous said...

I get the feeling it wouldn't work quite this way. Things change, even the nature of a Depression.

Giggles said...

I was raised with this old school ethic. I raised my child somewhat that way too. I think it gives us an advantage! Excellent post. I think this will unite the people. Again there will be loads of opportunity in the rebuilding! I just hate the thought of history repeating itself...you know what comes after the depression....

Well done thanks!

Anonymous said...

GREAT to see you posting again, and you are right! It wouldn't be all bad (many folks in the Silver Valley of North Idaho wouldn't be affected at all since they are already there!)

Cinnamon Girl said...

Ya know I have thought the same things myself. Great TT =)

IdaR said...

I think you may be on to something. Will you save me a spot in the soup line?

Robin said...

Wouldn't it be nice if we could all learn that lesson without having to go through so much hardship...

Tink said...

Interesting point of view, you get me thinking. Still, I hope we won't know if it's true.
Thanks for visiting my TT.

paisley said...

where do i sign up???

Blondie said...

Well said. You identified everything that is wrong with Americans and everything that could be right with America in just 13 phrases--something no Politician or Journalist could ever accomplish! Hear, hear!

PMKU said...

What an awesome post. The closest thing that we have experienced is a natural disaster like Hurricane Ike recently. It really did put a few of your ideas into play. The sense of community involvement really came to life. Also, the lack of electricity was a good thing for the kids. What do you do without computers and tv?

Redheels said...

I sure hope we are not heading for a depression, but I am afraid of what is to come if things don’t change soon.

I would like to see the people of the America unite and do whatever it takes to get our country back on track.

Carol Woolum Roberts said...

My husband and I were just contemplating this very thing tonight. What if American did go into some kind of Great Depression. I definately think good things could come from it, and your list of 13 was right on the money...or lack of it as the case may be. Also, thanks for becoming one of my blog "followers".

Interesting comment from anonymous regarding the Silver Valley. Actually, I've felt things have taken a definate upswing in the past few years. I think people are doing much better economically now than 8 years ago when we moved back. But we all have our own perspectives on things.

Cedar Street Kid said...

Funny how we here have all had the same thought. We need a return to basics, the simple things of life.Great post!