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Friday, December 05, 2008

THE source of our problems...

In pondering the economic situation and political manipulations going on around it, I was reminded of something Carl Jung once said,"The source of all neurosis is the avoidance of legitimate pain."

Dr. Gerald Mann had his own explanation of this in America,

"I think we are disillusioned because we have lived for many years with an illusion. Disillusionment, as I often say, is always the child of illusionment. We had this illusion that we could have the Great Society and the Great Frontier and that we could use the government programs to solve everything.

All of our saviors have let us down. Education and money hasn't really brought us the sort of inward peace that we want, so I think there is a massive disillusionment in the country because we based it on an illusion. We are the first generation in history that has expected life to be happy. We are the first generation that expects to have the ultimate marriage, the ultimate job, the ultimate religion, no problems, and we are setting ourselves up for great angst when we do that."

Absolutely brilliant analysis in my never so humble opinion. It's not a slam of education or success, just the realization that life is much deeper and bigger, and we put our selves at great risk when we fail to realize that.

Wednesday, December 03, 2008

Craving a Little Positive Economic News

UPDATE 1-US mortgage applications post largest gain ever | Reuters

All is not bad. I always complain about the negative slant on the news, so I have to give Reuters kudos for publishing this report.

It's important to understand things are never as bad or as good as reported. This provides a little more positivity on top of the good news on Black Friday.

Audacity of recount gives Franken hope

Minnesota Model - The Opinionator Blog - NYTimes.com

I think there are still some ballots in Hillary's trunk - no, the one in her limo...

Monday, December 01, 2008

Depression? Recession? Is it hopeless?

Amity Shlaes: Home

In a prior blog post, I highlight Amity Schlaes and her speech at the Foundation for Economic Education. In light of today's economic environment, I pickup up and re-read her book, "The Forgotten Man". It pays to be able to put current conditions in historical perspective, and that book is one of THE best resources for perspective on the Great Depression. Check out her site AND my old post - good meaty stuff for the times.