It CAN be worse ...

Subject: Re: It CAN be worse ... Wed May 21, 2008 12:22 am

I wasn't trying to say America's standard of living is the absolute best in the world. I was saying that America's standard of living is higher than the majority of other countries. In making the comparison, I was thinking more in terms of South and Centeral American and African nations than Western European countries. I was trying to say the standard of living in the United States is higher than most, but not necessarily all other countries. I hope this clarifies things.

Subject: Re: It CAN be worse ... Wed May 21, 2008 6:08 am

Gordon, I know what you're trying to say and I hope you know what I'm trying to say. I have lived and worked in six different countries. I have traveled to more than 30 other countries. I have defended our country often and in doing so learned how they view us. I have had the opportunity to see how other people live and compared their freedoms with ours. I have seen how other governments look after its citizens with social programs that provide healthcare and security compared to ours. Yes, there is still a large gap between developed and undeveloped countries and I'm not referencing those since they are the extremes.

Keep in mind that just as every country in the world is different, so is the mentality of the people that is reflected in language, culture and heritage. Comparing one country to another is like comparing apples and oranges. One-on-one comparisons, even with countries using the same language, is difficult. That is part of the reason why we should be cautious in using the terms, "best" or "greatest" or whatever. Citizens of other countries feel that their country is the best, the greatest, etc., and often for entirely different reasons.

I think it is great to live in a world with such diversity. If everyone was the same it would be very boring. Trying to make everyone just like us is not only an exercise in futility but a horrible thought.
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Subject: Re: It CAN be worse ... Wed May 21, 2008 1:24 pm

The six countries I mentioned did not include the USA. I have visited every state except for Alaska and Hawaii. Our country is large and diverse with its own special charms and uniqueness.
I recently had the honor of singing, "What a wonderful world," and it was fitting.
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Subject: Re: It CAN be worse ... Wed May 21, 2008 7:10 pm

Subject: Re: It CAN be worse ... Wed May 21, 2008 7:18 pm

Abe,

I very much agree with you and Gordon. You are both briliant men.

And that is the point that I'm trying to make.
Unless someone is well traveled as you are, they may not realize just how different the rest of the world is from wherever it is they live.
I've only been to four countries and 47 of the US states (I'm missing Vermont on top of Alaska and Hawaii).
But that has been enough to make me grateful for the standard of living I enjoy. And I've learned to not take what I have for granted.

And I agree, the world would indeed be dull if not for the diversity and difference. Our planet is truly an amazing and beautiful place. Not just because the planet itself is jewel, but the different cultures and people make it interesting and special.
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Subject: Re: It CAN be worse ... Wed May 21, 2008 11:40 pm

I think diversity is a good thing and we shouldn't try to force others to be like us. Because there is so much variation between individuals, let alone countries, it is inpossible to make exact one on one comparisons with perfect accuracy. When I earlier compared the US standard of living to the majority of the rest of the world, I was making a general comparison and I was basing my conclusions about the standard of living on things like average income, gross domestic product, life expectancy, ect. I don't think it's good to be overly materialistic (the love of money is the root of all evil, as some wise man once said). However, it's hard to have an objective measure of the standard of living that's not, at least in part, based on a country's material success. Maybe we should measure the standard of living by how happy people are living the lives they do.

Subject: Re: It CAN be worse ... Sun Jun 01, 2008 12:20 am

I do hope all of you and your friends and family are okay.

We've just been dispatched on a run that is taking us across Nebraska to Ohio along the storm path that caused all those tornadoes.

It is just awful to see the damage it left behind. Sad

Seems not long ago I felt the same way about driving through New Orleans after Katrina.
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Subject: Re: It CAN be worse ... Sun Jun 01, 2008 4:51 pm

So far, we're ok. Although, about two weeks ago, we missed a storm with golf ball size hail by less than ten miles. I think we'll plant our garden today, I hope we've finally gotten away from the frost, come on it's June 1st. I've got a couple of gate posts to set in cement too, so I think I'll have a rather buisy day today.

Subject: Re: It CAN be worse ... Thu Jun 05, 2008 2:29 pm

Two people showed up at my book signing last night. Guess the severe thunderstorms and Tornado warnings and watches kept them away. We drove through some pretty heavy rain to get there. *smile*

Already this year we are 4 inches above normal. They said because the air something that use to be in Canada is now in the U.S.A. Times, and weather, are a'changin.
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