Do any of you ever feel guilty?

**Gutter** · 05-11-2002, 01:20 AM

I was just thinking about a business lunch I had at my old job with three Romanian prospects. We were talking about how common computers were over there, and I remember he told me that the average salary for an IT person was about $300/month and computers started at around $800. I remember thinking, "Gee, I have a few computers in the house, a few half-built machines, one in my car, and probably eventually be wearing one on my waist." I felt a little guilty about spending so much on this stuff. Anybody else been in that situation?

**jstrain** · 05-11-2002, 08:20 AM

i know exactly how you feel. i got an empeg well over a year ago, when they were still like $1200. i looked at it logically though. i spend alot of time in the car by myself driving between jobs. the empeg fit my needs perfectly (and continues to do so), and made my time in the car much more enjoyable.

at the same time, i was going to say that i work hard as well, but the situation you describe has nothing to do with hard work. it comes down to the fact that i am blessed to live in a country that offers the oppurtinities for things like this.

so yes, i ko know how you feel.

jeremy

**Graf Spee** · 05-11-2002, 04:10 PM

Tis sad, isn't it. Some claim there is no seperation of classes, yet I beg to differ. Just look at any third world country. We worry about frivolous things while they struggle to stay alive.

There really is no way to justify it. What can we do? If we could do anything, could we do it for all of them? I guess it really only makes sense if you consider the theories of Charles Darwin.

Still, it remains a hugely depressing topic.

**lpoht** · 05-12-2002, 03:02 AM

In today's society built (partly) and driven (largely) by greed, ego, and fufilling social expectations, I find it hard to live up to the values I profess to others - those of caring for and helping others. Seeing news stories, video, etc. of global problems strikes a nerve in me, but the second the news ends, my easily distracted, TV-driven, instant-fulfilment mind moves on - in one ear, out the other. When I look at my life, what to I always remember? I remember how I need an LCD screen, how I want a new car, how I need new shoes - me, me, me. When I look at my life, sometimes I want to punch myself in the face. My values say that I shouldn't be driven by money and possesions - especially ego boosting ones like cars, sunglasses, etc. However, that is who I am. Still, I manage to live a meaningful live beyond these possesions. On the topic of gobal problems - I want to help. With school, jobs, and a small social life, though, when I get home, I want to sleep. Making the least effort - like writing a letter on behalf of the PETA (a cause I do support strongly), still helps. We must learn to praise progress, not perfection. When I see an extremely expensive car, I want it. I have a hard time accepting that I have a fully functional and very comfortable car already, and even it is more than I need, let alone a $100,000 Porche. Avoiding material lives is next to impossible in America, but finding meaning, finding compassion is essential. Helping one person not only directly benifits them, but it also sets forth an image for others to follow. Help one person, help millions, I believe. We can't change the world overnight, but we can help to cut through the ultimately meaningless material shrouds that we all wear.

**jstrain** · 05-12-2002, 07:42 AM

well said...

**cenwesi** · 05-12-2002, 10:47 AM

Well the reason most of the thirdworld's are so poor is simply Corruption. It will take atleast 100yrs for them to catch up to the USA standard.

**lpoht** · 05-12-2002, 11:34 AM

Originally posted by cenwesi
Well the reason most of the thirdworld's are so poor is simply Corruption. It will take atleast 100yrs for them to catch up to the USA standard.

The problem is that USA standards include corruption in business (allowed by governmental corruption and manipulation) which uses third world countries for a profit. The American Dream is only that to us, but stands for poverty, death, and pain for many others. We can't just let "them" take care of their own: our country is partially what stands in many people's ways. Our government and economy bribes other governments to keep minimum standards low such that Nike's can be made for $5 a pair. As I was saying - progress, not perfection is how we need to help. If anyone cares, and has the drive that I have such a hard time finding, please do anything to help others. To those who help thrid world country's poor - you are some of the most honorable people out there. Think about it - a lot of the help given in this country is for publicity, for money. Does Denny's really want to give money to the NAACP? No, they just want the good publicity that comes with it - saving face. However, does anyone who donates time and money to fly halfway around the world and help build adequate bathrooms for poor towns in Africa get on TV? Seldom. These people are the true heros of our society.

**CrazyLittle** · 05-13-2002, 10:53 AM

Originally posted by lpoht
Making the least effort - like writing a letter on behalf of the PETA (a cause I do support strongly), still helps.

I agree with pretty much everything you've said except for that one sentence. IMO - PETA is a fanatical fringe of retarded, misguided freakos. Among some of thier most famous stunts include an ad campaign that encouraged college students to "Drink Beer, not Milk." (A highly irresponsible POV considering all of the binge-drinking related deaths among college students)

In addition to that cute little stunt, they gathered 400 deer and outfitted them in those bright orange hunting vests in a half-assed attempt to make hunters avoid shooting them. Of course, reality sets in, and 300+ of those 400 deer are taken because now they're visible for a mile.

**lpoht** · 05-13-2002, 06:02 PM

CrazyLittle -
I agree that these incidents you noted certainly speak against the PETA, but nonetheless, any organization has failures - big and small. I feel that providing examples is unnecessary. However, the goal of the PETA is a noble one, and they do a better job than most at organizing millions to fight for change. Show me a perfect organization - one that fights for animals rights, has a large following, and has a perfectly clean history. Do I agree with everything the PETA does? No. However, I support them because of the good that they do. Simply put, again, progress, not perfection.