This is more of a comment of American Society than anything else:

Within The Gated Subdivision Of The American Mind: A Monument To My Comfort Zone

by Phil Rockstroh | Sep 17 2006 -

"Mrs. O'Kelly, do you believe in fairies?" "No, I don't -- but they're there." -- Irish aphorism

There is something missing in The Oakdale Estates subdivision. Oak Trees. Years ago, they were cut down to clear the property for development.

Is it possible the gated walls of Oakdale Estates are fitted with impenetrable irony shields?

There is something missing, as well, here in The United States of America -- Land of The Free. Freedom.

Where are our much-vaunted freedoms in the present day United States? Are they, perhaps, hidden among the phantom oaks of Oakdale Estates?

Sadly, it appears, for a depressingly large percent of our citizenry, the loss of our rights and liberties are missed and remembered to the same extent as the felled trees of Oakdale Estates.

At morning, during their commute to work, the residents of Oakdale Estates sit, stranded in traffic, on ever more congested "freeways"; they, as is the case with most of us, remain steadfast in our fantasy that automobiles provide us with freedom. Rarely do we consider the fact that, in all likelihood, a bank or finance company owns the vehicles, while, in order to meet our loan payments, we must continue to work ever-longer hours and spend evermore time stuck in those self-same vehicles, in order to reach the jobs that devour evermore of our "free time," so that we can afford to pay the exorbitant price the "freedom" to "own" an automobile allegedly bestows upon us.

If this is our standard of freedom: Is it any wonder far too many Americans still believe that our soldiers are dying daily in Iraq to "keep us free?"



ARTICLE CONTINUES HERE

Catherine

Free to be a wage slave. Sir Irate's signature applies to American Freedom- This way is much more civilized and actually helps people think they're free!

When I was growing up, we put items in the "layaway" if we couldn't pay for them immediately. We didn't have the item to enjoy until it was paid for, which made it much more valuable to us. I have a little doll's bed that cost $1.75 at the Lay's Five and Dime in 1959. My 50 cents allowance wouldn't allow me to buy it outright, so I put it in the layaway. I treasured that toy, and to this day when I see that doll's bed sitting in my curio cabinet I smile, remembering how I earned that allowance each week and how it took me four weeks to pay for it, with a quarter left over.

Now, it's instant gratification for the masses with their credit cards.

Catherine

I'm with you on this one Catherine. I remember lay away and getting a coat or something like that with it. I still prefer to save my money and then pay for it cash. I look at the "Jones'" who live around me and often wonder how they can afford what they have. Maybe the can't. I may not drive a new car, but at least it's paid for!

I've got a couple of years to pay on mine, but it's only got 27,000 miles on it. By the time I get it paid for, it should still be in good shape...I take good care of it, too. Since I retired, I don't drive half as much as I was before that momentous event.

Catherine