Tirade #2

America is a great nation. I truly believe that. HOWEVER, I think there's something really wrong with how we value what people do. For instance, there's nothing wrong with being a professional athlete or singer or actor/actress but, really, is what they do worth a bazillion dollars?

I know, I know, not everyone who does this for a living is making that kind of money, but what does our willingness to fork over lots of our hard earned $$ to watch or listen to these people say to our kids when, at the same time, we bitch about paying our taxes or the cost of gas. Hey, I agree - both those things make me mad, too - especially since we have no choice (anarchy?) than to pay for these things. What you do for entertainment, on the other hand, IS a choice.

I wonder how many people subscribe to some pay-per-view sports event or buy the latest CD or DVD and then feed their children hot dogs and boxed mac & cheese because they can't afford anything better. I wonder how many of these same kids want to be one of those highly-paid athletes/performers - I know I would! How many of those same kids dream of the day they could be a teacher or a policeman. Seriously - which would YOU want to be based on potential income?

There's nothing wrong with dreaming of making a lot of money and being famous - but how I yearn for that fame to come from something that makes us better as a country. I admit, I love a good movie, song or tennis match - they can lift the spirit and that's a good thing. I'd miss all that if it went away - but that's not what I'm saying. I'm saying, the value we place on those things is skewed. Let's pay our teachers enough money that kids talk about wanting to be one when they grow up because they can make a good income - and being a teacher is a much more attainable goal than being the next 3-point-shot wonder on on a pro basketball team.

It's almost like a drug - once hooked on all these things you become obsessed and you'll pay whatever it costs to get your fix. Sad. Instead of watching tennis, get your butt out there and play - you'll have fun and get fit, too! Couch potatoes with type 2 diabetes - that's where many of us are heading because we "watch" instead of "do". Wait - that's another tirade for the blog!

Tirade time.....America, wake up! Quit being led around by the nose by the media and sports conglomerates!!!  Instead of idolizing entertainers, spend your money on something that increases your brain power....imagine what would happen if we just cut back a little on all that crap - a healthier nation, a smarter nation, a more interesting population. Wow!  I'm psyched for that! 

If I keep writing these, someone is bound to have a tirade of their own about the fact that I am so negative. Oh, well!  Start your own blog!