Parties in the Park and Dancing in the Dark

Cities in the United States are now witnessing rallies of individuals frustrated with the Government, Wall Street and the Capitalistic System. The 99 Percenters argue, “no fair shake, the system is rigged, it is time for Change.” They may be swaying to that hit tune of the ‘80’s, “Dancing in the Dark,” by Bruce Springsteen. 

The Federal Government recently released the spending and revenue for the last fiscal year compared to the last 3 previous fiscal years. Note that we spent a record amount of money in 2011 on top of two previous years of record spending in relation to GDP. Now, after creating an additional $4 trillion in additional debt, we still find ourselves with 9% unemployment and economic malaise. Massive federal spending has, so far, not been the answer to jump start our economy or reduce unemployment.

Change, is that what we need?

I suggest that “Change” is the issue at hand and will remain the issue for a long time. Alvin Toffler wrote a book in 1970 entitled Future Shock discussing rampant change and that it will be a part of everyone’s life over the next several decades. How right, he was. Change we are getting; at the speed of an Indy Car on an oval track. Crashes are part of the new paradigm.  (With all due respect to the recent, untimely death of Dan Wheldon)  We need shock absorbers in the form of new habits of wellness, thrift and learning to cope with what might be ahead.

Today, 40 years later, the System rewards those who can live within a budget and can create savings for the future. The System favors those with flexible job skills that reach across several disciplines. The System favors those eager to be retrained when their specific job is no longer needed. The System favors those individuals who have options to work after others chose to retire. 

To survive “Future Shock,” we need to find new habits to reduce current living expenses and save for what will be a long future. Look for ways to access new opportunities in education to enhance skills or learn new ones. Enrollment in Community Colleges across the country is increasing rapidly. The American “can do” spirit is alive and well on these campuses. Also, we need to learn new habits about wellness and diet. 

“Diet!” you say?

The sad news is that as a country, we have never been as collectively obese as we are today. During the past 20 years, there has been a dramatic increase in obesity in the United States and rates remain stubbornly high. In 2010, no state had a prevalence of obesity less than 20%.

Poor Colorado was the last state in the under 20% obesity range in 2009. In 2010, it finally succumbed to the “Super Size” mentality. Thirty-six states now have an obesity prevalence of 25% or more; 12 have an obesity prevalence of 30% or more. We need to make better choices to reverse this trend as obesity creates higher health costs and shortens life spans.

Will the rallies in our City’s parks end any time soon? We really cannot be sure. Change is all around us. You can build strong shock absorbers for the future change by adopting new habits of wellness, thrift and learning.