Hate to be a Doomsayer, but...

Seriously, can things get more screwed up? Take stock of the world around you, your car, your job (if you're lucky enough to have one of those) and all your material possessions. Go ahead, I'll wait...

Got it? Good, now imagine all of those sitting on a curb as you watch a foreclosure sign get thrown up in your yard. Imagine that sweet little ride getting repossessed. Now, you have to sleep at your friend's house and take the bus to work with all of the "crazies." Then, one day you come to find out the company you work for is struggling to get the loans it needs to survive. You'll have to go. Sorry pal. So, take stock of the world around you at this point. No job, no car, no home. Sounds pretty rough doesn't it? Well, it is. But, you just have to remember you live in America and that as bad as things get here, it's still a heckuva lot better than in a lot of places. Here are a few examples.

Gaza- Even before the recent Israeli invasion, life in Gaza was a day-to-day struggle for many people. Remember that house you lost? How would you feel if you were evicted from your country? Still, with the Israeli invasion things have managed to get worse. The use of white phosphorous devices is causing civilian casualties of a horrific nature. The searing gas travels surprisingly well in tight, over-populated spaces, leaving hundreds horribly burned. If Israel manages to destroy Hamas and come up with a better system for Gaza, this war could have a semi-happy ending. There are a lot of things that could still go awry though, such as war with Iran in the interim. In the meantime, innocent Palestinians will starve, be injured with little hope of medical care and huddle in groups in dilapidated buildings. It is largely Hamas's fault for being an unintelligent group of rocket-launching morons, and Israel has the right to destroy them. They just need to be careful.

Somalia- The Ethiopians have finally withdrawn their troops from Mogadishu. The African Union is leaving a small contingent of peace-keepers to defend against all the Islamist radical factions that are vying to fill the void. It is predicted that they will do little to halt further onslaughts of violence. On the coast, pirates are living lavishly with their stolen booty. Inside, children roam the streets with old Kalashnikovs, rocket-launchers and camouflage clothing. Civil war has torn this country apart for decades, leaving it the most war-torn country in all of Africa, which is no small recognition. The US is trying to get the UN involved more intensely, but everyone is concerned that they will be there too long if they go in now. They're basically cowards, allowing innocent civilians to die, children to be raised as outright thugs and erasing this country's future before it's written.

Balkans- Riots and protests clog the streets in several of these countries over everything from police brutality to poor governance to lack of pay for police officers. Kosovo is struggling to remain independent in an angry world. Serbia is trying to convince the world that it's people in Northern Kosovo are being mistreated. All of the Balkans are struggling with the row between Gazprom and Ukraine. Factories are shutting down, leaving many jobless. Millions are without heat. And now, the worldwide economic slowdown is starting to trickle down to this region. Even more jobs are being lost or threatened. The threat of war from Serbia is a constant threat, even though it does seem unlikely at this point. Meanwhile, these countries are expected to enact serious reforms so they may join the European Union. They are severely hobbled but expected by the EU to make record leaps and bounds. Hopefully, the Balkans don't get to hot any time soon.

Mexico- Druglords are becoming more and more of a threat and power in Mexico as more of their products are consumed at home. They have gained power as their countrymen have turned to drugs as an escape from poor conditions. Kids are growing up as drug dealers because it pays more than working in a maquiladora. Would it be greatly beneficial if the US forced companies setting up shop just across the border to follow the same rules they follow here? Maybe, or they might just move again, leaving a more severe void in the workforce. The point is, we have a third world neighbor to our South. We are still the most powerful economy on the face of the world. Do you see the paradox?

Now, go back to the beginning. Take stock of what you have around you. Even if you don't like your job, consider yourself lucky to have one. Even if your house isn't furnished like a palace, just be glad you have access to heating elements. We live in America people. Our lowest standard of living is still far and beyond other regions standards. We are lucky to have been born here. Do not squander that opportunity. And for the love of god stop watching tv and read a freakin' book!

Peace.