Ten years

[shamustwin]

Great one, Biscuti. Totally love that song, that Bowie period. Thanks for finding and posting it.

[johnallg]

For all the progressive and optimistic types of events and thinking that went on then, it is sad for one to admit that by its end it was a decade of wasted potential.

I agree.........what a waste of an opportunity to make a difference. I often wonder how and why we let that opportunity slip from our grasp?

Reality and responsibility crept in. We started having families and that took over.

[johnallg]

Ok, my personal opinion here,

It just appears to me that all of the marketing schemes and trends have duped the public. People seem to be so concerned with keeping up with the Joneses that political and social issues took a backseat. The 70s brought that "me" generation of self importance through consumerism, and the 80s multiplied that with over the top decadence. It wasn't untill crack and aids that people generally started to rethink their lifestyles and capitalize on corporate ventures. The last 20 years, people have bought in to the whole credit myth, and are too busy paying bills to be concerned with what is going on around them. I hear people all of the time complaining about this and that and wondering why we take it. Well, quite simply, all social economic levels are usually 3 to 5 paychecks away from being homeless, thanks to all of the items they buy on credit, leases, and loans. People quite simply aren't going to miss out on work and risk that job to go on a march to protest something. Why do you think the corporations can do whatever they want and all people do is ***** about it? 1 or 2 days of not using petroleum would have brought those 4+ dollars a gallon prices down immediately, wouldn't you agree?

Exactly why I hate to pay interest, stayed in a smaller home I could pay off (1988), and pay cash for everything. And even back in the 70s with the fuel shortages, I've been saying if everyone would park the car and stay home for a week we'd bring them to their knees.

The frustration of seeing all the idealism go out the door caused much stress in my life. What I decided to control was my own personal life and situation, making my family and their lives the most important thing in my life. It has been very satisfying and rewarding.