tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53711288504155667.post3313224796518734465..comments2023-10-23T12:00:17.793-05:00Comments on Gail's Place: The Year goes out!Gailhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17906255371805150247noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53711288504155667.post-44852540873407285392015-12-31T14:58:49.704-06:002015-12-31T14:58:49.704-06:00I'm watching the tornados and floods from afar...I'm watching the tornados and floods from afar and grateful that those I know and care about are safe and well so far. Here we are dealing with terrible bush fires and while I'm safe people have lost homes and livelihoods. Like the US, Aussies are pretty good at rallying to the aid of others and I marvel at those folks who find the strength to start all over again.<br /><br />I'm reminded of my aunt, who during the 1950s was convinced that the world would be extinguished by a nuclear war. She was terrified of starting a family only to have it wiped out. Each generation must deal with the troubles of its time. Millions of lives were lost in both World Wars and millions more displaced. Modern media means we are more exposed to the plight of others. <br /><br />I feel that the way of life that you and I have enjoyed is changing but that happens in every century. I'm dismayed at the lack of civility, the impatience, the rudeness, the lack of empathy encountered each day. The fact that too many people steadfastly believe that our laws do not apply to them and it's bad luck when they are caught.<br /><br />I don't know what to make of the cult of celebrity; the exorbitant salaries paid to sportsmen; government seems to be less effective the larger it becomes and there is little or no choice when electing those who represent us. <br /><br />Sydney just spent $7 million dollars on fireworks and I can't imagine what it costs to clear the 60,000 tonnes of rubbish left behind by the revellers; the cost to employ all those extra police and ambulance officers. Did we really need to spend that much?<br /><br />Every generation faces challenges - some thrive and some fail. Face each day as it comes. You won't know what ten future holds until it becomes the present. <br /><br />a good yarnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16149377639622327630noreply@blogger.com