>>SNIP
>>>I'm really amazed at the apathy here, or is it just the media coverage which will always hide the important stuff. When we were protesting against Milosevic five years ago, we hoped the next time we go to the streets will be when the new government raises the price of gas for 0.02, as is customary in the developed world. Seems not to be the case - or it "didn't happen, because it wasn't on the TV"?
>>
>>
>>Dragan,
>>Funny that this should come up here when we had a short discussion at work about the same thing.
>>We were comparing the propensity to "demonstrate" in the 60s & 70s compared to today.
>>
>>While there is the element of demonstrations being hijacked by 'professional' destructors who travel from one to another smashing windows and overturning cars, etc, we felt there was more to it (not done any more) that just that.
>>
>>We couldn't agree in our short discussion, but some things that came up included:
>>- work, more than ever by all over 16 in any household, takes away valuable time;
>>- similar to above, we are hostages to the banks, what with credit cards, mortgages, car loans and the "need" to keep up with the Joneses;
>>- brainwashing by the media, not only by commercials but also by programming/content;
>>- complacency, in that we all walk around thinking/hoping/expecting that someone else will address the problem;
>>
>>We got back to work
>
>Jim;
>
>A conversation with a friend some 30 years ago seems timely. He suggested civilization is based upon two things. First the missionaries go off to convert the heathens and then issue Macys credit cards to all. You are now part of the system and cannot escape. To relieve your frustration you use your credit card to go into debt, which also keeps the economy going. An economy based upon false gods, frustration and monthly bills.
>
>This analogy began with the puritans arriving in America, grew and is now present throughout much of the world.
>
Tom,

About a year ago, while driving and listening to the radio, there was a call-in show about the state of the province's education system. There were all kinds of legitimate (in my opinion) complaints.
But one guy called in and summed it up nicely, I thought. He simply noted that 'The education system is doing exactly what its been evolved to do and what society needs it to do - teach kids to become compliant consumers and nothing more. At this they are highly successful.'.

Sad, but it seems to fit, at least around here.

The Steinway family story was interesting too.
Jim