Life isn't all about putting down the academic system. And neither is this blog. I wanted to turn to a lighter subject, the joy of the Holidays. But I guess I'm going to be more of a scrooge.
When I see people deck out their homes for Christmas, my first reaction is that it looks nice and is festive, and gives me a little fuzzy feeling. My second thought is, why are people spending so much of their money on this holiday? Let's add into the discussion all of the money that some people spend on gifts. Now I must disclaim that I am currently not a parent, so I don't know the love that drives one to spend all sorts of money for toys for their kids. I hope to be that person one day, but what I don't get is spending, like, thousands of dollars on Christmas, or lining up on the night of Thanksgiving just to get gifts.
With the government close to fiscal disaster, we shouldn't be worried about how much money we're going to be able to spend on frivolous gifts. If we're spending so much on presents for people, it seems that money would be better spent going towards the public good. Personally, frankly, I would feel better knowing my tax dollars were going to pay for a road for someone for Christmas, rather than, say, having someone get a smartphone that doesn't really do anything other than function as an entertainment device.
We could solve this country's problems, in education, crime, infrastructure, medical coverage, all if we were willing to contribute a little more to the public good. (And if we slashed our military budget by a few hundred billion a year, but that's another discussion.)
I really wish everyone the best for the holiday season. And I hope they are able to be festive. I just would like things put in perspective.
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