Posted on 12/16/2008 9:53:43 AM PST by NYer
NEW YORK (Reuters) - A paralegal, recently laid off, wanted to get back at the "establishment" that he felt was to blame for his lost job. So when he craved an expensive new tie, he went out and stole one.
The story, relayed by psychiatrist Timothy Fong at the UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute and Hospital, is an example of the rash behaviors exhibited by more Americans as a recession undermines a lifestyle built on spending.
In the coming months, mental health experts expect a rise in theft, depression, drug use, anxiety and even violence as consumers confront a harsh new reality and must live within diminished means.
"People start seeing their economic situation change, and it stimulates a sort of survival panic," said Gaetano Vaccaro, deputy clinical director of Moonview Sanctuary, which treats patients for emotional and behavioral disorders.
"When we are in a survival panic, we are prone to really extreme behaviors."
The U.S. recession that took hold in December last year has threatened personal finances in many ways as home prices fall, investments sour, retirement funds shrink, access to credit diminishes and jobs evaporate.
It is also a rude awakening for a generation of shoppers who grew up on easy access to credit and have never had to limit purchases to simply what they needed or could afford.
Instead, buying and consuming have become part of the national culture, with many people using what is in their shopping bags to express their own identity, from the latest gadgets to designer handbags.
For those who need to abruptly curtail spending, that leaves a major void, said James Gottfurcht, clinical psychologist and president of "Psychology of Money Consultants," which coaches clients on money issues.
(Excerpt) Read more at reuters.com ...
And I meant to say “We have turned into....” not You have.
My post is really aimed at the author of the piece.
Most of them probably voted for 'hope and change', and now they'll be finding out what that really means.
the latin americans hate the u.s. because we’re rich...
the russians...
the arabs and persians...
and so it goes.
I figure anyone who wants a damned tie is a loser either way. Sure, we all have to keep a couple for weddings or funerals, but they’re hateful things. Anyone who wants to start their day by tying a noose around his neck is an utter fool in my not-so-humble opinion. I say “string him up with it” and put him out of his misery.
I just have to laugh at all of our fears and doomsday behavior. 95% of the world lives from day to day...no 401K, nothing more than what lives in their back yard (chickens & vegetable garden). Trading and bartering is a way of life. When I used to live in Brazil in the 70’s...2,000% inflation was the norm. There were no securities to invest in. People cashed their paychecks immediately so that they could by their groceries or other assets, because the bank saving rates was less than inflation rate. The only thing that maintained value was real estate.
We deserve to learn a good lesson on living without desires vs. needs. That includes myself....
A predictable “defense” of anti-social behavior to come. It’s always the system’s fault.
A person who turns to crime because they’ve been laid off has a sickness of their soul that was there long before any economic downturn. A sizable portion of this country seems to be yearning to act like the God-less animals they truly are deep inside. All they need are the bleeding hearts of the spineless enablers in the media to pave the way.
Thank you for posting an excellent observation! Most Americans have never traveled abroad and have no concept of life outside the US. Like you, I have spent time in Italy, France, and a few other countries. One learns very quickly just how spoiled we are. We take far too much for granted.
Paging Dave Ramsey, please pick up the white courtesy phone.
Bush’s fault ™ ® ©
I love it how the media has spent the last 8 years convincing us that there is no such thing as “trickle down economics” and as a result tax cuts are pure evil. Now, they can’t stop whining about trickle down misery, so they propose tax increases on the evil rich.
Hey Media dolts, take a good look at your own news stories. That is what “screwing the rich” will get ya!
Boy, ain't that the truth! I had my ephiphany when I joined the Navy one day after I was 17 and my first "overseas" tour was Haiti in the '50s. Man, I thought "poor" was those folks living up in Harlem. I got a stunning closeup of what REAL poverty looked like,
Fast forward MANY years and I'm working for a foreign-owned oil rig renting outfit. I was one of three native-borns in a crew of 23. Had some great lunch-time discussions about life in other countries, and they always ended with "You Americans don't know how lucky you are."
Reminds me of the TV psychologist in "Die Hard" talking about "Stockholm Syndrome."
Phooey!
LOL...hasn’t anyone started a Dave Ramsey ping list yet? :)
Good post #25.
Dog Bites Man
Sun Rises in East AGAIN, When will it stop?
Women are Different from most Men.
Women and Children hit hardest by just about everything.
You're getting a nice little list going there...
But this story is just plain silly, and the people who are described are idiots, IMO.
It almost makes me hope for a major collapse and massive suicidal events of the urban libtard wussies.
It's clear that some major culling of the species is in order. Too many idiots have been allowed to survive, thanks to warning labels, safety helmets and other laws protecting idiot metrosexual Americans.
(sarcasm) (well, sort of)
I keep thinking about it, but I am not sure how to store the distribution list.....It would be good to see my fellow FReepers who are Dave Ramsey fans.
W&MHH...
I think that kid is pointing to his nitroglycerine pills.
Keep my screenname handy in case you do start such a list...
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