tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post5285712406823995033..comments2024-03-28T14:37:45.575-04:00Comments on 5 Acres & A Dream: A Birthday Lament for AmericaLeighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-85510810373385115872019-07-19T21:27:54.587-04:002019-07-19T21:27:54.587-04:00L.J., thanks for the links. They sound interesting...L.J., thanks for the links. They sound interesting. <br /><br />I think there is definitely a spiritual battle going on, each side with a different set of moral values. It's pretty much showcased in politics right now, not strictly along "party" lines, but there are two different views of how the world should be, how our country should be. I think many people would agree in principle with these values, but the only way to keep them alive is to live them, and teach them to the generations after us. Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-43145449493055777752019-07-19T19:31:31.423-04:002019-07-19T19:31:31.423-04:00I highly suggest watching Saving Capitalism and/or...I highly suggest watching Saving Capitalism and/or Inequality for All... or any lecture by Robert Reich. Here's a few on YouTube:<br /><br />Why Worry about Inequality https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCWk_mKoYdI <br /><br />Saving Capitalism for the Many https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jk4VCT5fo7M<br /><br />We haven't "lost" these things you posted about. There are just a lot of layers as to what's going on in our country.L. J. Lowehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12309044516086750611noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-19011024374287433572019-07-19T18:16:05.277-04:002019-07-19T18:16:05.277-04:00I think maybe we're waning in a few of those t...I think maybe we're waning in a few of those things... but lost... no, I don't think we've really lost any of those things.L. J. Lowehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12309044516086750611noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-47437326447887104712019-07-16T16:53:53.949-04:002019-07-16T16:53:53.949-04:00M.K. thank you for your courageous comment! I agre...M.K. thank you for your courageous comment! I agree with everything you've said. While I've been terribly glad to see that so many people still value these character traits, it seems that disrespect of all of them is becoming all to common. Political squabbles (I agree, both sides are guilty) really highlight this problem, because now it seems to be not only acceptable, but expected to disrespect someone with whom one disagrees. The only answer I have is to be different. And if enough of us join together to be different, perhaps we can keep these ten spirits alive. Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-86432220251401222952019-07-15T09:10:41.226-04:002019-07-15T09:10:41.226-04:00I read your post, and was not going to comment, bu...I read your post, and was not going to comment, but decided to come read how others had replied. I did not expect to find others who took exception, and I'm glad to find that the good ole American spirit of debate is still healthy :) Haha - we're all well-trained by facebook, aren't we?<br /><br />I agree very much that these traits are our ideal -- they used to be the ideal of most, and currently they are considered by only a small percentage, I think. But I agree with the history buffs here that our nation has always been plagued by the lack of these traits as well. I'll mention only two ways in which our nation is woefully deficient. <br /><br />IMO, a country that built its economy, particularly its agricultural economy, on the backs of slaves, cannot succeed until the all the effects of that choice (and it was such a choice) are purged from the national system. I've just spent 3 weeks in the Mississippi Delta. Believe me when I tell you that the racial effects of our nation's past commitment to slavery are still quite alive. Respect? Did we respect the black person? Hard work? From whom did we demand work with NO pay? The black person. Frugality it one thing; forced poverty is another, for the black family. So much of what we look back upon as "good" in our past was accomplished only because we had so much "free labor." Is black slavery eradicated in the U.S.? Yes. Are its effects gone? No. And an utter lack of respect between the two races is the best evidence of that. There's a lot of fussing on this topic nationally, but precious little healing.<br /><br />The other area that strikes my mind is politics, and I do NOT mean one party or the other. (I'm an Independent, a nice way of saying that I'm royally fed up with both parties!) The way that both parties play the system -- play us -- for their own political advancement, is sickening to me. They damage the pioneer spirit. They approve horrible chemicals in our soil. They make it hard for the small farmer. They discourage Godliness. They rob Americans of their freedoms and independence. We have come so far from a noble practice of democracy, and we've handed our lives over to a bunch of scoundrels in both parties. I do not think it's possible to move forward in these areas until our political system is crashed to the ground and rebuilt with all grass-roots parties.<br /><br />The area I feel we common Americans are still very guilty in, is that matter of Time. We are in a constant hurry to be productive, to squeeze more in a day, and we find the opposite happens -- there's little satisfaction in hurry.<br /><br />Thank you for this courageous post, Leigh! It has given me food for thought.M.K.https://www.blogger.com/profile/09205619221345704689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-13535474982663225472019-07-13T05:39:17.369-04:002019-07-13T05:39:17.369-04:00Margy, those of us who are older remember what it ...Margy, those of us who are older remember what it used to be like, so I think it's more frustrating for us. We've seen the changes and know things are going from better to worse. The younger generations have been taught solutions that so far have only worked in the realm of idealistic theory, but fail in reality. I think the consensus amongst commenters here is to focus on doing what we each can do through lifestyle changes, which I know you and Wayne are doing too. It's comforting to know we're not alone. Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-3524356868143990622019-07-12T21:39:22.959-04:002019-07-12T21:39:22.959-04:00These are very troubling times. I don't know w...These are very troubling times. I don't know where we are going as a nation. I am very upset and even angry at times. - MargyPowell River Bookshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17580698518291129041noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-10696767368747487142019-07-12T09:05:32.349-04:002019-07-12T09:05:32.349-04:00Thanks for following the comments and clarifying K...Thanks for following the comments and clarifying Kathy. I wholeheartedly agree! :)Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-71743914098015577482019-07-12T08:15:47.668-04:002019-07-12T08:15:47.668-04:00Leigh, I wasn't upset - just stating my viewpo...Leigh, I wasn't upset - just stating my viewpoint. I see all the propaganda and fake news and criticism/racism/sexism/ageism, disgusting politics, etc., just like you do. Just saying I choose not to give it my ongoing attention. I choose to focus on people like those who have posted here - and you! - and other blogs I follow with people who value simpler lifestyles, less STUFF, being (or working toward) debt free and not living on credit, downsizing, simplifying (daily routines, closets, obligations/calendars, homes, lifestyles), and valuing the planet, animals, plants, and people who populate Earth. I think we're all agreeing - just saying our thoughts in different ways. =)Kathyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15546089573271029499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-65454742782404121622019-07-12T07:43:00.850-04:002019-07-12T07:43:00.850-04:00Kathy, I didn't mean to upset anybody! It seem...Kathy, I didn't mean to upset anybody! It seems to me that there is an increasing awareness of the lifestyle choices before us as a nation, which accounts for the growing trend toward self-reliance. We see that in the popularity of homesteading, small family farming, gardening, backyard chickens, farmers markets, frugality, simple living, and DIY blogs and websites. Encouraging people in these directions is the purpose of my blog, and if you've read much of it then you know this particular post is an exception rather than the rule. It's not that I go out looking for dissension toward my views, that comes to me. For reasons unfathomable to me, there are those who choose to criticize and make no bones about saying so (anonymously, of course!) Unfortunately, I think this will be increasingly in our face until after next year's election. If anybody wanted my advice about that (which they don't) I would tell folks to turn off their TV! Even so, I think these things need to be acknowledged from time to time, if only to let people know there are choices to be made and that some of us are making them. Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-67376285553759510932019-07-11T21:07:48.920-04:002019-07-11T21:07:48.920-04:00Homesteading is one way to live "old fashione...Homesteading is one way to live "old fashioned" values, but not the only way. I see it all around me. Sometimes you have to LOOK, but good values and respect is out there (and in here...tapping heart and nodding to this forum). That's why I say you have to live your values and lead by example. There are lots of people all around us doing just that. Don't let the "non values" take over your vision or ENCROACH on your vision for your own daily lives. Energy flows where attention goes!! So put your energies (all of us here!) on where we'd like to see good things happening. Or put another way... Be the change you want to see.<br />I'm not putting anyone down at all. I see the same things you do. And it's fine to share those concerns. But I choose to not let "non values" take over my thoughts or invade my life because I firmly believe what I said. Energy flows where attention goes! So think good values, live good values, and you'll have a life of good values. Support others who have good values. Make friends with people who have good values. Cut ties with people who don't have good values. Support causes with values you care about (time/talent/money). Distance yourself from causes that don't share your values. Again... energy flows where attention goes! Kathyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15546089573271029499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-26308697242288151992019-07-11T19:38:06.174-04:002019-07-11T19:38:06.174-04:00Kristin, I think that's very true about homest...Kristin, I think that's very true about homesteaders. It seems to be the only way to live a simpler, less wasteful life. I also have to say that in the years we've lived closer to nature and the land, the more these values make sense. Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-85174366940695502302019-07-11T19:21:52.044-04:002019-07-11T19:21:52.044-04:00really makes you think. Here we are in 2019 saying...really makes you think. Here we are in 2019 saying the same things that the author did in 1973. But I also think that is why we are homesteaders. Or part of the reason why. We see value in living a less throw away life that is good for the environment, good for us, good for (and good to) our neighbors. Kristinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14952281089599117206noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-81570424309607805752019-07-09T12:26:11.662-04:002019-07-09T12:26:11.662-04:00Sam, so glad you jumped on into the conversation. ...Sam, so glad you jumped on into the conversation. I think the others are right, we need to keep these values alive by speaking of them and modeling them. Sorry to hear about your dog! You've had a rough time with your fur family. Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-56554593969555749162019-07-09T10:08:14.661-04:002019-07-09T10:08:14.661-04:00I can't believe I almost missed this post. I ...I can't believe I almost missed this post. I didn't even post on the 4th as I've been caring for my other dog who has now had a stroke. Anyway, what a wonderful post! I love all the comments too! I thought it was just me getting old and wanting to go back to "the old days" but it's true...those "good old days" are what I hope heaven is. Thank you, Leigh.Sam I Am......https://www.blogger.com/profile/17358633233189452832noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-46382125879307267202019-07-08T05:14:30.325-04:002019-07-08T05:14:30.325-04:00Chris, it certainly seems that the problem has esc...Chris, it certainly seems that the problem has escalated within our lifetime. I think a huge part of the problem is that modern culture is trying to build and shape itself completely divorced from nature. It wants to rely solely on technology for its survival. And that's an illusion because it is so far removed from the reality of the human connection to the earth. How can anyone respect something that isn't even real to them?<br /><br />Personally, I think our agricultural systems are key and there have been a lot of people beginning to understand that. The planet absolutely has to get away from industrialized chemical farming. It's killing the planet. Natural farming, regenerative farming, eco-farming - the name doesn't matter so much as people waking up to the fact that the ancient patterns of nature are the <i>only</i> patterns that work. "Progress" away from that is global suicide. Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-76088382208952531032019-07-08T03:50:07.597-04:002019-07-08T03:50:07.597-04:00I take the points that have been made, about histo...I take the points that have been made, about history has always been filled with such divides. But what I think is different about this generation, is how we're adulterating the land (more than ever before) to possess such divides. Which has far more reaching consequences, on the largest human population we've ever had. <br /><br />What was outlined, in The Spirit of '76, were accountability measures. It was interesting (but not surprising) to see respect for land, mentioned, in the spirit of respect. For without healthy eco-cycles, we have no future. No matter what else we disagree on. Past generations didn't have the benefit of supermarkets to hang their untested ideologies on. Starvation was a very real prospect, and kept civilisations accountable.<br /><br />This generation is very different. We have the largest population, which depends entirely on chemically derived food for survival. Demonstrating a fundamental lack of accountability. I'm an optimist at heart though, and encouraged by those who now see the mistake in the divide, between humans and natural cycles. No matter which country you happen to live. :) Chris https://www.blogger.com/profile/13715819899708384147noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-50506017061931899502019-07-07T17:00:08.331-04:002019-07-07T17:00:08.331-04:00Mike, I see the root problem as being our economic...Mike, I see the root problem as being our economic system. It favors the wealthy and is extremely unfair. My concern is that if it should collapse, people will want to rebuild it as before. And you have a point about parenting, too. I think the problem is that parents have turned over raising children to the government, which doesn't raise them to be responsible adults, but indoctrinates them to the political fancies of the time. Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-23271504721417884822019-07-07T10:52:28.290-04:002019-07-07T10:52:28.290-04:00Each 'Spirit' is so true today. I worry it...Each 'Spirit' is so true today. I worry it will never turn around until a major economic collapse happens, but even then trying to recover may be impossible.<br />I also feel all of it is the result of bad parenting.Mike Yukonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07615350717597229013noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-69914631511457452002019-07-05T21:46:32.430-04:002019-07-05T21:46:32.430-04:00Iris, thank you!
Karen Ann, that's a question...Iris, thank you!<br /><br />Karen Ann, that's a question many of us seem to ask almost daily. I don't have the answer, but I certainly plan to do my best to be the kind of American that lives up to these ten spirits.Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-15041637385556321172019-07-05T15:43:33.879-04:002019-07-05T15:43:33.879-04:00Amen again - you hit the nail right on the head. ...<br /> Amen again - you hit the nail right on the head. I'm horrified by the state of the union. What have we become? Karen thisoldhouse2.comhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03302171590212119499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-18650188911171520242019-07-05T09:48:32.616-04:002019-07-05T09:48:32.616-04:00Amen.Amen.Irishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13867934006250855567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-61109956908184706162019-07-05T08:08:00.879-04:002019-07-05T08:08:00.879-04:00Wyomingheart, wow, thank you! You've just bles...Wyomingheart, wow, thank you! You've just blessed me tremendously with that. I don't think many of us feel like we've got it all figured out. But if we're willing to tackle the learning curve, then bit by bit we gain that confidence and freedom from anxiety of which you speak. I, too, pray for our nation and its leaders. I don't know what the outcome of that will be, but I completely trust that it's in God's hands. <br /><br />Jo, you have a history to be proud of. That's very true about the increased interest in homesteading and self-reliance. It is the best way to prepare, but I have to say that the lifestyle all by itself is hugely rewarding, don't you think?<br /><br />Matt, thank you! Eloquently put. You made my day! I had never thought of our journey toward self-reliance as the pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness, but you are so right. That's exactly what it is. Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-85548803662631019422019-07-05T03:22:29.537-04:002019-07-05T03:22:29.537-04:00Leigh,
Thank you for your post. To quote Thomas P...Leigh,<br /><br />Thank you for your post. To quote Thomas Paine,”these are the times that try men’s souls.” A statement fitting 243 years after it was written. It is folks such as yourself who can in a small way stem the tide and restores some of those ideals written of in “Spirit of 76.” Your blog and book serves as a living example for those of us tired of the current state of the world and a return to something else. That something else is a return to self reliance, working with nature not against it to survive, reviving and teaching old farming methods to a younger generation. Working with your hands and your mind to solve the problems in front of you. All the while, you are pursuing Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. <br /><br />MattH Mathewshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16702309861914482590noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-89944986304507327272019-07-04T20:50:46.683-04:002019-07-04T20:50:46.683-04:00Leigh,
So long as there are folks like us around a...Leigh,<br />So long as there are folks like us around all these things are still alive. We lead by example and show others the way. Yes, there's a lot to lament in the name of progress when such words were things to be cherished, but then again, I'm seeing a renewal of things past in this new "Homesteading Movement."<br /><br />People need fear to spur them into action. Lord knows, there's plenty to be afraid of now. I'm not a doomsayer, nor fear monger, I'm proactive. I'm a Daughter of the American Revolution, Daughter of the Civil War (both sides), a Daughter of VFW, and a veteran. My family have fought for these truths and paid the price in blood. I'll never forget. We hold these values up with pride. But whatever comes down the pike...I prepare for the worst and pray for the best.<br /><br />Happy birthday America! Cockeyed JoCockeyed Johttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12107151148843311635noreply@blogger.com