Fear Tactics: Economic Conditions

Fear is an effective tool for uses of propaganda and coercion.  The media uses it.... your parents used it.... employers.... civic groups.... police.... dictators.... presidents.... kings.... you.....  everyone uses it.  Sometimes you have good reason to fear.

Other times there is nothing to fear.  The agents of communication simply threw you a red herring.  The fear tactic I have an issue with concerns this simple phrase,

Due to current economic conditions...

The sight or hearing of this sentence opener immediately strikes fear into the listener and empowers its speaker.  I have heard these words, right before I was laid off, as have others at my former employment, akin to the millions and millions of people. 

The economy, that near invisible and omnipotent entity second to the higher power we may or may not believe in, apparently rules all.  Like the golden rule, whoever has the gold makes the rules.  Apparently, the conditions of the economy have led to mass job loss and downfall.  I want to say to you all that don't let this phrase scare you anymore.

I think in the recession's infancy this phrase was legit, however, I'm under the impression now it is used as a fear tactic.  This is not a plea to act a ass at your jobs or with other things, however, don't get scared because the money is tight.  If you know you are on the up and up, don't be convinced that because the doors are breaking down with applications that you should fear for your own welfare.  The reality is that while applications flood in, 95% are discarded.  Yep.  They're not even read.

It is to my understanding that many people have cut back for one reason or another.  On the other hand, some people have made zero alteration to their spending habits.  I'd like to believe that if we spend, the money wheel will keep spinning.  That means using our own resources and not getting flimsy loans that landed us in this mess in the first place!  The economy is run by people.... People that can be like yourself!

Sticking to your guns and using your own resources is how we can evade this fear tactic.  Stop living in fear of something that YOU CAN CONTROL!

Social (Un)Networking

*Drags soapbox to center of the stage, adjust mic stand, and clears throat*

So I'm the first one up then huh? Well here we go...

Im calling out social networks and people who over use, wait, abuse them.  I'm particulary talking to anyone that tries to communicate with me through them, and then proceeds to tell me to check it.  I refuse to respond to a message on facebook or follow you on twitter to find out information you could just as easily tell me yourself.