(I afraid this doesn't comply with the rule of "Substantive diaries only."... but...
The rights and power of corporations have grown enormously compared to 20 years ago over individuals. And more and more I find myself wondering about a lifestyle free of this predicament. What would that be? I'm just kind of musing here. You might not want to waste a lot of time on it, but I'd be interested in comments of a constructive nature. I can imagine and don't at all want, harsh criticism. I know I should get in there and fight, but I'm feeling very discouraged. I haven't written diaries here much at all. This one, perhaps a bad idea. This site isn't about giving up.
I am very frustrated now with phones.
For 5 years now, my goal has been to have one number and answer it. I got a pre-paid cell phone and always have it in my pocket if I'm wearing pockets. I have a landline. Both numbers are on the federal don't call list. I now get more telemarketing, charity & survey calls than desired calls. Some of these are clearly illegal. Someone I think put my cell number into an ad on the intenet and I'm getting 2-10 calls a day from schools and load offers. I only answer recognized area codes, but still... I don't want to take the enormous time to sue the telemarkers. As I say, I don't want to become a combatant.
The political theme I see here is corporate power and rights .vs. individual power and rights. And I suspect I could write about 20 situations in which the rights and power of corporations has grown enormously compared to 20 years ago over individuals.
Oh. I got a letter from Blue Cross Blue Shield. My health insurance policy I've had 10 years now is "grandfathered" and the new federal regulations just passed don't apply. I may apply for an ungrandfathered policy with these regulations but may have to have a health screen (read: we won't cover anything we can call a pre-existing condition? hahaha! ).
And more and more I find myself wondering about a lifestyle free of this predicament. What would that be? A friend living in a town of 5000, walked without a car everywhere for 5 months, spends $300 a year on food, growing the rest herself, no computer, very little to no health insurance but a very healthy lifestyle. She owns her modest house outright and has income from a roommate. Depending on how little money fuels your lifestyle, you'd give up a lot. Perhaps, sort of live in a different world. You'd never think of taking a vacation to another country for example.
I wonder if this isn't nearly the third worldisation in "America" (the USA) today. A metaphore certainly, for it's gets much worse. I'm sort of thinking living on $5000/yr not $500/yr. It's looking increasingly attractive. She has such time! She reads a lot from the public library. I love to read. She ski's a lot, bikes a lot. Maybe I should plan for this.
My situation is, I'm a guy, 51, I gave up my IT career, own my house outright, have some not enough retirement savings, I seriously struggle with depression and related things, I have some little small business activities that I make 10 to 20,000/year at. I could earn more with more effort like everyone. But I feel I'm struggling. Like everyone.