Worried over the financial crisis
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Question:
With reference to the current financial and political situation, I ask the question: Is the world facing a new dark age of evil?
Response:
Even if it were, what does it help you to think that way? Think good thoughts, practice wildly delusional optimism, and it will be that way.
Really, you don't have to be delusional (although it does throw a little more thrill into life). You can just look at the fullness of the cup instead of its emptiness: If this had happened twenty years ago, everything would have been lost. What's amazing about what happened now with the sub-prime loan failure and banking crisis is the resilience of the world economy — that we survived.
The world is heading towards its purpose of creation -- a world of true peace, filled with wisdom and G-d-consciousness. Change your focus and become a part of it.
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Latest Comments:
when u have nothing u have nothing to lose. simple huh!
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Perhaps it is a lucid message to all of the greedy idol worshippers around who bow down and worship the $$$.
Just as He allowed you to attain the $$$, He can take it away for your improper use of His gift.
Fools, it is not your money.
The needy are in this world for a purpose. So that the not so needy have someone to give tzeduka and provide for.
Perhaps now, you don't have as much $$$ to count and have more time to consider where to put your faith and allegiance, and the proper use of His gifts.
Excuse my bluntness, but I've seen too many people who have the business sense and knack for attaining wealth, but don't have the common sense of a golf ball.
We've assimilated very well, just like the 1930's in Europe and the two previous exiles from our land.
The previous two exiles were very short in time compared to this one. Yet from each one, eighty percent of our people did not return.
Food for thought and get your priorities straight.
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i grew up having people tell me to think happy thoughts while i was being beat down by those who say they can't do anything to make the world any better.
i guess i could contine to think happy thoughts but i would have to stick my head in a hole with my butt in the air, sevlanout, to live without my head in the hole i see lawyers posting television commericals warning of the many side effects that todays modern (patented) medications have and how people are dying from those or having (complications) that cause them more serious abnormalities than what was orignialy wrong with them that took their quality of life. so what is the big deal of preserving a life if one has to sacrifice the quality of it just to exist in a world of people pretending to look out for your best interests, just as long as it comes with a promise to fill their pocket, ever wonder why so many who cant afford help don't get the help they need and if they do its substandard, well gonna stick my head in the hole
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Tom: I am a credit rep that was laid off due to corporate downsizing. I believe what is happening with these large companies is they want to keep as many receivables open on the books as possible. This over inflates the balance sheet and makes companies look more profitable than what they really are.
They are doing this by creating billing issues and eliminating jobs in the collections and credit departments. This creates a savings on pay roll and further increases the open receivables because now there will be even fewer employees to help their customers resolve billing issues.
And sadly, this is so counter productive because it actually reduces the cash flow. Unless we as stock holders, demand restrictions on theses CEO's severance packages and give the company the right to seize personal assets of these white collar bandits, it will continue. It's time to pray for strength, and for those of us who own stock, it's time to insist on some new rules.
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Yes that story is truly a tragedy, and it certainly is not the first tragedy to befall the Jewsih people, but what alternative do you have to continue thinking negative destructive thoughts?
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Funny thing, nobody ever says we should give up on modern medicine because people keep on dying nevertheless...
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Practicing wildly delusional optimism is a beautiful idea, as is "the think good and it will be good" philosophy. I used to believe in this - until our beautiful little, good, 4-year-old neighbor was diagnosed last winter with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma. Guess what? All the thousands of prayers and positive thinking has mattered for naught - the stem cell transplant is canceled because there is no hope whatsoever. No hope. I have talked to the rabbi about this - and even he doesn't know what to say. If "think good and it will be good" would have been possible, this child would have it good - she is an angel. It is a tragedy, and there is no hope. We all hope for a few more good weeks, and a painfree ending.
So much for positive thinking.
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At times of troubles, I want our population to understand what mistakes were made, and how to avoid them. That puts me in a position of praying for the truth of the issues of our times to be revealed. If a prayer like that is answered, that implies some people's crimes and/or foolishness are revealed, which would hurt or embarrass them. Is this an improper prayer, given that I don't know the intimate details of their motives and choices?
I am of the opinion that the people being blamed for this financial disaster are not the primary drivers, and that the people who should bear much blame are skating free. This shades my thoughts on the matter, and I don't even know if that might influence how the prayer is received.
Any thoughts or guidance would be appreciated.
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What happens in Jewish history when an economy has a hard time, who is blamed?
I would encourage anyone who is willing to ask themselves about what is going on in the world?
Things are as Rabbi Akiva said this is for the good (remember we have the master of the universe on our side), But anyone who wants to do something to lessen anything bad heading our way should follow the advice the Admor of Sanz recently gave on these troubles: to do something to strengthen your observance of Torah and mitzot, or work on improving a certain character trait.
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I don't disagree with Mr. Freeman's case for being optimistic. Very often how we think, or the visual we hold in our mind's eye is in fact the path our lives tend to follow. So, I absolutely agree about thinking positive thoughts!
However, to completely ignore that there is chaos around you is not helpful. If there are clear signs of impending disaster (financial, health, relationship) - to simply wish it or think it away is counter productive. Akin to the proverbial "hiding your head in the sand".
I think one must always remain optimistic while at the same time take action to help mitigate whatever hurt/damage may come one's way.
One must take action to prevent darkness in whatever form it may take and yet at the same time remain "wildly delusional (ly) optimistic" that G-d will provide.
Sure, it's a battle - nu?
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