Making Criminals Out Of Everyone

There is an old idea that tells us if a government writes enough laws, eventually even the most honest man will become a criminal. And, this is exactly what we are seeing in the United States and other nations around the world. We need only look at the U.S tax code to understand how this idea concept applies. With over 80,000 pages of law, one is bound to do something 'illegal' even if he or she has no intention of doing so. The same is true of our traffic laws. No matter how carefully one drives, he or she is going to break a law at some point driving home from work. It is impossible not to.

By Design

Do not think this is something that was not done by design. When it comes to this situation, it was no accident. The government is concerned with one thing: control over the people. We can believe in all the slogans and mantras we want. The truth is, when looking at the history of governments, that they exist only to gain and exercise power.

Now, if everyone is a criminal simply because of all the laws that are written, what does that mean? Simply, by issuing decisions in an arbitrary fashion, those in power can 'eliminate' anyone who opposes their ideas. Again, we have seen this implemented repeatedly over the years.

Law Abiding Citizen

There are many who are foolish enough to think the government is there to help them. While it might be that way in theory, those in power are doing anything but helping themselves. Congress is a prime example. Do Senators do what is best for the people they represent? No. If you look at their voting record, they do what is best for getting them re-elected.

Therefore, those who are law-abiding citizens are playing right into their hands. One could drive him or herself neurotic by dwelling upon every law there is. As mentioned, even the best intentioned person will ultimately break a plethora of laws. Obedience is what makes one weaker especially if it is blind obedience.

So, what is the answer? My recommendation is to be a conscious lawbreaker. Now, I am not advocating becoming a revolutionary unless that is something you have thought long and hard about (and are willing to suffer the consequences of that action). What I mean is to ignore some of the stupid laws that only make your life irrationally impossible to live. For example, we all know that we are suppose to cross the street in the area designed for crossing. Failure to do so results in a ticket for jaywalking. So one is confronted with walking down the street to the crosswalk or going ahead and saving the time while crossing where he or she sees fit. A conscious law breaker is going to save the time.

If we instill in us that the government grows and grows until it gets to a point that it erodes all of our freedoms, then we can begin to take steps to a different end. It ultimately wants to make a criminal out of all of us. Once it does that, then it can randomly exert its power as it sees fit. And, we are defenseless against any of it. Keep this in mind.

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Battle For Survival

Have you noticed what is going on in the world? Those who study economics and the current environment realize that the United States is on an unsustainable path. Many economic minds agree with this sentiment. Consider this fact: we owe roughly $14 trillion while running a deficit of about $1.5 trillion. At this pace, since we are falling further behind, we will pay this debt off in.....never!!!!

Therefore, we are insolvent. For those who do not know what that word means there is something that is more with the mainstream terminology: BROKE. The United States has no money. We are borrowing almost half of our annual spending. This is a situation that cannot transpire forever.

We See Our Future

You want to see our future, just look at Europe. Or for something closer to home, check out the situation in California. Each of these examples exemplifies what happens when spending gets out of control. Bailouts are occurring all over the place. Simply, there is not enough money to sustain this outrageous spending.

Sadly, many people cannot see this. They proceed with the same outlook as they always have. Spending remains at a normal high with the United States still living as a consumer society. They are completely blind to what is going on. Unfortunately, many of these people are in our own government. Our leaders are completely oblivious (or dont care) about what is happening. They are still operating like they always did. Our future is not bright.

Why all the doom and gloom? Because the slave drivers are gaining more and more power. The international bankers are well known to be the manipulators of the world economies. Through the different central banks, the power brokers establish boom and bust cycles. They ride the bubble up, get out close to the peak, and hop back in after the wreckage is complete. Look at the present housing situation to see this in action. The banks made record profits during the run up, off-loaded much off their debt obligations, got government bailouts, and now are make huge profits again even with the economy still in a recession. In short, the masses are being screwed by the financial community.

Fighting For Your Life

I am writing now to tell you that it is time to fight for your life. Everything is riding on the next couple of years. It is time for each individual to take a different approach to their own financial affairs. To start, stop spending. Cut your expenses to make yourself leaner and meaner. Stop being a slave to instant gratification and resist getting things just because you want them. Focus on your needs while putting off your wants. Start to make the proper financial decisions that will help you in the coming years.

Financially most are indebted. That is how the jailers are amassing more control. If you want to see mastery in action, look at how the Jewish banking community has enslaved many of the worlds economies. They run the financial networks, therefore, have the resources to sustain people for a while. Of course, once the present bubble pops, all bets are off. Suddenly, our banker is at the door looking for repayment. Again, look at the housing situation to see this in action. Many people got in over their heads only to learn that the bank is now foreclosing on them. Their indebtedness has made them a slave.

If you think this is a situation to take lightly, look at the current situation in the United States. And, I am not referring to the garbage numbers that the governments puts out. The true unemployment rate is closer to 20% which means that 1 in 5 is out of work. At the same time, people have no savings whatsoever. The entire net worth of the average American was tied up in their homes. Now, that vanished into thin air with 1 in 4 mortgages underwater. In other words, people have a negative net worth.

One final thing to ponder. At one point, 40% of the U.S. economy was related to real estate. Guess what? That bird is not flying any time soon. Unemployment will remain high because there is no industry to replace those jobs that were lost. We better get accustomed to a higher unemployment rate because it is now a fact of life.

It is time to wake up. If you want to remain someone who is free, you best do something different than the average person. Life is going to get a lot tougher for most.
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Debt: The Path To Slavery

People are taught to spend. This is the mindset of the American public, in fact, of the entire Western World. Our entire economy is based upon what is produced and bought. The idea of saving is something that is overlooked in the mantras of our leaders. Instead, whenever there is a major catastrophe, we are told to act normal and spend money. This conditioning comes at a great cost.

Debt: The Prison Most of Us Are In

It is one thing to spend everything that you make. There are many people who have their outgoing matching their incoming. Of course, this creates a terrible situation if one loses his or her job, but, while employed, it is sustainable. People in this situation are broke yet they have a lot of stuff.

Sadly, this is not the place that many stop. If the average person spent only 100% if what he or she took in, then this would be an improvement. The reason is that we simply spend more than we earn. Through the use of debt, we are able to leverage our buying power up many times over. This is something that was done repeatedly over the last 30 years. And, it is something that happened at every level.

Debt becomes an albatross around people's neck. While initially it can be a freeing experience to get something new without having to pay for it, we all know that eventually the creditors come a knocking. There is a time when the payments needs to be made. This is where we cross the line from freedom into slavery.

If you look at the average household, you will realize they are saddled with debt they cannot afford. People have house payments that exceed the value of the home. Sitting in the driveway are two vehicles with a high monthly payment. The credit cards are maxed with payments equally 18%+. Overall, we are a nation of people who work to pay interest on the goodies we all received. This puts us in a financial prison which few ever can break free of.

The Path To Freedom

If debt leads to slavery, what is the path to freedom? Quite simply, it is cash. Paying for everything that you need at the time you purchase it eliminates the need for debt. This is a methodology which ensures that you live within your means. Those who like to move fast tend to 'charge it'. These are the people most interested in 'instant gratification'. They want it in that moment and they will have it. How to pay for it is something that will be considered at a later date.

Society is not geared towards this idea. Instead, the average individual buys into the mindset that he or she must spend to be worthy. Few practice financial responsibility. What is more common is the entitlement mentality that 'I deserve this'. The idea of driving an older car is not palatable. Cable television and Xbox are a necessity in life. Whatever anyone else has, we deserve it also regardless of the difference in economic level.

Sadly, the powers that are promote this idea. Madison Avenue is terrific at making people believe they are entitled to things. Politicians and business leaders also spew this same idea. We are Americans after all with the highest standard of living. Therefore, everyone deserves to own his or her own home. This was the mantra of the last 15 years and look where that got us. Basically, many people were not responsible enough to be owning their own home. Yet that didnt stop them from getting involved in that game with horrific results.

The point is the path of the masses ultimately leads to enslavement. At the core of everything is the banking system which makes money each time someone buys into the entitlement idea. The amount of interest we pay collectively is astounding. Bankers have always rigged the game in their favor. Today, we see the Federal Reserve charging interest off the dollar bills it creates which it conveniently parks in the vaults of the major banks. This practice dates back many years and serves as a means of taking from the masses. I will let you research this idea on your own since there are thousands of articles and videos depicting this same point.

At the end of the day, you have to be willing to forgo debt if you are to be free. This will require a shift in your mindset because we are conditioned to buy, buy, buy. The idea of living within one's means is foreign to all of us. We feel it is our right to take a trip without having to save up for it. This thinking only serves to put us in financial servitude. The amount of debt we are swimming in will sink us. Break free by using cash only for purchases. It is one major act on your path to freedom.
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Divide Not Unify

The title of this post is an odd one. However, it comes after a great deal of thought to the way people approach the world. Stemming from the basis of man's nature, I would like to see the world populated with more dividers and the elimination of those who unify.

Man's Nature: Conflict

Throughout the ages, we are wrought with a history littered with conflict. It is that simple. No matter how much one tries to gloss over it, we are a population that is violent. Just look at the 20th century as an example. Our most notable time periods are denoted by war. WWI, WWII, Korea, and Vietnam all allude to time periods. War is in our nature.

"Peace on Earth'

This is a myth that costs more in terms of resources than anything else. Guess what? Peace is a pipedream. When in man's long history was this achieved? The answer is never. Of course, the purveyors of this lie will point to the fact that we are now entering into the age of Enlightenment. Well, that is also horse dung. The truth is that we are no more enlightened than before. Man's nature is conflict because that is the basis of nature. Man resides in the Animal Kingdom and cannot refute the laws that exist there.

Progress Out Of Conflict

I saw an interview with one of my favorite writers, Christopher Hitchens. He stated that his idea of being a divider is because that is where progress is made. I agree wholeheartedly with this sentiment. Those who are 'unifyers' are the ones who ultimately tear things apart. It is only the dividers (and sometimes those who conquer) who end up moving things forward.

Take the situation in Libya at the moment. Those who are rebelling against a tyrant are the ones who might have an impact on that society. Fortunately, we are blessed to have the 'Great Unifyer' in the White House. Of course, he stood by for three weeks while people were being slaughtered on the ground. His unifying is causing thousands to be killed. So much for that concept.

Appeasement

Those who want to unify engage in the act of appeasement. This is a path that the weak take. While it will get politicians a round of applause, appeasing those who mean harm is never a good thing. Everywhere you turn you can point out situations that require strength. Instead, you find a host of people who want to appease them. Whether they are politicians, marketers, or do gooders, the truth is these people are simply weakening that group. Only those who can step back and see this have the power to overcome this.

Take the weight epidemic in our country. It seems that people today consider obesity to be a civil right. Thus, picking on a fat person is the equivalent of violating their civil rights. How absurd. Only a pure simpleton would try to equate being 150 overweight with being blacks while suffering discrimination because of it. That is asinine. But the unifyers want to make everyone happy.

Freedom is not about making everyone happy. And it certainly isnt allowing others to establish a system where you are held captive. 95% of obese people will claim they have a illness. They like to point to emotional issues they are dealing with. Past abuses are referred to as the cause why one is fat. Hogwash. Deal with them and move on. The fact that one is using food to cope shows an immaturity on that individuals part. It is that simple. Get the help you need to correct the action. That is what freedom is about.

The world needs a new way of thinking. Those who like to promote the same old recycled ideas never move society forward. Instead, they just spew the same concepts which enslave everyone who is foolish enough to follow. Those who want to unify are guilty of this. Stop doing that if you presently are. Divide instead. It is the only way to make a difference.

Debt Is Not Freedom

There is a great debate going on at the federal and state levels about the amount of debt our governments are racking up. There are many who feel that we can continue to spend without any penalties. However, there is also a growing band of individuals who feel that perhaps it is time to stop running up debts that our children will have to pay for.

So what is the answer? Personally, as a lover of freedom, I feel that debt is an albatross around the neck of anyone who bears it. Look at what is happening around the country and you will see how bad things are. At the personal level, people are entering bankruptcy because of their spending. And, at the governmental level, now that revenues are decreasing, the over spending of the past is coming home to roost.

Debt is a jailer. The other day I put up a video about the Federal Reserve and the banking system. This is simply the originator of all debt. From here, it grows until it is around your neck. Debt is the noose that someone else can close at anytime.

People work their entire lives to pay their bills. Look at the average savings rate and you will see this. People simply have nothing to show for their years of effort. They are slaves in the highest sense. Their entire working existence benefited someone else. To me, this is the epitome of slavery.

Everyone seems to think there is an income problem. This is the American way of thinking. Sadly, for most, it is absolutely inaccurate. The truth is that there is plenty of money coming in. What causes the problem is spending. We see this in both individuals, companies, and governments. The truth is excessive spending amounts to volunteering to live as a slave. It is that simple.

Consider the plight of the American people the last decade or so. We felt we were entitled to live the 'high life' regardless of whether one could afford it or not. The idea started that we were to live in the nicest house money could buy. The term McMansion" was born. Of course, this then extended to the nice automobiles (new not used) and vacations to exotic lands. Since free cash was not available for these ventures, the refinancing of the homes because our ATM. At the same time, we were racking up credit card debts to the tune of tens of thousands per household. Nobody believed there would be negative consequences of all this spending.

Of course, we all know what happened. The housing market collapse bringing with it the entire global economy. Suddenly, people found themselves either unemployed or underemployed. And guess what came knocking at the door? The debt collectors. Overnight, millions of people could not pay their mortgages, car payments, credit card balances, and home equity lines. The negative side of debt reared it's head. Why was anyone surprised? The idea that one could get away without 'paying the piper' was insane. The day of reckoning always comes.

Basically, if you are to be free, then you must realize the importance of eliminating all debt from your life. Those who continue to carry this around are guaranteeing they will remain enslaved for the rest of their lives. The lessons are clear but few seem to want to learn them. Debt = Slavery. It is that simple.

I believe the American people, and most Western societies, need to acclimate themselves to living about 25% lower than they were. As a culture, we spent at least 125% of what we brought in. It is time for families to deleverage. Sadly, I feel that few will. Most are going to carry their ignorance back into the same hole again. We are terrible students of history. For whatever reason, we believe that 'this time will be different'. It never is.

I suggest you start the process of eliminating any debt you have immediately. Take any extra money and pay off your credit cards now. Remove that burden from your life. Start to exist on a cash basis. If you can afford it in the moment fine. But, if you lack the funds, then you are to pass on the item. 'Charge it' is removed from your vocabulary.

The mindset needs to change. Get rid of the idea that you are entitled to anything. The truth is you are not. You are entitled to what you can pay for. That is a motto you need to adopt. Again, it is freedom we are after and that comes with a price. Many had to lay their lives down for that. Your contribution to that cause is to be in control of you desires. Instant gratification needs to be replaced with discipline. This is the path to freedom.

How Quickly It Can Change

I spent a bit of time reading about the events over in Japan. For those who were on another planet the last 48 hours, Japan with hit with the 5 strongest earthquake of the last 100 years. This natural devastation send a powerful tsunami through the county. Many thousands are dead with more fear with the perilous situation regarding a few nuclear reactors. If these have a meltdown, the death toll is sure to climb proportionately.

What does this all have to do with a blog about freedom. My point is to emphasize how quickly things can change. Life, as we know, is precious. It can be lost in an instant. I am certain that many of those killed had plans for the future. They held dreams of things they wanted to experience before their time here ended. Sadly, Friday morning saw that come to pass. Everything left on the 'to do' list is left unfulfilled. In other words, it no longer matter. These people are gone.

Statistical analysis leads me to believe that most of the ones who are dying in this tragedy existed as slaves. Since most of the world lives according to the mandates of others, it is no surprise. Freedom is given away by all people on a daily basis. I only hope these people were happy when the end ultimately came.

My point is that you have no time to waste. None of us know when the death will knock on our door. It is one of the mysteries of life. Perhaps it would be better to have an end date in mind so that we could experience what we wanted. However, we are not afforded that luxury. Therefore, it is imperative that we all make the most of every moment we have left. And, for me, it starts with reaching out for as much freedom as humanly possible. Live free or die. A motto worthy of serious consideration.

I wonder what the viewpoint would be of those who passed away in the last 48 hours. Do you think they would do things differently? I believe they would.

The Opinion of Others

This is a lesson I keep learning over and over. I am one who takes things to heart, like most people. There are times when I allow the opinions of others to influence me more than they should. Of course, this defect is something that I continue to work on in an effort to overcome it. Behaving like this is poison in my life.

Family

The worst offender of this is often family. There is an old saying, "you can choose your friends but you cannot choose your family". Old sayings are old for a reason; they contain an element of truth to them. No matter how you break it down, we are all stuck with the families we have.

One thing I will mention that is important is that, for most, our family members love us. In their hearts, they want what is best for us. However, too often, they seem to think they know what that is. The truth is that our family members, statistically speaking, are just as messed up as the rest of society. While they have their wonderful attributes, they are also prisoners of their own creations. Take a look at their lives and you will see what I mean.

Many will tell you they only 'want you to be happy'. Nevertheless, when it comes to those who are closest to us, this is not exactly true. A more accurate statement is 'I only want you to be happy as long as you do as I think you should'. This is the true meaning behind what they say.

If you doubt this, try and do something that would set your family on their ears. Do something that goes directly in opposition to their core values. For example, if Orthodox Christians, bring home a Muslim; date a Republican (or Democrat); cheer for the Red Sox against the Yankees; quit your job and go to work for a charity. Whatever the belief, attack it with your choices and see what response you get. In most instances, you will find the additional caveat 'as long as you do as I think you should' is attached.

Enslavers

I chose family because that is a scenario that most people can identify with. Parents do not stop being parents and many refuse to allow their children to live their own lives. Using the guise of love, family members actually become enslavers. They pull out the whip to beat one for opposing the family belief system. Well, the truth is that if you are a lover of freedom, you will seek your own life. Dogma is dogma regardless of the source.

Family are not the only ones who behave in this manner. We see it from friends, neighbors, and co-workers. The mindset of 'keeping up with the Jonses' is nothing more than an acting on the concern of what others think. Again, there is no reason to engage in this behavior.

The truth is that captivity comes in many forms. Allowing the opinions of others to dictate our lives is a self-imposed prison. Fortunately, like any detainment we volunteer for, we have the ability to parole ourselves at any time. Freedom can be grabbed at any moment. The key is to be willing to test our old patterns of behavior.

A Life You Want

Ultimately, it is up to you to decide what life you want. Personally, I am a believer that people have the freedom to choose whatever they want. The sad truth is that few people are willing to exercise this option in their lives. How many people out there are working in careers that were actually chosen by someone else? We see it all the time. Someone became a doctor (or whatever) because his/her parents expected it. At the same time, we see people dating/marrying someone who is 'from the right part of town'. This is another example of how our choices are manipulated by others.

I always suggest that someone sit down and decide exactly what he or she wants. Over the years, I realized that few people ever do this. Instead, they wake up one day and they are middle aged. In looking around, it is realized there are 2.2 kids, a career that is despised, and debt is so abundant you could wallpaper the house with the invoices. I venture to say this was not the plan for many 20 years previous. People end up wherever the current of life takes them without any idea what happened.

To be free, you need to take charge. One thing you can do is to stop considering what others will think. In the grand scheme that is your life, it is not important (the opinion of others). What is important is that you start exercising your freedom by taking control of what you want. It is your life to live as you see fit. There is nothing that says you are obligated to travel this journey in a manner that someone else dictates for you. However, failure to do this means that you will live the rest of your days accountable to those who you are trying to please. Sadly, when those people are dead and gone, you will still be left with the regret that is your life. Be mindful of this the next time you allow yourself to have your choices dictated by others.

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Detesting The Rich

I had a discussion earlier this evening with a friend of mine. He and I differ in our political views so our banter can get somewhat heated. However, we both like to play (and make money) in the stock market so we cast our differences aside in an effort to share knowledge which will pay off in dollars. Tonight we came across the mindset of attacking the rich.

Many seem to feel that the way to better economic prosperity is to take from the rich. They believe that the way to economic growth is to 'level the playing field'. Without going into a long detailed discussion about the merits of this point of view, I will state that the best way to get along with this idea is to become one of the rich. Instead of detesting them, join their ranks.

Society teaches that we are stagnant in our place in life. Politicians like to talk in terms of class warfare. Terms such as rich, middle class, and poor are thrown out without any reference. The trouble is that nobody explains what this means. For example, we hear about the elimination of the middle class. Okay, if that is true, please define what middle class is. How much money does one need to make to enter it? At the same time, where is the line between this group and rich? Therefore, how can you detest what you cannot identify?

That being said, the concept that is applied is evident. People are stirred up because of jealousy. They feel it unfair and unjust that someone should have such excess. This is where politicians are able to pull the strings of others. Instead of getting riled up at the 'unfairness' of it all, set out to change your life. The truth is that the only life that should matter to you is yours.

For those who live in the United States, there are still huge opportunities to get ahead. The stock market (and other investment vehicles) are tremendous mediums for achieving this end. It is amazing to me how little most people know about this arena. Consider the fact that they will slave away for 40+ hours a week to earn $X per hour. Yet when it comes to the money set aside for investment, they put it in the hands of a financial adviser (read salesman).

Did you realize that earning 20% return is a fairly common occurrence? Of course, you will not hear this from the mainstream media. They will tell you that 96% of the money managers cannot beat the S&P. That is true. Does that mean you cannot? My experience is that anyone can. It is a big advantage to be able to enter and exit a stock (or option) in an instance. Money managers have millions of dollars in their positions. The time it takes to unravel them is weeks. This single fact offers a huge advantage to the small investor.

The point here is not to get into a financial discussion. My premise for writing this is that freedom entails focusing upon the financial aspect of life. Many will spend 40 hours a week to earn peanuts in terms of pay but wont spend 5 minutes learning about investing. Ironically, it is easier to exceed your income in the financial arena than most realize. Trust me when I tell you that making $30,000 a year in the stock market is nothing.

Of course, none of this will ever take place if you detest the rich. Your internal makeup comes through in all that you do. Remember this. It is highly unlikely that you will become what you despise. Therefore, get rid of the notion that the rich are deplorable slugs designed to be hated. If you want to get back at them, become one of them and walk in their circles. Then you can tell them personally what rotten sons-of-bitches you think they are. Short of that, you are falling victim to the whims of the political elite. The class warfare game has been played for centuries. Remove yourself from this battle.

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Beliefs

What do you believe? This is an important question but one that few ever consider. Instead, they just accept what is given to them as if it is law. Sadly, society has a way of misleading people into doing things that make them unhappy.

Blind Faith

Many engage in blind faith. I feel dogma is dogma no matter who is issuing it. Many will swallow all the rules that others put forth without even a thought if it makes sense. The religions of the world have survived based upon this ideal for centuries. Of course, the governments of the world are no different. Blind adherence to any type of dogma is dangerous.

Those who cannot think for themselves are bound to live as slaves. We see people do destructive things all the time in the name of faith. Take the suicide bombers. Here is a group of people who are willing to blow themselves up for a cause which promises eternal happiness. Perhaps they do receive the eternal life they are seeking. However, is it worth end one's life here on a supposition? Obviously not.

Question

The solution to this ailment is to question all that you believe. Why do you think the way that you do? Is it because you consciously chose a particular path or is it because someone taught you this was 'correct'? This process is crucial to breaking the stranglehold that others have upon you.

Beliefs lie at the center of all we do. To not question our beliefs is to engage in a life that is not our own. Under these circumstances we are at the folly of others. As shown, society has a way of injecting into us what we should believe. Those who stray from the norm are ostracized in ways designed to bring them back in line. This conditioning starts as a child and lasts throughout our entire lives. The key is to stop it as soon as you are aware of what is occurring. Now is the time for you.

Freedom is something that everyone should value. Sadly, few do. Become one of the elite in terms of taking over your own life. Living according to the edicts of others is slavery. Most everyone we encounter is a slave. This is the opportunity for you. Being different is a way to break free from the norm. All cultures love those who excel. Following the traditional dogma will result in mediocrity. Jump start your life by questioning all that is going on.
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They Are Fighting 'Round The World

Have you noticed what is going on in foreign lands the last few weeks? If you have not, you missed an opportunity to see people fighting for the very thing that most of us take for granted. Freedom is a precious commodity that too many throw away without nary a thought. Look at the lengths others are willing to go when faced with oppression. This ought to tell us something.

Egypt kicked off the festivities with the populous rebelling against an oppressive dictator. This event caused a chain reaction throughout the area with other individuals standing up to their oppressive regimes. Ultimately, even though many will lose their lives, the overall effect is that people are screaming for freedom.

Now we see a similar situation arising in China. While I would surmise the efforts of these individuals will be defeated, their quest is noble. Freedom is something that is inherent within each of us. The Chinese people are no different than Americans in this regard: they want the opportunity to live life as they see fit. Sadly, this option is not readily available in a communist country.

Give It Away

The interesting aspect of all of this is that these individuals are rebelling against having their freedoms taken. I believe it is human nature to fight when oppressed to this degree. However, the situation is entirely different when we opt to give away the freedom. In this instance we see people slowly bled to death by their own choices.

Our Founding Fathers committed treason against the Mother Country. They got together and staged a revolution which made them criminals in the King's eyes. Of course, because of the victory, these same men became the heroes that we honor.

Now, this brings me to the question of the day: do you think George Washington and the other revolutionaries suffered through a winter at Valley Forge so that you could waste away as an ingrate? Do you think they risked their lives so that later generations could whine about how they are 'entitled'? I do not believe this is what was in the minds of those early heroes.

Nevertheless, today we see people throw away their freedoms without a whimper. Take away their flatscreen television and you will hear a howl. Instill an act that tramples on the individual rights of the citizens and not a word is uttered. This is how our culture operates.

It Can Happen Here

The ironic thing is that what is occurring in these foreign lands can happen in this country. I remember watching the news last year when there were uprising in the streets by the unions in Greece because budgetary shortfalls necessitated cutting expenses. This caused upheaval amongst the union workers who were guaranteed lavish paychecks and benefits. Suddenly, their wings were being clipped and they didn't like it.

Of course, over the last week we saw the same thing happen in Wisconsin. The unions are in an uproar because the Governor is trying to close a budget shortfall of epic proportions. People are protesting on the streets in an effort to save what they deem is theirs. This is entitlement mentality at its finest.

If we give our freedom away we will end up as oppressed people. Actually, I believe that nationally we are at the point. Our individual choices are so bad that we literally have enslaved ourselves. Creditors own everyone and everything. The United States Government is broke. We borrow money from China to pay a large portion of our annual budget. Our country is owned by those in the Far East.

At the same time, the average household has tens of thousands of dollars in credit card debt. People buying crap they cannot afford without thinking about the consequences. Of course, we need to remember they are 'entitled' to have it. Where the money comes from to pay for it is of no importance. 'Charge it' is the American motto.

The slaves are all around us. If you cannot see that then I will guess you are one of them. Many like to point to the unfairness of it all. Horsecrap. People are treated exactly how they teach people to treat them. The simple fact is that the average person is too weak to fight for freedom. Instead, he or she is more concerned with what the neighbors think, thus buying (or leasing) an expensive automobile they cannot afford. Or they decide they need a vacation and book an expensive trip to 'spoil themselves'. Ultimately, debt is the chain that brings people to their knees.

How long until people are feeling the oppression that is being put upon them? I will say that Americans are a resilient lot. They can take a lot of pain. Nevertheless, the housing crisis is starting to put things at critical mass. People are now feeling the pinch. Naturally, they are turning to the government to bail them out. Good luck on that one. Remember, this is the entity that decided the solution to 'too big to fail' was to make the banks bigger. Ultimately, the enslaved will learn the perils of their choices. Then we will see how everyone reacts.

They are fighting 'round the world. It is only a matter of time until they end up here.

Societal Slavery

Have you ever considered all the different ways that society enslaves people? If you spend some time thinking about the average person's week (or you own), you will see exactly how people are controlled by others. Freedom is something that most people give away without nary a thought. To them, the decision about what is in front of them is much more important that the long-term affects. Sadly, this is what leads to lifelong imprisonment.

Out of School and Free

For most of us, the time where we have the most freedom is immediately after getting out of school. We spent fours years getting a diploma and suddenly we are done. Now we have 365 degrees of possibilities ahead of us. We can go in any direction. Few have anything tying them down geographically. They can live anywhere they desire. Family is not part of the equation for most people at this point, thus, free from the burden of spouses or children. Of course, this does not last.

People would be much better off if they were conditioned to maintain this state. The truth is that we are taught to go in the opposite direction. Debt is something that is commonplace within our culture. Why pay for it when you can charge it? That is the mindset of the last two generations. The entire economic collapse was a result of massive overspending at all levels. Yet few seem to learn the lessons being offered. Fortunately, for those of us who do, it is an opportunity that hasn't existed in 60 years. We are witnessing a culture change whether people realize it or not.

Job

You boss is one of the most powerful jailers in your life. When you consider what you do for a few measly dollars each week, it is truly criminal. Of course, each one of us does it willingly and without hesitation. There is not a single person who signs a 'slavery clause' in any employment contract. Instead, we make choices the necessitate showing up each day to earn that paycheck.

Why do I start with the job as the jailer? The answer is because most people hate their job. Monday is the national day of mourning each week. Few wake up on that day excited they are going to work. Studies show that it is the day that is most people call in sick.

And why is the job able to exert this much influence over the average person? Again, we see the answer in the behaviors of people. The truth is that people's spending drives them to live for their creditors. People do not profit from their work lives but, rather, the companies these people do business with are the beneficiaries.

Keeping Up With Others

I guess we can consider it human nature to want what others have. We see this in children. They often mention the desire to have something because 'Jimmy's mom bought him one'. Of course, we know the absurdity of this conduct in children.

Or do we? It is ironic to see this same behavior in adults. The truth is that most are immature when it comes to this outlook. A large percentage of our population believes that what other think is important. This causes them to take many actions which are destructive to them. It is a battle that is waged endlessly without a winner. Actually, cancel that. The winner is every company that promotes their product in this matter.

We see people assume large monthly car payments so they can drive an expensive foreign automobile. These same people were also caught in McMansions taking on mortgages they could not afford. Designer labels are purchased no because of the value in terms of quality provide as much as the name recognition. Therefore, we create an endless loop of having to work to substantiate our spending.

Beliefs

Ultimately, it all comes down to what we believe. However, this is another area where many get themselves in trouble. Few have ever considered what they believe and why. Instead, the blindly accepted the dogma that society delivers. Whatever those in power are selling, we are buying.

The idea that the opinions of others means something is a belief that most are attune to. They never get past the notion that it is up to us to judge our own lives. The thoughts other others, especially those we do not know, are meaningless. Adopting this outlook is a powerful step on the road to freedom. Remember, this entire concept starts in the mind.

Analyzing what we think and we is one of the methods of breaking free from societies chains. It is of paramount importance to consider that most of what we were taught was done with the intention of enslaving us. Sure, the people who offered these lessons were well-meaning people. However, we must hold in our minds that they were most likely slaves also.

Society teaches obedience. Those in power truly do not want people to express their individual choice. This applies at ever level of the spectrum. The 'rule makers' do all they can to get people to follow blindly along. Insane amounts of money are spent on items that offer little to no value yet the masses are caught up in the hysteria (the Cabbage Patch craze comes to mind). Each decision that is made, if not moving towards the path of freedom is enslaving one deeper. And this is exactly what society wants.

If you want to live freely, you are going to have to go counter to what the norm is. Start your journey today.

It All Ends Up In The Sewer

This is a simple idea so I will be brief today. Have you ever considered the difference between spending $10 on dinner and $20? The truth is that both dishes end up in the same place...in the sewer. Therefore, what is the real difference?

Sure there are some places that will give you a terrific meal. However, what is one really paying for when dining out. The meal is often not much different from place to place. What varies is the ambiance, service, and reputation of a particular place. All of these are factored into the price. Ultimately, people pay for the experience which might not be worth it.

I find that eating out is something that is a treat. Nevertheless, my goal is to do this as inexpensively as possible. The reason is simple: within a day or so all the food is gone. It is out of my system and no longer a benefit to me. While I will acknowledge there are times to pay more, the type of places I am frequenting will not amount to much in terms of quality. It basically is the same. Thus, if I can get away for as inexpensive as possible, I will do that.

Does this seem miserly to you? Perhaps it is. Yet, frugal is the path to success. Those who spend $18 a plate on dinner are really no further along than the person who spends $8. The only difference, after 48 hours, is the $10 missing from one's debit account. Everything else was in the sewer.

Remember this little tidbit the next time you are going out to eat. It is the experience that is important. However, instead of spending extra on the ambiance, make the person (people) you are with the focus of the experience. It is much more beneficial and will help your charge card.

Entitlement Mindset

Have you ever noticed that people walking around today feel they are entitled to have certain things? It is almost as if they believe it is their birthright to enjoy some of the finer things in life. The fact that they cannot comfortably afford them is irrelevant. What matters is they are able to purchase the product because doing without is unfathomable to them.

Debt: Fuels Consummerism

People can afford to buy what they cannot afford. This is something that the last couple of generations have experienced. Being able to pay for something is no longer a barrier to 'owning' that product. Instant gratification is provided by walking out of the store with the item...today. Saving up to make the purchase seems to have drifted the way of the rotary phone (some of you might need to look that up in a search engine). It is an archaic concept that is in need of restoration.

Debt is the engine that fuels most people's spending. The reason why people can afford what they cannot afford is because someone is willing to underwrite it. Credit card companies are the most common ally in this effort. They give consumers billions of dollars each year in 'free' money. Enter into a store and walk out with a product even if you find yourself a few hundred dollars short. Just charge it. Plastic allows us to stretch out our dollars.

This phenomenon has done something to us as a society in general. Basically, it allowed us to enjoy a standard of living that is higher than we could afford. If you look at the average household debt, you will realize there were tens of thousands of dollars worth of products and services received which never should have been purchased. People simply overextended. Yet, when they are told, they get belligerent about it. Money, in particular their spending, is a touchy subject.

Entitlement Mentality

Our culture is infected with the mindset that says 'I deserve'. Again, the idea of being able to afford is of little issue. Most are conditioned to go into debt to buy those items which provide instant gratification. As long as you can afford the monthly payment, all is well. Thus, one believes he or she is entitled to a new car every couple of years. Big screen televisions and $400 cell phones...add it to the list. I want it therefore I should have it. No longer are the 'toys' in life reserved for the affluent.

It is a well known fact that the poverty stricken areas are filled with Xboxes, Ipads, laptop computers, big screen t.vs, and $150 sneakers. These are items which should be out of reach for people who are in this financial situation. But not here. People believe that it is their given right to have the things that everyone else does. If someone else can afford, then I should have it too. And this is why so many live in slavery.

I recently saw an article where a woman was upset because an organization that she went to for assistance with her power bill was not offering help due to budgetary cutbacks. This woman's story appeared on the front page of the newspaper. She was one who was employed so she had money coming in. This is not a woman who sat around all day abusing drugs and alcohol.

You would think this is a woman who needs legitimate help. Well, I am certain she could not pay her power bill. However, I do not believe she is a victim of circumstances. The reason is what appeared in the background of the picture of her. Directly behind her was an Xbox hooked up to a big screen television. Of course, this situation is compounded by having a stack of games that run $50 apiece. Thus, I conclude this person is not a victim since she was receiving monthly help with her electric. She is one who simply opted to spend her resources on luxuries as opposed to the necessity.

This is what I mean about entitlement mentality. People feel they should have the things about the basic necessities even if it means sacrificing them. Here is a women who couldnt pay the electric yet had money for luxuries. She, and more accurately her children, felt entitled to the games. The idea of not being able to afford them never entered the equation. Of course, this lesson is being taught to her children too.

This practice is not limited to the poor. At every level of the financial spectrum people are impoverishing themselves with their choices. This woman chose to spend it on games and other entertainment; the middle class leases automobiles they cannot afford; the upper middle class buys a McMansion. Regardless of the dollar amounts, the truth is that overspending as a result of entitlement mentality is a quick path to slavery.

The Solution

People need to break free from this mindset. Freedom is not made up of entitlement. The truth is that we leave this planet with exactly what we came in with: nothing. However, for the time we are here, we make choices as to how we live our lives. If you feel entitled to something that you cannot afford, you are positioning yourself to having to work for your creditor. That is slavery. Freedom means being able to live your life as you see fit. Most people spend their entire lives working and have little to nothing to show for it at the end. They followed the dogma society spelled out only to find it wasnt true. Sadly, this realization comes to late.

Freedom means knowing that you do not need 'things' to establish your worth. Living within one's means is about enjoying the comforts of life without having to overextend yourself. When people overextend, whether it is personal, a business, or a government, bad things happen. It usually is only a matter of time before the house of cards come tumbling down. Being entitled and being free are at completely different ends of the spectrum. Most of society feels entitled, thus they are not free.

Value versus Price

There is a big difference between being frugal and cheap. Those who think they are the same miss an important distinction. In this era, with all that is transpiring, being frugal is a worthwhile goal. However being cheap is not. Ultimately being cheap is costly. However, frugality never goes out of style as a key to freedom.

The best example I heard distinguishing the two is that a person who is cheap will drive all over town looking to save a couple cents on a gallon of gas. A frugal person will make the best decision of what is available but realizes the long term impact of trying to 'save a few pennies'.

Value vs. Price

Many of you have heard this lesson taught over the years. There is a price to every item we buy and that is distinguished by the cost of it. However, all items have value to them. This is much different than the price. Cunning shoppers always seek to find items that have values which exceed their cost. This is what is termed a bargain.

Value is not dependent upon cost although there is often a correlation. The truth is that it is common for higher priced items to be a better value than lower priced ones. In essence, the more something costs the better value. This is because of a characteristic called quality. Quality costs money. People will often pay double or triple the cost of an item to gain the quality advantage.

Footwear is a prime example of where quality makes a difference. You can pick up a pair of sneakers for $9.99 from Wal Mart. This sounds like a terrific deal until you consider the fact that at this price the item will lack the quality of a decent shoe. To gain this advantage, you would need to spend at least 3 times the money. Thus, you might be better off with a $30.00 sneaker.

Why is this? To understand this concept we need to evaluate the 'usability' of the items. We will presume that we might get a year out of the cheap sneaker with just average wear. This is because we know the materials used are not designed for durability. When we look at the more expensive sneaker, we find that with average use, if it is a decent shoe, we might be able to get 4 years out of it. Thus, when we break down the cost per year, we see the more expensive shoe is a better value.

To go one step further, we might also be able to make the case for a $50 sneaker. Depending upon the quality of that product, we might get 6 or 7 years out of it. This again will come out far ahead of the $9.99 item while providing much better support on our feet (an added value).

Name Brands

We need to be mindful that this concept hits a ceiling where one ends up overpaying thus creating inferior value. Name brands are often an example of this. Many people will spend extra for a name brand item. These are priced higher than an off brand. While these products often provide the security of knowing what you are getting and will indeed have a higher standard of quality, this does not offset the increase in pricing. Much of the price of a name brand is made of up one expense: marketing. Major brands spend hundreds of millions of dollars in advertising. This cost is factored into each product sold.

Using our sneaker example, we will presume that we get a decent quality item for $39.99. This might have a name we recognize but isn't the top of the spectrum. Now, let us compare that with Nike Air Jordan's for $129.99. Are you going to tell me the Air Jordan's are 3+ times as good in terms of the quality? Will they provide a far greater degree of support to warrant this money? The answer is no. People who pay for these sneakers are making a statement. In essence, they are buying the name. Personally, I prefer to wear my sneakers instead of reading them so the name on the back matters none.

We see this across the board with names such as Izod, Nieman Marcus, and Nike. People are paying extra for the name at the expense of value. While they are terrific products offering quality, this does not compensate for the added cost. In other words, money is wasted. The price far exceeds the value.

Esteem

There is an old concept that is called 'keeping up with the Jonses". What this means is that people make decisions based upon the ideal of impressing someone else. This is a person who operates from a place of fear. Anyone who suffers from a low self esteem will fall into this trap. He or she is worried about what the others think. Thus, name brands are helpful in presenting an image that 'I am someone'. Of course, when it all comes down to it, does what is writen across one's chest really make a difference in his or her worth? And, if it does, is that a person someone you really wants to interact with?

The truth of the matter is that people who buy the name brands are often compensating for a lack within themselves. It is interesting to notice that oftentimes the people who are engaging in this behavior are not the ones who can truly afford it, but the ones who have to stretch to get there. They lack the income to comfortably shop in this arena but do so because it is a status symbol. The belief is that wearing a high priced item makes them important. Personally, if you are one who purchases something that you cannot afford because of the perceptions of others, you are a fool. Get your importance from within and stop worrying about what others think. I n the process you will save a whole lot of money.

It is always interesting to note how esteem enters into people's purchasing decisions and, often, to their own detriment. Here is a prime example. In the 1980s and 90s, Jaguar had a line of automobiles that had the reputation for being service intensive. Now, these are 'high end' automobiles that cost a lot of money to offer status. Sure they offered many other things in return for the high price tag but the trade off was the car was in the shop quite often.

Now we compare this to the high end Toyotas, Hondas, or, even Fords. I know a guy who would drive nothing but Ford Crown Victorias. Each car he brought was not retired until he put over 250,000 on it. And, I can say that he was not easy on a car. The aforementioned brands cost a lot less money then the Jaguar yet were substantially better in terms of the way they ran. Thus, the person who paid more for the Jag actually received less in terms of value.

This concept shows how having to buy something because of status is costly. Sometimes, the product that provides the status offers little else.

Freedom

What does this all have to do with freedom? Simple. Bad decisions create an environment where we are imprisoned. I often make the point on this blog that what you take in as an income is not important. The key factor is how much you send out on a regular basis. Paying too much is one surefire way to cut your cord to freedom. Most people spend their way into slavery. They volunteer for it with every purchase. It matters little how much you make...if you spend most of what you take in you will be left with nothing.

Does everyone run out and buy a Jaguar? Of course not. But I will tell you that I drive through many middle class neighborhood with new vehicles sitting in the driveway. These people all are carrying a car payment for the luxury of having a newer vehicle in the driveway. I will tell you $300-$400 a month adds up into some big money. Naturally, many compound the problem by having two new cars sitting in the driveway. In this instance, just double the chains around their necks.

Can you tell me the difference between a $6.99 hamburger for lunch and one that costs $9.99? When you get down to it, is there really any difference between the two? The answer is usually not. The dining experience might be a bit different but does that really matter when you are sitting on the toilet the next day eliminating that burger from your body. In the end, the difference was $3.

Again, freedom is given away with each financial decision that we make. I have a person very close to me who made over $100,000 each year for the past 30 years. Do you know how much he has to show for it? Not very much. He is closing in on 70 and still needs to keep working because even though he took in over $3 million, he sent out a similar figure. This man is not free. He is still operating as a slave because he lacks the financial wherewithal to spend his time as he chooses. Instead, he has to keep on working to support his lifestyle (i.e. spending).

Controlling your costs is paramount regardless of how much you take in. This is the key to being free. Those who cannot are destined to live long existences as slaves. The workplace is full of people like that. They earn decent incomes but must continue because they make poor decisions at every turn.

How much do you want freedom? This is a question that everyone much answer.

Minimalist By Choice

I recently encountered a situation which really made me realize what is going on in my life. There are many who are minimalist not because they choose to but, rather, because that is the lot in life that was chosen for them. Of course, we all know there are those who should be minimalists based upon their income yet still want to live like royalty.

Over the last few days, I had a 'friend' on mine depart from my life. He ran his course down here and chose to move to his family up north. The reason why I bring this up is because he got on a plane with only 1 suitcase and a carry on bag. That is everything he has to show for his entire 50 years on this planet. It all fit in one bag.

Of course, you will say to me 'isn't that the goal'. How often do we read about people who are reducing their things down to a number below 100? A minimalist wants the freedom to be able to leave at any moment. Heck, one of my major premises is that freedom is the most important value in life and I seek it in all that I do.

Making A Conscious Decision

The difference between the people I just mentioned and my 'friend' is that one made a conscious choice while the other found himself in that position. There is an ocean between one who chooses to live a particular way and one who is a victim of circumstance. I will tell you that the individual I am referring to has no idea the concept of minimalism exists in any manner. His lack of choice makes him yearn from more.

A true minimalist understand why he or she is 'downsizing'. This is something that also separates one from the masses. Most operate for lack. A minimalist lives abundance. The departure from the norm is that a person of this ilk doesn't necessarily consider abundance to be materials. Therefore, the conscious choice to rid oneself of the unimportant is a step forward. Most of society, my 'friend' included, feel that it is a reversal.

The BIG Reason

Every minimalist has a BIG reason why he or she chose to pursue this particular life. In other words, these people can answer the question 'why'. My 'friend' cannot. He will provide a host of reasons that were responsible for his plight in life. He is a victim of circumstances. No matter what happens, someone else is responsible. A minimalist is one who makes decisions that lead down a particular path. The 'why' is the motivator which reveals a different set of priorities.

As I mentioned, my BIG reason is freedom. Stuff costs money. The more things I have, the larger the expenses to keep it going. For example, while my television is paid for, it requires a hefty monthly cable bill to keep running. Of course, there is electricity that also is needed to operate this device. And to complete the trifecta, this device does nothing more than waste time. I found there are other ways to utilize my time that yield greater dividends.

Expenses limit freedom. The same is true for having to 'take care' of all my stuff. It needs to be polished, cleaned, ironed, filed, sorted, etc... By eliminating the excess I found that I no longer needed to take care of the items. Again, it is another path to freedom. Financial is just one aspect of it; time is another. When I gain back time to do more productive activities, I break the chains of the 'have tos'.

Therefore, the big question is 'why'. This is where the conscious choice comes in. Behind every decision to pursue this avenue is a BIG reason why someone is doing it. My 'friend' had no reason. He allowed circumstances to determine his path. He was lacking while a conscious minimalist is coming from a place of abundance. Each item I remove from my life, or better yet, resist the temptation to purchase, the more money I have for other means and the less I need to 'take care of'. This is why I chose the minimalist path....because it is laying the foundation to me living a totally free life.

Traditions

It is amazing how quickly the mindset changes when one adopts the minimalist outlook. Here, it is not even a month since I started this journey and yet I see such a radical change in how I perceive things. While there are some hard choices coming down the chute, I realize that my mindset is what will carry me through.

Xmas time is approaching and I find myself thinking about what a waste of time a lot of this is. Now, dont get me wrong. I know there are people of faith who take this time of year very serious since it is central to their mindset. However, there are so many who do not fit into this category.

I noticed an interesting thing the other day. My mom sent me a check for Xmas since I never tell her what I want. Hell, anything she would buy me most likely would end up in the recycle pile. Cash is something that I can always use. However, there was an interesting situation that arose.

My mom sent me $150. That was very nice of her and I do appreciate it. In return, I purchased her a nice wooden statue of a cat. She likes them and I think it will look nice at her house. Also, since my daughter is driving, I am giving her money for Xmas to help her offset some bills. When I totaled all of it up, it was a wash. What I took in is what I gave out.

Now, I know the holidays are not a time to profit. My point is why go through all the complication of the process. Why didnt my mom just send my daughter the money, buy herself the cat, and avoid the middle man (me) altogether? Yeah, I know, this isnt the spirit of Xmas.

But this got me thinking at a deeper level. How much of our lives is dictated by tradition? Why do we do things every year without even considering how they were done? Because we, as a rule, are a lazy population. Questioning is something that children do but adults are broken of that habit. The indoctrination into society includes buying into the traditions that are established for us. So,we blindly follow without thought of how insane our behavior is.

Thus, I understand the foolishness of this Xmas tradition. Giving gifts is wonderful in many instances. Yet, in my case, I was simply following blind tradition. Now I am aware of it. Does that mean I am going to stop in the future? Not necessarily since I know the expectation is there on the part of others. Nevertheless, it is the awareness that is important. From here on any time I adhere to this tradition I do so with my eyes open. If I opt to follow it, that is on me.

Look at the traditions that you obey like a dog. I am sure there are many that you never questioned. Uncovering these helps to locate those areas where we give power over to others. Freedom cannot exist without this awareness.

Physical Freedom

Have you ever pondered how your physical shape limits your freedom? I have recently and it terrified me how enslaved I am. And, you need to consider the fact that I am in better shape physically than 90% of the people out there. Yet, I still understand how my lack of physical abundance is limiting.

Distance

How far could you walk if you had to? Actually, let me rephrase this: how far could you walk if you wanted to? For most people the answer is 'not very far'. The simple truth is the western world is out of shape. We have the largest population in terms of waistline in the history of mankind. We are seeing developed nations with obesity rates hovering around 50%. That means 1 in 2 people is at risk health wise. And, please bear in mind that someone who is obese isnt a person who needs to loose 20 or 30 pounds. We are talking about people who are carrying around an extra 100 pounds or so. This is a catastrophic situation that few are paying attention to.

Nevertheless, I am not here to solve the country's ills. I know that the majority of people live like brainless robots. They follow the crowd right into the jail. Whatever the public is promoting, that is what these fools are gobbling up. In this instance, it is literal.

Get back to my initial question, we know how our physical state affects all areas of our lives. Those who ail physically are unable to achieve things in other areas of life. The emotions are directly linked to how we feel. Thus, whenever we feel bad, we are sabotaging our chance of success.

At the same time, there is a tremendous world out there to see. However, few have the ability to see it unless it comes across the internet. Few people have the stamina to hike all day to see an out of the way monument. Nor can they make the trek 5 miles into the woods to see nature in all it's glory. Whatever the reason, the fact that people cannot walk further than their mailbox is a sacrifice of one's freedom.

Resolving to be Free

My driving passion is to be free in my life. I examine all areas in an effort to create structures which will allow me to move towards this end. Therefore, when I realized how debilitating my physical limitations are, I realized how it needed changing immediately.

As many of you know, I love photography. It is a hobby that I picked up over the last year or so. I am also blessed that within an hour of my house there are a plethora of national and state parks which to walk. Along these trails one sees nature undisturbed. It is something that I enjoy.

However, the fact that I had approximately a three mile limit means that I am unable to pursue this endeavor as much as I would like. This places a limitation on me. Of course, in my mind, that is self imposed slavery. The fact that I cannot walk 10 miles uninterrupted is nobody's fault but my own. My laziness constructed this prison in my life. The only way out is to remove it through serious exercise. That is what I committed to do.

90 Day Commitment

Over the next three months, I committed to walking every single day no matter what. A radical shift in my activity is required to break me out of this quagmire. That is what I decided to do. I started it before the new year, almost in tandem with the start of Winter. So, basically, by Spring, I plan to have a radically different outlook.

As I was determining what I would do, I opted to forgo the traditional goal setting method and instead focus upon a plan of action. I want something that is under my realm. This stems from the personal value that my life is my responsibility. Dedicating efforts upon those things which are out of my reach is asinine. Ergo, I am opting for action and letting the results fall where they may.

My plan is simple...walk everyday for the next 90 days starting at a distance of 2.5 miles and working my way up towards the 5 mile mark. I will accomplish this by increasing the pace I do it in while lengthening it incrementally. At the same time, I also committed to snacking on celery, broccoli, and carrots as opposed to other nutrition free snacks. Finally, I am going to stretch each day to increase my flexibility since that is another way that one can be physically limited.

I detest not being free in any area of my life and the fact that I am faced with this challenge is exciting to me. Any time I can break a chain that is holding me down, the better I feel. Freedom is something that we all have to fight for on a daily basis. Those who willing accept what society offers soon find themselves enslaved. The way out of this trap is to fight with complete vigor the second you realize something is holding you captive. For me, in this instance, it is my physical state. Now, I am doing something to alter that.

And, while we are at it, how is your physical state? Perhaps you are captive also.

Because I Own It

Yesterday, in the post titled Saving For A Rainy Day, I listed a reason why pack rats hold onto things. The mindset that 'I might need this' means people hold on a large quantity of stuff that they end up rarely using. I pointed out in the post that often people can replace those items at minimal cost if the need should arise.

Next on the list of excuses is the 'because I own it' idea. This is another reasoning mechanism that leads people to hold onto things which should be discarded. There are millions of closets full of items which have not been touched in years. Yet individuals continue to hold onto them as if their life depends upon it. This is another concept that I shed as I embarked upon the journey into minimalism.

Here is the simple truth: just because an item is paid for, that does not mean that you should hold onto it. This statement is accurate whether we are referring to minimal or a large expense. Whatever the cost, that money is spent. While one might not make that purchase today with the new minimalist outlook, the fact that he or she is holding onto something that is paid for is equally inane.

"Because I own it" is not a valid reason for keeping something. The only reason is "Because I use it". Items that sit idle in a closet are only taking up space. The value was lost the second you left the store. Recouping it can only occur by selling it. Besides, if you aren't using it, why not give it to someone who will.

Being a minimalist means that we only hold onto items that are definitely used. Anything else is just taking up valuable space and energy. If it falls into the later category, then it must go. This is another step in the process of taking back one's freedom.

Communal Living

The mention of this term evokes images during the hippie movement in the United States in the late 60's and early 70s. People 'dropped out' by moving to remote locations called communes. In these communities, the idea of personal property vanished and was replaced with the concept of sharing. If you need something, just take it. Clothing, rooms, even lovers were all part of the community. Everyone pitched in for the benefit of the community.

Not So Far-Fetched

If you ask the average person about the communes and the idea of communal living, they would tell you that is was an idea practiced by immoral sex freaks and has no basis in a civilized society. While I will grant the notion of 20 or 30 couples living together is extreme, there is a certain validity to the mindset. Also, while I am not sure of the practicality of it with such a large group, I will show that it is something that is in keeping with the minimalist mindset.

Sharing resources is nothing new. Most people understand how there are times when it is best to combine 'forces' for maximum benefit. We see this both at the personal and business level. In fact, I argue that communal living is a common part of society.

Divorce-The Path To Poverty

The last 20 years witnessed a massive explosion in the divorce rate. At the same time, the poverty level has jumped to historic proportions. While I am not going to claim that the poverty rate is exclusively caused by the divorce rate, I will maintain that it has a part to do with it. If you understand the financial impact on people in this arena, you will see how it goes against the communal living idea.

If we remember, the basic tenet of communal living is sharing of resources. What happens within a marriage? All assets are shared between the individuals (called a family). Therefore, two people are responsible for only one household. There is one rent/mortgage payment, electric bill, and cable provider. In short, you have two incomes going towards one set of bills. All resources are shared between the individuals.

This is the common way the majority of western society lives. Of course, with divorce, we see the exact opposite happen. Now, instead of two incomes going towards one set of bills, the divorced couple assumes two sets of bills since they are in two different households. Suddenly, everything is doubled. What was once a comfortable standard of living now becomes a struggle for at least one party (if not both). The financial resources are split.

When we look at those impoverished, it is common to find single mothers occupying this space. They are the ones who are hit the hardest since they have to maintain a home while depending upon child support or other benefits in many instances. The fact that two incomes arent available makes it impossible to get ahead. This is the plight of the average divorcee in this era.

Minimalism Is The Answer

Before I get into the concept of communal living as I see it, I want to make a point about the average person we just mentioned. Now, please bear in mind that I am not 'picking' on the downtrodden as much as showing the mentality which is so prevalent in our culture (it exists among the middle class also).

People simply have too much stuff. They assume financial obligations without thinking about the long term merits of their actions. The simple truth is that most people in this country do not realize what 'poverty' really is. Anyone who traveled to lands such as Ethiopia or Haiti knows exactly what I am referring to. The United States, and most western cultures, have an incredible standard of living in comparison even on the low end. People here are worried about what to get the children for Xmas while starvation is rampant in many parts of the world.

Therefore, I assert we simply over indulge. The minimalist mindset will help to eliminate a great deal of poverty. For example, I believe that most 'poor' households have cable television. Why does someone who is making $12,000-$18,000 pay over $100 a month for a service like this? The answer is because they believe they are entitled to it. Well, I have news for you. It is possible to live without cable television. Eliminating this single expenditure can recoup almost 10% of these people's income. How do you think that will affect them?

Alas, this is something that most people never consider. It is beyond the comprehension of the average American to live without this service. And, that is why most are destined to remain enslaved. Freedom is for those who approach things differently. A minimalist mindset is what allows one to make the proper decisions.

Shared Housing

Once you realize how important it is to become a minimalist, one then sees how communal living is a practical avenue to pursue. While I acknowledge that establishing 'hippie-type' communes is not rational for most, I will assert that all should look at sharing resources. Besides, it is already something that most people do within the confines of marriage. Why not simply extend this idea outwards?

Before answering that, I will state that again we see the 'entitlement' mentality enter the picture. Many seem to believe they are entitled to their own place. We often hear a statement such as 'I value my privacy' as a reason for living alone. This mindset causes people to forgo their freedom. It is what straps people financially while enslaving them. Trust me when I tell your privacy is costing you tens of thousands of dollars.

It is not uncommon to see an single individual or couple in a two or three bedroom house. In this instance, it is up to that person to cover all the bills. While one has rationalization for living in this manner, the truth is that a fortune is wasted. But that is the American mindset.

What are the options in this instance. The first is to downsize to a single bedroom apartment. However, in many instances this is impractical. So what is another way for one to rectify this problem. In short, applying the idea of communal living is the answer. If this person (couple) brought in another to live under the same roof while sharing expenses, they would be a lot better off. Yet, as was mentioned, few ever consider the possibility.

Let us use as an example $1,000 in rent or mortgage. If this is something that one has to lay out on his/her own, then the total expenditure is 12,000 a year. Throw in cable, electric, and water and you can easily run up a tab of $15,000. In many instances this accounts for a large percentage of an individuals take home pay.

Now, let us move another individual into the picture. The same expenditures exist at the same rate with a few increasing because of a second person. For example, you might see a minimal increase in the water and electric due to additional usage. However, the rent/mortgage payment and the cable remain the same. So, let us say the additional person add $1,000 to the total annual tab, we now have $16,000. Yet, because there are two people paying the bills, each person is responsible for $8,000. This is a savings of $7,000 a year.

Of course, this is something that is fairly common within the United States. We see many who have roommates to help share expenses. However, I am trying to emphasize freedom through a minimalist mindset. So, we go one step further.

Coupling Up

This is an idea that really makes the above example turn on its head. There are many couples who move in together as a way to share resources (and yes they have other reasons for it). Nevertheless, this situation will see the two people share expense while living in a two bedroom house or apartment. While they are much better off than the single person in the same situation, they are far from realizing freedom. This can be done by cutting things even more.

How can this be done? Simply by adding another couple to the living arrangement. Now, instead of 2 people sharing the expenses, there are 4. Thus, each person's obligation is reduced even further (to $4,000). Couples who live with other couples under the same roof are able to exert tremendous economies of scale over the basic living expenses. Of course, this does mean one will give up some of his/her privacy.

Communal living is a economic goldmine. It is a way for people to minimize the impact of the basics in life. We all need shelter; it is something that we cannot live without. However, it often makes up the largest portion of a person's budget. By reducing it down as much as possible, one is able to enjoy a financial windfall. How do you think your life would change if you made $30,000 while having to pay $4,000 for your overhead? Suddenly, you have a fair bit of money to invest as a means of garnering more financial freedom.

Communal living is something that we will see this country get back to. In the 'olden' days, generations of families were housed under the same roof. All pitched in for the common good. Somewhere along the way we lost that idea. The entitlement and 'more' mentality set in. Now people are paying for those choices. The insight provided here will assist you along your path. There is not reason why you should bear the full burden simple because society tells you to 'live alone'. Communal living has many practical benefits which we all should explore.

Saving For A Rainy Day

This is the mantra for pack rat that justifies keeping an insane amount of stuff. The way people behave, you would think they were all part of the boy scouts: always prepared. No matter what the circumstance, one wants to be ready. Of course, as I found out, this is in direct opposition to the minimalist mindset.

As I was embarking upon my journey, I realized that I had a lot of stuff that fit into the 'in case' category. What I mean is that I had a ton of items I didnt need but hung onto on the off chance I might need them. Naturally, this led to a lot of space in my life being taken up.

An example was tonight when we were going through a basket. We uncovered a multitude of bottles of sample size shampoos and conditioners that the hotels give you free when you stay. When I asked, the response was, I keep them in case we go away. Well slap me twice and call me Suzie. This is insanity if I ever saw it.

Needless to say, I can tell you what shampoo is going to be used first in our house. The truth of the matter is that my life is focused upon creating freedom, thus some options were put on the back burner. In the next year, a trip to Europe is not on the agenda. Therefore, the need for travel size shampoo and conditioner (I am bald by the way) isnt going to be necessary. We will use them up and be done with that concept.

This is not uncommon. I am finding a bunch of stuff that falls into the same category. The sad part of this is that many items are replaced for a minor outlay of money. Honestly, if we were to travel tomorrow, how much would a bottle of shampoo cost? A couple of bucks. Besides, if we stay at a decent motel, there will be more of the sample size bottles there.

And that is the lesson. Why retain things that are easily replaced at a minimal cost. I understand that getting rid of things is wasteful. However, sitting unused in a closet is not the best use of something either. Get rid of it. I find that many of the items I am tossing, if the need for them should come up, I can run to the hardware store and buy the items needed. It isnt a big deal.

Of course, this concept is baffling to the pack rats. That is why most are held hostage by their stuff. They cannot envision life absent of a closet full of stuff. To a person of this ilk, no matter what happens, they will be prepared. As a minimalist, I would rather be free from the burden of all that stuff and buy it if the need should arise. Consider this when you come across something that you 'might' need. My philosophy is that might means get rid of it. Unless I am certain I am going to use it, it goes.

From this point forward, there are no rainy days to prepare for.