Well, people could have completely disconnected from the system when the writing started appearing on the wall, but we had no prophets who could be heard above the commercials.

People on DU and elsewhere insisted we must all keep buying so that we could keep the system going. Funny how the bejillionaires needed us then.

But, oh. The system shook all of those loyal consumers and corporate apologists out like crumbs from a tablecloth. And they were so sure their six figure incomes were set for life. Why should they care about what the minimum wage is, or how hard the poor have it?

Now, many of them would sell their souls for a full time, minimum wage job. How the mighty have fallen. And they still suffer in silence, in shame.

I tried to own my home - it is muy humble but it's mine - and have as few expenses as possible. Work from home, low carbon footprint, low expectations, DIY and self-sufficiency oriented. It ain't pretty, easy or elegant, but it's peaceful for the most part and stress is minimized greatly.

I don't know how others stay plugged in to the madness; I admire their courage.