Stitch,
Prior to now, my recent economic memories are of recessions and depressions. During the past twenty years my life has seemed to take me where the next bust hits. Detroit in 1979/80, and Boston in 1988/89, were two recent destinations. My friends in Buffalo still don't know that the good times are here.
To be in Boston in 1998 is surreal. Everywhere people are advertising jobs, jobs, jobs!!!! We even had banners overhead during the Pops fireworks advertising jobs. I half expected fireworks to explode in 1-800-more-pay. I must say, a boom is preferable. I should have sought one out sooner.
How is a country like Malaysia affected by the recent downturn? I would expect you currently are facing rising inflation and unemployment. I would doubt there are many benefits for the unemployed. Does the average Malaysian in KL have a life long history of employment?
In Detroit and Buffalo many of the effected never again found jobs. Some of my friends to this day still provide housing for their parents. That was not how life was to work. The eighties were devastating to some.
In Maine my friends never have long-term full time jobs and have a family history of surviving off what life provides. The good times and bad times are part of that. Although they often qualify for state help they never apply. They have homes, lovely families, and little stress.
Stitch, when you are out and about in KL and you look in the eyes of a stranger what do you see? How are people effected?
OT: I remember a fishing trip in Alaska, which was beautiful. My father and I rafted down a river and fished the salmon run. These are some of my favorite memories. On one particular day we came across two bear cubs on the side of the river. We were setting up camp at the time. We took a few pictures and moved across the river. We had to scale a small cliff, but felt the effort prudent. A couple of young fellas came along, the only strangers we would see for the week, and set-up from where we had moved. We warned them about the bears but they were resolute. The next morning their food was all gone. Since the food had been left in their raft, their raft was flat and would not be repaired. We left them some food, wished them good fishing, and sent help upon reaching our plane.
My best,
Lee |
