Wednesday, June 25, 2003

Like most Americans of my generation, I was taught certain "truths" to live by, truths that were ingrained in me, truths that I erroneously thought were infallible.

I was told that education is the key to success, yet with two college degrees, multiple professional certifications and a solid employment background, I cannot even obtain an interview for a well-paying job since my employer closed its doors nearly a year ago.

I am not alone, though. A former colleague of mine with similar qualifications has given up and is now selling used cars. "My field is dead," he says mournfully.

I was told that America is the land of opportunity, yet millions of my fellow Americans and I constantly read how thousands of jobs are going overseas to foreign lands such as India.

I was told that purchasing your own home was the key to building wealth, yet I have tried desperately to sell two homes in prime locations for over a year without even an offer.

I am not alone, though. I see a growing number of foreclosure signs in front of homes whose owners now realize that the once heralded concept of home ownership is no longer an asset, but a shackle in a world which foists constant change that we must immediately adapt to in order to survive economically.

Yes, the truths that I based my economic well-being on are now outdated, but the even scarier facet is that I do not know what the truths are, if any, to guide my family through the years of economic turbulence that will surely be ordained upon us for years if not decades to come.

Brad Rudisail

Peachtree City