The Life and Times of the Thunderbold Kid, Part I

Bill Bryson's book the "Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid" is a charming insight into the 1950's, providing what I think, is the key to understanding our present age. The book begs you to think about the content of your own book, about your own childhood. He writes so that you may consider the developments of your own era and how those events will shape the future.

Come'on, think about it? What happens when everything becomes more abundant? Obviously, people will consume more. World War II ignited an entirely new era of economic development, consumption and innovation. These factors effected all sectors of the market. Food, automobiles, electronics, appliances, TV's!

You can look at Dwight D. Eisenhower and wag a finger at him for not looking far enough ahead, into the future, to see that "hey maybe all of these cars are going to cause a problem". It is 69 degrees today...it is DECEMBER! Because of Eisenhower's enormously-well-funded-interstate-highway-system, public transportation has gone by the wayside. CO2 emmisions are at the forefront and what do we do with all these cars? Who is going to make changes? I hope it is the next president...GLOBAL WARMING IS REAL!

Ok. One last little tid bit. Bryson mentions the panoplay of foods that sprung-up in the 1950's and the roots of fast/convenience foods. Coupled with television, it isn't much of a mystery why childhood obesity is an issue. We are a fat nation. Heck, I am overweight. And I think that will be the byline of my generation. The Fifties began the fat and happy era and we are now entering the fat and dieting era. Look at all of the eating disorders! Look at all of the health clubs! Look at South Beach dieting! Look at the dietary supplements industry! Look at the low carb revolution! Maybe we can learn a lot about our era.

We are learning that we are not invincible. As Americans, we are learning that there are limits. You can't eat as much, you can't smoke a pack a day and keep the doctor away. You can't unilaterally invade a country against international opinion and expect a world full of friends. You can't continue to quibble over partisan lines and fail to make any meaningful changes toward a better America and a better world. I don' think we will feel invincible.

Thank you God that there are limits. Be with us.