Addiction to Affluence

USA has been a land of affluence till 2008
USA has been a land of opportunities surely
God’s gifts in abundance of natural resources
God knows the extent of intellect immigrants

A rich land of mass between Atlantic & Pacific
A populace of varied race, culture and creed
A fantastic mix of capitalism and democracy
A fabulous trait of innovative spirit in display

National flag often seen fluttering everywhere
Natural pride held by men in homes and offices
Hardly found anywhere on this globe like these
Hardy & healthy people found throughout USA

U.K was the invader of the U.S.A in 1600s & 1700s
U.K the model of infrastructure in miniature form
USA the liberator is literally gigantic in size & form
USAite is used to live in abundance and affluence


Infrastructure in road, rail & ship transportation
Car population twice the size of human numbers
Oil supplies at cheaper prices in huge quantities
Individuals enjoyed the luxury of driving initially

Addiction of affluence enabled many sky-scrapers
Addition of comforts drew people from all places
Suddenly the administration found itself in deficits
Certainly they expected never to be in such straits

The day is not far off when manufacturing is less
And consumption is much more than production
Spending is more than an income to be generated
The country bound to feel the pinch sooner or later

Another affluent society was Japan in the Far East
Admire one could at its growth around ten per cent
A nation shattered in World War II stood on its legs
A nation modeled for hard work & success for years

Last two decades 1990-2010 the worst period indeed
Lost its prime position in economic growth & wealth
Affluence at its zenith crashed to around 2% growth
Alas! A dozen prime ministers sacrificed at its altar!!

How to cut the budget of the nation and all homes?
How to curtail the incomes & wealth of few families
How to manage the wants of hundreds & thousands
How to cater to the demands of poor and the needy?

Man-made disasters added with natural disasters
Home-made solutions rarely visible in the vicinity
Governments aren’t tumbling day-in and day-out?
Rulers & the ruled are equally upset at the change.