Is more really always better? Why have Americans always had the need for things such as appliances, automobiles, and telephones to do more? Has more always been better? Going from using a washboard and a clothes line to having an electric washer and dryer we can all agree was definitely better. The laundry was cleaner and in less time, it was less physically demanding, and allowed more time to spend with family. But, because we are programmed to think we need something to do more, we didn’t stop there. Now we have these washers and dryers that can sense everything, that are so high tech that you practically have to be an MIT diploma just to start it. But did adding all the bells and whistles actually help or has it been more of a hinderance? I think the constant issues with sensors and sensitive electronics malfunctioning, the cost to have them repaired and the inconveniences when waiting to have them repaired has made many of us realize that having them do more was not better. In fact, so many households have decided to go back to the standard Lg capacity, top loader basic washers even though they had to buy used older models in the classified ads. The desire to go back to basics was so widespread that major companies are once again producing these in order to avoid losing sales. They have made sure that the washer lids either do not lock or have the option of manually locking simply because the ‘auto lock’ was not a desired feature for most.

Having the ability to contact others or to be contacted in the event of an emergency while traveling meant that going from only having a land line to also having a mobile phone was definitely a good thing. It meant truckers and traveling salesmen could speak with their families, or you could call someone if your car broke down; but as usual we did not stop there. We wanted more. So now we have cell phones that are capable of swiping someone’s entire identity and financial records. They can invade every aspect of your privacy by tracking your location, recording your conversations and video taping you, This is even possible to do remotely. And it can all be done by your spouse, boss, neighbor, or someone at the market you got too close to. Even with all of the conveniences of having a phone that is so many things, is it really making our lives better? We really only need it to make calls and receive calls, everything else should be done on a computer at home or work. This way people won’t be walking around glued to their phones while their small child is trying to ask them a question or point out something they see. Maybe people could actually verbally communicate in public so that everyone is not a total strange?. Creating something that has caused such an addiction to the human race is never a good thing and the short life span for cell phones means the disposed devices are filling up the landfill waste sites. What about automobiles? Has having them do more really been so much better? We needed them to go, stop, and be slightly comfortable. Now they do everything except serve champagne. Automobiles are mass produced no matter what the economy is like, so what happens to all of the new vehicles that are never sold? Junk yards used to be filled with rusty old metal car parts, some leftover fluids and and oils and of course rubber tires. The electronics was so minute it didn’t matter. But now, people no longer visit the salvage yard for a replacement tranny or motor, now what goes to the junk yard stays there forever and the pile of electronics from throughout the entire car far exceeds the pile of rubber or metal. So has making cars do more been better for our lives and our planet? Ok I have to ask if anyone else has the same thoughts as I do when it comes to the electric cars? Haven’t They preached to Us about conserving electricity. They say to turn off or at least reduce use during peak hours in summer months. They say we should conserve electricity by purchasing only energy efficient products. They charge Us a phenomenal amount if our usage exceeds a certain amount at home. Right? So why in the heck did they decide that making electric cars was the way to go? How could destroying the oceans’ floor just to make the batteries that go into these cars be better for anyone? Why are the Cal Trans work lights, the parking lots at the malls and auto dealers so intensely bright and powerful to the point of causing temporary blindness? They are such a waste of electricity that in this case, more is not better. Parking lots, especially those that tax payers are footing the electric bill on to light up, could easily do with those tiny clear strings of lights and would cost a thousand times less. I get that it is important for the large corporations, the politicians, the millionaires and billionaires to always be finding new ways to make lots and lots of money; but does it always have to be the only thing that is important.?