---------FROM GULLIBILITY TO SKEPTICISM-----------

I was brought up in a family where honesty was a virtue. When you were told something you could believe it. As I grew older it was difficult not to believe people at their word, oh how foolish. Even today I find it nearly impossible to lie but I listen with more jaded ears. If it comes to financial matters I believe nobody, not even my investment counsellor, especially my investment counsellor. Everyone has an angle and some new way to make theirs what is yours. There are people who have done quite well, financially, but at what price. Obviously their line between gullibility and skepticism was crossed at an early age. Was this taught or did it just happen. In my mind when the final bell tolls you have to quantify what benefit you have been to mankind. Has our short time on earth been helpful to our brothers and sisters of the world or has it been to accumulate material goods. There is a rather stupid show on TV called "Earl" that addresses the issue of a fellow who wants to make amends for all of his indiscretions in life. He was a taker and now wishes to be a giver. Let's open our hearts and minds and help others to improve their lives.