THIS COUNTRY NEEDS A PROZAC

The markets rise and fall, and we sit at rapt attention to the blathering pundits, hoping that this economic nightmare is going to miraculously signal its end. Invariably, that doesn't occur, and we're left to wonder how much longer can this continue?  If you're like me, the sheer anxiety associated with our shared economic instability is enough to make you want to head for the hills, or at least for the pills.

Truth be told, I've never been a fan of " better living through pharmaceuticals". I already have enough chemicals coursing through my veins; I've never felt compelled to add any more.  But to what peril do I deny the obvious solution of a Xanax, Prozac, Ambien or any number of the litany of mood- or sleep-altering substances that those ad nauseum advertisements tell you to simply "ask your doctor" about?  Would my world view be inextricably altered?

I sit and wonder what it must be like to feel contented, as it's been long enough that I can't recall what it's like.  Mostly I smile that falsest of smiles and recite my mantra du jour, "I'm just happy to be employed, especially in this economy."