Is Bush's ownership society becoming an onerous society?

Virtues of an "ownership society" has surfaced several places including President Bush's 2005 inaugural address.

Hopefully there can be more roads to fulfillment than just ownership.

What about quality of life experience?

I don't own a home, business, car, pet, or possessive relationship. I don't even own lots of furniture!

Some people say they are owned by their possessions.

They say "We don't have time to talk because the lawn needs mowing again."

I do own a computer.

My computer cost less than 1 month's house payments for many folks.

Still, this little item opens up an entire world. An entire world on the Internet.

It's the Internet that makes my computer marvelous.

No one can own the Internet.

So far, at least.

Something like the Internet shows us the virtue of things beyond what one can own. The common tapestry of life that interconnects us all.

There are many great things we don't own; like friends and good conversations. Maybe one can "own" what one says, or, in other words, "own one's feelings."

Ownership does have some virtue, but there is too much emphasis placed on ownership in this society. Quality of life should mean something.

A friend and I crested the brow of this big hill on our bikes. As the panoramic view unfolded before us he remarked,

"Wouldn't this be a great place to build my house."

That thought hadn't occurred to me. I just thought, "what a nice place to pass through."

If I owned a house there, the view would become "old hat" after while.

Let's not create an onerous ownership society.