Since my last post, a friend has pointed out to me that just because the plan makes some logical sense, doesn't mean one should put their trust (i.e. $700 billion) in the hands of unproven, politically entangled leaders. Point taken.
After several one-on-one conversations, and reading articles and email discussions on the topic, there is at least one common thing that most all of us "little people" agree on, no matter what our political leanings: 'make the corporate CEOs pay! Do not give any more of our money to these greedy, manipulative pumpkin-heads!' (Sorry, my roommate and I were just talking about the pumpkin bread she made this week.)
I must say I agree. It's a bit of scapegoating, but by all accounts, decades overdue.
But I also do so with trepidation. I mean, who of us doesn't have more than we need? Am I giving all of my disposable income to the poor? Even us little people operate day-to-day with a socially-acceptable level of greediness, I think. Came across this convicting excerpt in The Week magazine (Oct. 3, 2008 issue):
Perhaps we should all look in the mirror, said Dean Calbreadth in The San Diego Union-Tribune. The real culprit in this American nightmare is not the convervative belief in free markets, or the liberal fondness for regulation. It's our national addiction to spending money we don't have. From Wall Street to Main Street and across the political spectrum, Americans long ago stopped believing in the importance of "living within their means." We've grown used to having whatever we want--cars, flat-panel TVs, flashy furniture, pricey clothing, and yes, houses--and figuring out ever-more creative ways to postpone the day that the bill comes due. That ugly day has now arrived.
Your thoughts?
2 comments:
Yes, time for some return to intergenerational familial living and if that is not available, some communitarianism through shared living or at the very least concern/love/involvement with our proximate neighbors.
And here's a few more thoughts to throw in the mix:
1. it's helpful to have businesses 'pay back' into the system when they 'come back.' Hope this pans out.
2. those with a 'little more' have been instructed to invest for retirement, college (if they have kids), etc. Pray that this money is not lost.
3. Word on Wachovia tomorrow.
4. Question: Has any other President at the end of his term found a way to take advantage of both Presidential candidates to set into motion significant legislative/political action. Will George W. Bush be remembered 1st for 9/11, 2nd for the bailout, and only 3rd for Iraq/Afghanistan?
Well gotta get to bed for my 6:30 am breakfast meeting. I check back tomorrow to see what others have to say.
The bailout ended? Wachovia banking saved? And the legacy of Bush w/his 'tricky move' squandered. I guess it's time to turn articles from news sources around the world to access our current economic/financial situation.
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