2011 -- 163 Days of Our Discontent

2011 was fraught with promise and perhaps was the stepping stone to a recovery of what had occurred during the "Great Recession" of 2008-2009.

Then we saw a string of natural disasters in the world and then the crisis of leadership which has seemed to plague us for years emanating from bad choices, most recently in the realm of sexual desires and needs, issues which now are associated with many who have tried to lead, but many who have left tarnished reputations along with families in crisis.  The economy which was to be on the rebound has created a fear amongst many Americans that the Recession never ended with housing prices tumbling and government officials engaged in 'gotcha' gridlock.  Is it time to think out of the historical box?

We are a nation of consumers who buy things which in turn spurns on the economy and creates jobs.  This is not happening despite zero interest rates.  The reasons are plentiful with the banks and Wall Street seeming to construct obstacles to prevent us from some relief and a path to a better life.  Interest rates are historically low, yet many cannot qualify as their homes are upside down or devalued with the myriad of foreclosed properties in our neighborhoods.  Credit card rates are in the double digits and increased prices abound, whether for food, fuel, or other necessities of life.

What are we to do with our personal fortune and hopes at risk?  Do we continue to blame and experience more gridlock as retribution?  Do we continue to spend when we don't have the money, yet others demand programs?  What do we do about the economy?

We cannot call on any heroes.  Joe DiMaggio's long gone.  What we can call on is fortitude.  There are few leaders who have the fortitude to stop these wars, to cut back on most government programs, and to take an approach which might just take us out of the free enterprise zone for a while.  We need to encourage consumerism.  This can be done by exempting the first $50,000 of personal income from withholding.  We can also freeze mortgages at 3 per cent on primary homes leaving expendable income for consuming.  We can have a value added tax in lieu of an income tax.  We must demand that government cut back spending 25 per cent or more.  We must demand innovation and stop condemnation because we are all in the same boat.  We need to show resolve in dealing with Wall Street and we must make our messages clear to our representatives, "No Mas."

America is older now and many of us will work into our 70s.  Pension plans will be a growing burden to government and private industry as we get older.  Medical care is a major issue and who gets the best care must be a question that results in citizens receiving the benefit of living in the USA. 

Can we allow 2011 to become 1929? 

I hope not.