Planes, Trains and Stimulus Wrecks

When people travel, their means of transportation depends on a lot of factors (where, for how long, business or leisure, etc.). But usually the biggest deciding factor is what their pockets can afford, right?




On the road to economic recovery, the U.S. Government has chosen its means of transportation with little regard to where we as a country want to go, how long it will take us to get there and WHAT OUR POCKETS CAN AFFORD!



If traveling by car, the highway signs would read:
WARNING: PROCEED WITH CAUTION! BRIDGE OUT AHEAD!


If the U.S. Government used Amtrak, a derailment would certainly be in the future. (too much, too fast, out of control). If by plane, I fear no gallant captain would be on board to save us from drowning in the cold deep waters of debt. (we're already past the eyeball stage, don't you think?)

WAKE UP, PEOPLE! No matter what side of the aisle you're sitting on or if you're in the front or back seat, this 'Spending Package' is a wreck waiting to happen! It ain't gonna be pretty!

The best way to travel this uncertain trail (How long will it be? Will there be any detours?) that hopefully leads to better days is the old fashioned way...on foot. One step at a time. Yes, it will take longer to get there, but it's the only sure-footed way.


It takes personal strength to 'go the distance' (no Field of Dreams reference intended). Self-reliance, reliance on others, and even more importantly, reliance on God Almighty. The hike to a healthier economy could go uphill, through a dark and scary forest, expose us to extreme weather conditions, but the joy of seeing and experiencing the hike together, appreciating each others' strengths while forgiving our weaknesses would far outweigh the risks. Characteristics such as endurance, fortitude and pride in accomplishment would be gained...as well as appreciation for each others' political persuasion. Isn't the end result goal the SAME? Unemployment knows no political party, economic class, race, religion or gender.

Ponder this: The long, rocky and winding path that starts in the valley is often the only way to reach the mountain top.

I don't have all the answers to our country's financial woes, and I won't pretend to know all there is to know about running our country. I DO know that spending money you don't have is NEVER a good financial strategy. I DO know that certain '-isms' capture the true essence of what our nation stands for--Freedom. Throughout history, those 'isms' have been individualism, capitalism and patriotism. The very mention of 'government-ism' and socialism begin to water-down the Stars and Stripes vibrancy.

Our country's strength lies in our individuals, not in our strength as an individual government.

Can we stop this fast-spending track to nowhere? Or is it too late? How many more people will loose their jobs before we notice one more is too many? How many more dollars will we have to spend before we realize that one more penny spent is too much?

I say let the forest fires burn (no National Fire Rescue squad needed) so it can nourish and replenish the soil...Then that renewed ground will provide a more enriched foundation, and the brush and trees cleared will enable us to see more clearly up ahead as we walk...



step...by step...by step....together.