Thursday, November 13, 2008

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Economy Economy Economy

For the past year or so, it's been nothing but news about the struggling economy, the "sputtering" economy, the "weak" economy. Yes, I, along with many, have tired of this same old story. Change is hard.

One thing that I have not heard much in the news is that how years of outsourcing jobs, indeed, entire industries, has been tearing away at the foundation of the American economic machine.

Combine that with environmentally sound green initiatives, which lead to less consumption and often consumption of different types of products, and this can reduce overall demand for all types of products and services.

Further to that, I think family and faith have become increasingly important to people which leads to workers requesting more time-off, part-time schedules, or work sabbaticals and mini-retirements. In order to successfully run a household with less income, less consumption is a key. Lowering household expenses is a natural result.

Therefore, the economic downturn may be just what this country needs. Perhaps we can re-invent ourselves into a culture that values our neighbor's craftsmanship, earth-friendly ways of living, and better work-life balance.

Monday, November 3, 2008

Election day questions

Does it really matter who is the president? Exercising the right to vote is important. But, are they cases in which both candidates would do a fine job? Certainly this is the case in nearly every other "job" in the country. Why do we continually divide ourselves into two camps over and over, expecting always for our side to win. As a guy and a longtime sports fan and war and wargame student, ONE side WILL LOSE. Let's all keep this in mind as we talk about the election and campaign. On Wednesday morning, we don't want to eat a lot of crow.

Seriously, I find both candidates have pluses and minuses and I think the large number of undecided voters is a testament to this. Yes, their parties have different positions on some of the controversial issues. Yet, they both favor democracy, the constitution, and a government ruled by law. I plan to try to be happy with whichever. I have voted and had my candidate win and my candidate has lost, too. Life went on. Honestly, I don't think it makes that much of a difference.

So, with that, I hope you have a great election day and are encouraged by those folks who willingly serve our country in the public government. Let's all get behind them once they win.