I talked with an uncle last week --his job is setting up banking within a country. Really. I commented on the changes in our banking laws and how they really don't have any teeth. He totally agreed. Then made some comment on how a few people should be shot for what they did. And he was talking bout the big mucky-mucks that earn an extra 40$ mil in bonuses for loosing investor money. I had to agree with him.
Another fellow was talking to me a couple years ago--the country with the most oil reserves wins. We need to get more solar in place. The prices have come down and the panels are much more efficient. Electric companies already subsidize building better insulated houses, and at about $6K that was worth every penny. A few changes at initial construction will save in heating costs for the rest of the life of the house, or cooling.
For those that have a little pot or a little plot, consider growing a few veggies. It will add to the larder. Along with a chicken or two for eggs.
Our country is gaining jobs. Compared to a year ago, the unemployment numbers are better. This isn't the whole picture, but one piece. I see help wanted signs more than in past years. I see that as good news. National budgeting is different than private. for those concerned about the national debt, consider that our debt is not as big as other countries( sorry cant remember the details, just that we are not alone.) and a portion of that debt is due to a war that was kept off the book by the previous administration. The current admin felt it would be more honest to make the numbers public. To put the debt in perspective, consider each of the presidential campaigns will spend 1 BILLION in ads in just the swing states according to the news I heard the other day. We can pull out of this.
Banks and businesses are hording money that is needed to create confidence to buy; buying makes for demand, which encourages companies to hire and take risks. The loaning system has loosened up since 4 years ago, but it still needs to get loaning out that money.
When I think my life is in the hole, I purposely think of the many people who are without water, or are living in a car. It is my reminder that I should be grateful for what I have, to laugh a little more, to smile a little more ( it might make someones day) and to give my kids one more hug. I am grateful that I live in a time where vaccines and modern medicine keep my kids healthy and me healthy. That we have access to fresh foods all year long, tomatoes, and green leaf lettuces. That cars are more fuel efficient than ever before. That with the technology of the internet and this forum I can chat with friends for a few minutes. I choose to look for the silver lining.
