Stimulus Plan. Really?

Our politicians are at it again. The same folks who helped us get into the current financial mess are going to get us out. At least that is what they say. We have no money. That is what a deficit is. Spending more than you have. Which means we are borrowing more and more, and the deficit increases. We used up all the Social Security we could borrow from when Clinton was in office, that is how we had a "balanced budget." Then Bush II spent and spent and spent, including money we did not have. Now we have Obama. Surely he will learn from the mistakes of his predecessors and put a stop to frivolous spending projects.

So we have this stimulus package presented by the House. In my opinion, one of the main reasons we have this problem is from ridiculous additions to bills. This current package has funds included for neighborhood stabilization activities, dollars targeted for the National Endowment of the Arts, money to fight Sexually Transmitted Disease, a line item for preventing cigarette smoking, and other non-essential programs will be given aid as well. What happened to fiscal responsibility? That was one of the hallmarks of the Obama campaign. Where has that gone?

The Republicans currently are against this plan. Let's not let them fool us. The only reason they are against this is because the Democrats are in power. They make the same horrible mistakes when they are in control. Why do we let these people continue to make these mistakes? Why do the American people sit by and let these "leaders" and "representatives" continue to spend us into oblivion? Why do we think they can make better decisions this year than last?

In case you do not pay attention, when a politician says he/she brought a certain amount of money into their district, they mean they placed a line item to a bill and it was decided that tax money was better spent going to his/her district. If the good people of Alaska want a statue, they should pay for it, not me. In North Carolina, we received some federal funds for a tea pot museum. So, thanks to all corners of the country. See how ridiculous that is?

We must hold the politicians accountable for their decisions. While I do not think it is the government's responsibility to create jobs, if they say they are going to do that they cannot spend the funds allotted to stop STDs or purchase art.

Just one opinion.

Hope and change......?

So the big change happened. We have a new president. The news has been all over this. I cannot ever remember an inauguration that has received such coverage. Seems like the media is forcing this all down our throats, like we did not realize this was coming.

My personal opinion is we should just give the new administration a chance. Those that supported him need to recognize he is not a supreme being. Those that did not support him need to realize he is not the personification of evil. He is a man, pure and simple. I am appalled by those that seem to take part in hero worship with this man, or any other. I have heard comments such as, "Now all my problems are over" and "I have waited a long time for this man. My life is now complete." Now if you are a minority, I can understand. If you grew up black in the 50s and 60s, I imagine this is a huge issue for you. You might have voted for him simply because he is (at least partly) black, which I do not have a real problem with. Of course that is completely different than those that voted against him because he is (at least partly) black. That my friends is sarcasm.

There will be a temptation, for those that supported his election, to support all he does. Please use logic. There will also be the temptation, by those that did not support him, to vehemently disagree with any decision he makes. I simply ask for logic and moderation. We must understand that our government is not our savior. You are responsible for your own decisions. It is my belief, that many would like the government to swoop in and rescue us in from any conundrum in which we find ourselves. (And with W as president, that seems to be what has happened) If the government can save us from ourselves, we do not have to think. Nor do we have to be held to a standard or any form of accountability. Just give everything over to the government.

We must stand up for ourselves. We are in a mess, not all caused by W, yet certainly not helped in many ways by W. Conservatives, Liberals, Centrists and everyone else need to withhold judgment, wait and see. This new president has a huge job, even in the best of times. It did not take 8 years to get in this situation, and it will take a while to get out. We cannot simply rely on others to bail us out. Be ready to work hard, and do not look to others to save you.

What will be the response from some when they see that not everything promised during campaign stops actually happens? What will happen when some see chinks in the amour and confidence?

We should all pray for wisdom for this man. He has a difficult job, he will be tested and no matter what he decides, 50% of the country will disagree with him. (If the people of the nation are paying attention)

My only hope is somehow this slope we are traveling towards socialism stops. I do not have much hope of that, yet maybe I am wrong. If it did not stop with a Republican in office, why on Earth would it stop with a Democrat in office? But what do I know?

The one thing we know for sure, President Obama is a smart man, and a shrewd politician. He will say many things that sound good to many. Let's see what happens.

Just one opinion.

Change is the catalyst....

It has been said that "if" is the biggest word in the English language. The word is filled with remorse at chances missed, opportunities not taken and painful lessons learned.

Another small word with great meaning is "change." This short word is, for many, the scariest word ever uttered. Many people seem to convulse when faced with life changes. Of course, change can be good. End a harmful relationship. Alter our diet, exercise more or decide to do something else for our health. Change jobs. When we make a decision on our own we are in control. That is why we don't mind this type of alteration to our life.

Many people seem to experience major trauma when faced with unplanned change. Even when the change will ultimately help us and provide opportunities for growth, we seem to balk. My thought is simply because fear of the unknown creeps into our mind.

So why do we fight against change we know we need? Why do we not seize the opportunity? Probably because we are comfortable where we are. Does comfortable equal contentment or apathy? That is probably a fine line, and probably depends on the person and situation.

Should we change for the sake of changing? Again, maybe it all depends. What we need is wisdom.

A brilliant lyric from a song I like states, "Change is the catalyst that puts my life in motion." So maybe it is time for a change. Stay tuned!