Lingle, The Budget, Spending And Family
Wednesday - June 10, 2009
Gov. Linda Lingle demonstrated precise and responsible leadership with her recent announcement of state employee furloughs to battle an unprecedented budget crisis.
The alternatives were less palatable. An increase in taxes to pay for the deficit would hurl our economy further into the abyss while delaying any anticipated recovery. The outright loss of more than 10,000 jobs via state employee layoffs should not be an option because of the profound individual hardships and inevitable demands on already strained social services.
Yes, there will be a short-term challenge, but as a Facebook poster commented, “I’d rather tighten my belt than lose my pants.” Despite the logical and appropriate decision by Gov. Lingle, the sabers of the opposition are rattling. Challenges to the legality and even morality of her decision are being trial ballooned. It will be interesting to see what sticks and what does not.
Our nation has borrowed more money in the past six months than we have over the past 30 years. Stimulus programs, bailouts, the $2 trillion deficit, the Federal Reserve mass printing of cash and more are contributing to the weakening and increased vulnerability of our very security. Ownership of American assets and our indebtedness to less-than-favorable nations place us in a precarious position. We are on the brink of financial disaster in line with California and the British government.
Is this the Hope and Change you supported? The mantra is becoming “Hope for Loose Change.”
I think relief will ultimately be found in Congress. As constituents become more vocal and bellicose, political self-preservation will kick in and incumbents will do their best to assuage the visceral anger in their districts. The new campaign slogan for 2010 will be “Stop the Spending.” As my 5-year-old daughter has been heard to say, “Are we there yet?”
I had a wonderful trip to the Midwest recently to attend my cousin Christy’s wedding. The ceremony and familial festivities were held in the cozy hamlet of Utica, Ill., at a picturesque lodge and resort. It was the first time in about 25 years my family (almost all of us) gathered in one place. We are scattered all over the globe. It was such a joyous occasion. The melding of families via marriage is one of the most wonderful events. Our new cousin Mark is a tremendous young man and his family is a delight. I felt blessed to be there. Don’t let too much time go by without touching base with your family.
E-mail this story | Print this page | Comments (0) | Archive | RSS Comments (0) |
Most Recent Comment(s):
