Thought #2 - Economy, Rebates and Woe

One thing that I always quite enjoy doing is reading CNN stories that allow for comments to be publicly displayed underneath the story. I enjoy seeing what different perspectives people have been having on current issues. One story that the news media seems ever hungry for is anything in which they can broadcast the terrible "Recession" we could be going into.

The part that kills me laughing every time is when they bring on experts who bring themselves around to the question of if we are in a recession. Personally, I find it amusing to watch grown men debate if our countries are in recessions or not at that exact moment in time. The way they report the recession seems like its going to be reminiscent of the great depression and then to watch them argue if we're already in a recession seems to diminish all the current hype. I mean, if we're already in a recession, do we really have it that bad currently?

Anyways, I'm moving away from what I actually wanted to discuss. The CNN comments allow you to glimpse into what people are actually feeling and not what the media tells us they're feeling. Case in point the following:

http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/01/24/economy.irpt/index.html?iref=newssearch

Now, If you scroll down to the blue area, where it says "Sound Off" is where more people get their input. The brief summary for those who haven't the time is that some people whine about the horrible economic situation the Bush administration has put them in, others complain about how the cost of living is too high (I hear this one from my manager at work talking to customers at least 2 or 3 times a Saturday for the past year), still others blame the rest for spending beyond their means.
Honestly, it looks to me like it is everyone's fault but their own. That isn't to say it is entirely their own faults as other factors do contribute but everyone who is needlessly in debt made a conscious decision to be there. No, i'm not referring to the single parents who have to use their credit cards to buy groceries just so their kids can eat. I am referring to people who think they can live beyond their means and then get angry when reality hits and they find out they can't.

This whole thing could be avoided with steps from everyone.

The Government

We all know that the Bush administration was a huge fiasco. Still is. Thats too depressing to go into today. I may have this viewpoint because I live in Canada but I don't see anything wrong with raising everyone's taxes a little so that everyone together can help pay for things that really need it. Some people need to look past "socialism" and see that there are actually people who have lost their jobs, single mothers they aren't communist evil, they're people who are down on their luck and need assistance to get back on their feet so they can get on with their lives.

With better social programs (welfare, minimum wage, healthcare), you lift those people out of poverty and in a position where they start making money and then guess what? They spend money!

The Citizens
Regular everyday people need to stop relying on credit cards to aide them in luxuries they know they can't afford. Open a savings account and put any extra you have into it. That way, you're gaining interest instead of owing it!

The concept of "make believe money" has always somewhat frightened me.

In terms of other things that could be done to give the economy a boost (aside from giving people money that will be reclaimed by the IRS anyways) here are two simple things:

1) The Media

The media needs to stop scaring people with the notion of a recession into rapidly selling their stocks so they don't lose their money in it. See the circle here?

2) The Writer's Strike

Alright. We get it. You want residuals for Internet revenue. The DGA got a good deal and now you can too. Both sides need to compromise. In times where the economy is not the best it could be, losing billions of dollars in the economy because of a writer's strike that could be solved with intense negotiations where no one gets childish and walks away from the table and everyone compromises, everyone just sitting staring at each other isn't going to do anything. I support the writers, I really do but it's hard not to think of all the people who don't have jobs anymore because nothing is being produced (hair and make up artists, production staff etc)

I promise you I don't plan on non stop posting everyday. I just didn't think it was best for my only post and my only source of content to attract people should be a boring, freedom of speech column which is for the most part, plain and simple.

Thought #1 - Freedom of Speech

Freedom of speech.

This is something we hear quite a bit in both Canada and the U.S. Being a citizen of both, I commonly compare the two. Freedom of speech is something highly valued in both nations. A great concept it stresses too; the ability to speak your mind without fear of persecution, being 100% entitled to your thoughts and the expression of them. No one can tell you what to say nor can they stop you from saying it.

But if you really think about it who is going to listen? You could have the world's most awesome plan for restructuring the way a government works but who cares. You're no one. You can run for president to have your voice heard but who has that kind of money? Who would donate the money to you so you can be heard. You're no one remember?

Then along comes the internet. People who wanted their voices heard have a place where people who want to listen are happy to spend time reading their thoughts. Happy to spend time contemplating and responding in a respectful manner so that it doesn't matter if you agree or disagree its really just nice to have a debate with someone or at least know that people are interested in what you have to say.

What am I interested in? Well lots. Politics, Social issues, current events (and I'm a news junkie so I am well informed) and really anything. I plan to put my opinions whenever I feel strongly enough right here in black and white for anyone to read. Comment, discuss, debate or contemplate if you enjoy or feel strongly in the opposite direction or just to let me know you're reading. I welcome any sort of comment as long as its made in a respectful manner.

Even if no one reads, I will continue to write although a little disappointed.

Because sometimes it just feels good to exercise your freedom of speech.

P.S: If anyone knows how to properly work this spell check feature I will be eternally greatful. My spelling is terrible and I can't seem to get the hang of it.