OT: Recession and the government

The recession i****ting many of us all over this country.  It's not just a regional problem caused by any one industry.  And, it's very hard for any of us as individuals to make much of a difference by our purchases when the government's own policies work against us. I was not a business nor political science major in college.  But, I am intelligent and I've seen what's been going on in the 35+ years since I graduated.  I may be wrong in my interpretation but here's how I see it. In becoming multinational companies, American industry petitioned the Federal government for all sorts of breaks that would allow them to make more money regardless of the consequences.  This wasn't apparent at first.  At first, it just seemed that the companies were growing at a healthy rate.  But they were really growing in an unhealthy way which moved jobs from town to town within our country and eventually right out of our country. Part of the problem is that the companies wanted to sell their products at prices below their competitors (for a while) so they got Congress to reduce the tariffs on imports.  Another part was that they didn't want to deal with the demands of many unions.  Enforcement of anti-trust laws against the corporations and some of the major unions could have prevented some of our run away inflation.  Meanwhile, foreign companies are charging tariffs against our products.  Another problem is the tax breaks given to corporations for various reasons. We can blame King George and our previous Presidents, but we also have to blame Congress.  What happens to these people when they get elected?  You vote for someone who seems to represent you and then they get elected and they represent Big Money.  The value of the individual vote has gone down.  And, the Supreme Court doesn't seem to help much.  There just seems to be too much corruption in government. The problem goes on at the state level.  And, it seems to be going on in most states.  The people from MI may feel that they are being hard hit because of the auto industry, but the only industry that's really doing well is the defense industry and that's spread out around the country.  I live in NJ and we're being killed by layoffs in the pharmeceutical industry.  Other states suffer from declines in jobs in the coal and steel industries.  I'm sure most of you can identify the industries in your state that are also having problems. I just don't know what to say about government spending on all levels.  There are so many mandates, limited funding, raising taxes, and budget restraints.  We're no longer on the gravy train and it's time to pay the piper.  Unfortunately many state governments as well as the Federal government are operating at a deficit. I live in the most heavily taxed state in the country and any effort to raise funds is being met with resistance because those of us who are still part of the middle class are being squeezed really hard.  We'd like to see the rich and industry pay their fair share of the taxes.   I just get frustrated by the whole mess.  Yet, I am proud to be an American.  I wish we could show people around the world that most of us espouse the ideals which our historic documents fold of.  The soul of the USA is not the policy of our major corporations nor of greedy politicians.  I guess the only thing I can do is to do my best, use my best judgement when I vote, and pray for God's protection for our country.    

Excellent and well thought out post, SJ. I agree although I think we also need to take a good look in the mirror and honestly ask if we work as hard as our brotherin' oversees. I know I don't so can I honestly expect the "gravy train of prosperity" to continue. The answer is absofreakinlutely not unless I can work smarter. Well, my (our) ability to work smarter is ending as well as technology becomes available overseas so....... All I know is more government and false promises aren't the answer. Don't know what is except possibly rolling up our sleeves and getting back to working harder and smarter than our foreign competition. It's all about PRODUCTIVITY, me thinks. Boner 

I can't say anything about productivity since I've been retired on disability since July, 1992.  Most of my friends and relatives are in the service industry.  They include insurance clerks, teachers, a librarian, a professor, nurses, and attorneys.  Some of the exceptions are a chef, some techies and a couple engineers (not with trains).

"The recession i****ting many of us all over this country." Surely you jest!  Rush Limbaugh says the economy is booming! 

Very good post, and well thought out.  I agree with all of it. kevin

Recession ? I dont know .the housing market here in Ut is starting to come to a stand still .There is a house right across the street from me that was for sale for over two years.The house just sold .   When I first moved here to Ut about nine years ago . There was a housing boom houses going up everwere including mine . There is building of ever kind , Wal mart's,  strip malls you name it its going in . Now it seams to be slowing down a bit , and not just because it winter . Winter,  in the past dident seam to slow things much around here .   I work for the Government  , so I cant speek for outside manufacturing .With us its all about streamlining our manufacturing prosses and get it out the door fast and on time . If not It could mean our jobs .    Nick 

Times sure are hard here in So. Cal.  !!!  Folks can't even get 800K anymore for a 1960's one bedroom dump    most they can get is 700K..... Problem is, most of them bought in at 799K - and now their ARM chickens are coming home to roost.