Time to be counted -- and heard

OK. It's now two months-plus past the presidential election, and about a week past the inauguration. Mr. Bush is once again, and still, President of the United States. I, for one, have taken the time to pause, to think and to breathe, and even to vote. My guy didn't win, and although I wish things had turned out differently, the time for active mourning is over. Time to stop moping and do something.

So what to do? Seems like the rest of the country (except the rest of New England and the some of the mid-Atlantic states, California, Michigan and Minnesota) is happy with who we have. Well, there goes my dream of a drive across country. Anywho, I am left to wonder if they're happy with WHAT we have. Do they even know? Are they concerned about what their children will, or more to the point - WON'T, inherit? Has America gottten so wrapped up in instant gratification and needs fulfillment that we can't see the debt we're racking up? I'm beginning to think I should open a savings account in Euros over dollars, since I have to work at least 35 more years before my Social Security account is even CLOSE to allowing me to retire, as long as I can secure a part-time job as a greeter in my favorite super department store :-)

I'm beginning to wonder if we as a nation have been lobotomized. "Everything's fine." We spend, don't save, and don't seem to care that our govenment isn't saving for or with us. If I buy savings bonds for my kids and my friends' kids, am I just enabling the government? Reminds me of lending money to friends who promise to repay the loan, but never quite get the cash back to you.

So, are you still reading this? Well, if you are, then you should be walking away from the computer and over to the phone (or just pick up the cordless or the cellphone that sitting on the table next to the keyboard). Call you local Representative/Senator's office, and ask them to provide an accounting for the debt that the country has amassed ($427 billion and growing), and what the plan is to reduce it. It's your money; shouldn't you know how it's being spent?

Maybe Uncle Sam should call a credit counseling service.

(http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/26/politics/26deficit.html)