Recession A-Comin'

Feels to me like we've been in one for some time now. At least those of us who aren't in the "upper" classes haven't been seeing much in the economy to cheer about for several years (although they've been telling us it's going along swimmingly the whole time).

I hear that Congress and Bush are arguing amongst themselves as to what is the best way to deliver tax rebates. When to do it is a problem, since the IRS is in the normal tax return season and swamped as it is. But how about how much and to whom? Some are saying the Bush package leaves out the millions of poor people who don't pay taxes. But they're not really worried about the poor; they're figuring that they will be the ones who have no choice but to spend it, which is the aim after all. Some, however, are worried that they will spend it on things that won't boost our economy. As one congressman said, they'll spend it on things made in China - maybe they'll boost the Chinese economy.

Gee, could that possibly be one of the real problems with our economy? Everything affordable to the millions of poor and many of the "middle class" is made in China for American corporations. I mean, it's not like the poor people have a choice and buy direct from China.

Somebody else worried that the middle class would be tempted to sock their rebate away into savings instead of spending it. Wise move, I'd say. Particularly when the economy is tanking.

Now they have to figure out just the right amount so that people will figure it's not enough to save, but just enough to buy something made in America that they've always been wanting. Congressin' is hard work.

Could it be that, as is so often the case, we are treating the symptom and not the cause? Could it be that we waited until the situation was dire before trying to address the many problems that create our economic situation? Could it be that we are not practicing good management, but simply putting out fires? Or trying to.

....but hey, do what you want....you will anyway.