We're going to win. Then what?

Nothing is more important than winning in November. And as we sit here (biting our nails), it feels like we will finally get the win we should have had back in 2000 and again in 2004. (I just got Fahrenheit 9/11 to see all over again. Highly recommended.)

And? Then what? We are Californians. We LEAD America in so many ways. Yet our (Republican) Governor is perfectly willing to close 50 Public Parks!!!

Huh? We grew up in California, before heading off to New York after college. We left a state blessed with Public Amenties. Now the Governator wants to shut all those parks???

What's different NOW from THEN? California has grown exponentially; Industry here, especially High Tech, has led the World. Billionaires pop up overnight. Where does all the money GO?

Now we're SHUTTING Public Parks??? (Plus slashing school budgets and library hours, etc., etc.)

Dennis Rockstroh (who prints lots of good information for Mercury New readers) has a letter saying that a cure for deficits is… more volunteer work. Sounds good, right? But wait: Foothill College has a class in Second Careers. Why? "70% of Americans over 50 intend to go right on working."

Intend? Nah...how about HAVE TO go on working...just to pay the bills.

So? Connect the dots, Puppies!

Where is the TIME left for Volunteer Work?

And: "We don't need new raises for city employees." Really? It's estimated that any family with income below $70,000 spends every penny they bring home just to meet expenses. But then we have a vicious circle - as we keep paying more, we impose higher taxes on ourselves! Where does it END?

It's all very complicated and confusing. But, we need to get focused on the major problems we face. David Cay Johnston splits America in two 2 parts: The Affluent and… "the Other 90%!"

What do YOU think is Important? I'd love to hear. And I'll report on the results.

Posted by richard at January 20, 2008 10:37 AM | Economics