Now, to be fair, I don't know an awful lot about politics, other than the opinions I develop based on what I read in the Post and hear from friends. I don't have a degree in political science, and I certainly don't work in a largely-political environment (though in DC, McDonalds can be political). What I do know is this: I have spent a good portion of my professional life in the non-profit sector, listening to various directors drone on and on about how it is the government's job to save them from their plight. I have heard people who lost their job for differing reasons expecting the feds to take care of them. I read in the paper that people who ride the subway don't want to be able to hear music from other people's Ipods, for heaven sake. The conclusion I've come to is this: stop your bitching, worry about yourself, and move on!
I know this all comes off as rather harsh and politically incorrect, especially knowing how liberal i've always been. But I think in this time of war (which I do not support, nor did I ever), in this time of financial downfall (I do not support the foreclosure bailouts - you signed the paperwork, you fix it yourself or pay the piper), and in this time of energy dependence (feelin' a little stupid now buying that Escalade, aren't you?), we all need to start taking a little more responsibility for our own actions. Allow me to elaborate on one of these points specifically: the housing crisis.
I don't believe in my heart of hearts that the government should bear any responsibility in saving those homes at risk for foreclosure. I think the fault lies within the mortgage industry trying to give people more than they can afford and not explaining to them what a 3/1 or 5/1 ARM is, or what APR means, or not showing an amoritized list of all payments. But more importantly, I think the fault is with the buyer. I've owned 2 homes in my life, and both times I asked the questions that needed to be asked (i.e. "Is the 360th payment going to be the same as the first?"). It's not rocket science, yet everyone seems to use ignorance as an excuse. "I didn't know because I didn't ask and no one told me, so the responsibility lies with someone else, and I am fault-free." In case you weren't picking up on my oh-so subtle subtext, I think this is complete crap.
That's not to say that we don't all make mistakes. We're human, and that's the way it goes. But when millions and millions of people are doing the same thing, it's not a mistake. It's an epidemic. And I do not support in any way the idea of the federal government using my tax dollars to bail Billy Bob and his 14 kids out because he didn't read the fine print. Am I bitter? You bet I am. And mark my words, kids: things are only going to get worse. Our economy is in the toilet, we have zero diplomatic relations with the rest of the world, and whoever wins this election is going to spend their entire term trying to clean up messes such as these. The only upside to this story is that I, an average, middle-class citizen, will have the opportunity to buy a much nicer home at a drastically reduced price. So I guess cultural stupidity does have its benefits.
But on to more important things. Cané, my wanna be drug-sniffing dog, decided to bolt the other day while on leash and gave herself a slight tracheatic boo boo. She's been hacking like a 3-pack a day smoker, and while this 
isn't funny, I do find it amusing that she learned nothing from that experience. She's still pulling on her leash, trying to get wherever it is we are going at warp speed. I have to laugh at all of this, for as silly as she can be, she still makes me laugh every day. See, i'm not a complete hard-ass.
3 comments:
Wow, I don't think you could have told me who was president 15 years ago. However, I am impressed and commend you for taking a stand that will undoubtedly be mocked and ridiculed by your friends on the left. However, I wonder if you will allow a comment or two on your comments from a friend on the right.
I could not agree with you more regarding the two candidates we are left with. However, I would be willing to bet we come at this from two completely different points of view. Obama is, as you have stated, a freshman who is very good at repeating what is put in front of him on a teleprompter. It is frightening to hear what he has to say when the prompter goes away. As a staunch conservative (Not Republican, Conservative) McCain is hardly more palatable. To me, the important issues of the day are the family, abortion, fiscal conservatism, and appointing the right judges. On most of these issues, Mr. McCain has sold out conservatives time and again. So even though we disagree, we find ourselves joined in our distaste for our presidential choices.
With regard to your comments on the housing crisis. You couldn't be more correct. One thing I would mention is that I did work for the mortgage companies for a short time and while there certainly is blame to be shared by those corporations, many times details were shared with borrowers who couldn't be bothered to listen because all they could see was the large house they were about to get or the money they would soon be putting their hands on regardless of the payments down the road. As someone who has played by the rules, it is frustrating beyond belief to now hear my party's president suggesting we foot the bill for the idiots who have no self control. My heart goes out to individuals and families losing their homes, but the truth of the matter is that constitution does not hold guarantees or safety nets for making bad decisions. Last I checked, learning the hard way used to be called Life.
My friend Scott, at times you sounded down right conservative. I hope my support of your statements doesn't get you in more trouble than your own words did. Good luck and who knows, maybe if we got rid of all the elephants and jackasses (sorry, couldn't resist) we might be able to actually find a lot more common ground than we possibly thought.
Ryan
Ok, not sure if my comments are welcomed…but I will leave some for thought. Being a real-estate agent for nearly 16 years I just could not resist, and I feel an additional perspective is needed.
The media can…and do spin it anyway they want, but it’s not necessarily what is really going on in real life.
Here’s the deal, and I agree with you totally on the government bailout. But, the whole “mortgage crisis” does and will affect all of us. Prices have been overvalued for years and we are all going to pay a heavy price for years to come.
Please remember this “mortgage crisis” has an affect on people that have made their stated payments each and every month, religiously. They have seen their values drop below what they owe on their homes due to underselling by bank foreclosures and corporation buyouts.
The average person moves every 5-7 years. And for those who want to make that “move up” it’s just not possible. So, they sit and wait…and they will wait for quite some time. It is devastating when a home is usually the main source of individual’s wealth.
One last thing, housing sales have a direct correlation on consumer goods like refrigerators, washer/dryers and furniture. Less home sales, less production. A direct impact on the economy. Econ 101. So starts the downward spiral.
I could talk about this for hours.….. But for now, I’m glad you and Cane’ are good….Jack
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