US Federal Reserve Chairman, Bernanke, stated in testimony to Congress yesterday, “The economy has continued to expand, but at a subdued pace,” Mr. Bernanke said at another point. In one rare note of optimism, he revised upward the Fed’s growth estimate for the year and added that consumer spending had somewhat exceeded expectations. “A shinning pebble among an expanse of rocks and no one notices, or is it denial?

These are hard times. Fear mongers among us are pushing the news, innuendoes,  ? facts, about the US economical demise, while investors seem to control our lives, all in the name of money. It’s the economy stupid. Media are hyping the negativity, but then that’s what they get paid for, right?  And, our Congress is playing politics instead of uniting for the common good to forge at least one realistic solution. Et tu Brutus?

Look I am not stupid; times are tough for all of us.  But all negative, no positives can evoke a depressing atmosphere that invades our existence and can cause people to give up hope.  Enter President Bush who is known for inventing fables as though they were truth and says to us……all is well the economy is strong (fiddling while US burns?).

Here’s my take on this:

We were misguided and misled by a powerful few in DC into a war that cost us much more than dollars; it cost us lives; it cost us hope for our country’s future; it cost the country growth and prosperity; it cost our people their hope for a better tomorrow. And it cost us our progress for a new tomorrow.

Neither Presidential candidate has come forward with a realistic and positive take on what can be done in the short term, and long term, to rectify this issue.

But there are things we can do:

Gas: Stop the demand. Drive as little as possible; car pool when possible. Walk or bike (if you are able). I calculate my gas needs for the week and buy just that amount, no more. (I really don’t know if this helps but it sure makes me feel better).

Write your congress representative and senator and demand a realistic solution to the problems. Demand to know where they stand and what they are doing personally and professionally to make things better and tell them to perform in a bipartisan manner; stop the political madness.

Buy what you need. Join a food coop. Buy local produce. Reduce your electricity: unplug appliances that are not used, they still pull some electricity if plugged in like battery adapters for charging phones. There are more ways to reduce this and you can find them by doing a search.

Get involved with both presidential candidates to make your voice/concerns heard. Do it online if possible and save paper.

Let your voice be heard! You are a shareholder in this country!
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