The Economy

Today you will have to forgive me because just like our economy, I might be all over the place.

Free Enterprise- an economic and political doctrine holding that a capitalist economy can regulate itself in a freely competitive market through the relationship of supply and demand with a minimum of governmental intervention and regulation.

There's the dictionary's definition of free enterprise. It is without a doubt the best doctrine to follow. But have we focused too much on just minimizing government intervention and stopped paying attention to those in positions of power within our financial system? Those who have abused their privileges and focused on their personal gain rather than the greater good of our country. The executives who went on a retreat that cost $440,000 after the bailout was approved. When asked one executive said these trips are necessary in order for them to stay happy and motivated and keep their company making money. But there company is losing billions of dollars and tanking the US economy.

All of these top executives have seen this coming. They knew what was happening but they were making millions and were getting away with it and new that the government would come in and save the day. What's going to happen to them? The way things are going right now just a slap on the wrist and a pink slip telling them they are fired with a nice severance package. They can then retire and enjoy the millions they've paid themselves over the past decade. Am I the only one that sees anything wrong with this?

Now that what is done is done we need to look at what should be instituted to stop this and protect us in the future. Definately is not Barack Obama's Redistribution of Wealth idea. That is socialism at it's best and we definately don't want to go down that road. Not to mention Obama and his "changes" are going to require him to be a magician with a magic wand. But that argument will be saved for another day. There needs to be more regulations on our financial industry as well as oil and any other industry that our country relies on so strongly. An example I can use but it's close to home is Alabama Power. Alabama Power has to go through a strict examination every time they want to raise their rates yet oil companies can fluctuate prices as they see fit. Some regulation is definitely necessary.

If you go and clean someones house and do their landscaping spending your money on supplies and your time on the work do you expect to be paid? I would hope so. If you invest money into something do you expect a return? I would hope so. If you don't get a return on your investment do you keep investing your money into it? I would hope not. The taxes we pay are an investment to this country to take care of us and look after our well being. I don't like seeing my tax dollars spent liberating other countries and helping out other countries and we getting nothing in return. We are spending billions every month in Iraq. Iraq has a surplus that is projected to top off at $79 billion at the end of the year. How much money is Iraq paying us? $0
How much oil are they giving us at cost? None. I'm not even going to get started on Korea or every other country we've aided. Why don't some of these other countries give us some money and not ask for anything in return? We've been doing it for decades. The US needs to stop helping other countries for free. If you want our help it's going to cost you.

Write to congress. A whole lot of people in Georgia wrote to their representative complaining about hiked gas prices after hurricanes Ike and Gustav. Now over 100 stations' financial records are being examined by the government. If enough people voice their issues then those issues will be considered and looked into. Let's help our government resolve our crises by telling them what we want.