Up, Down and Around Our Town

We certainly are living in interesting times. Have you noticed, over the past few weeks, that the obsession with W has seemingly passed? Perhaps his true Lame Duck status is now passe for the news organizations, but what was all his fault is now starting to be distributed in other arenas. Interesting.

The biggest news this week was the massive loss of jobs throughout this economy. From Citibank to A T&T, the downward push is more than just incidental. It is symptomatic of so many things and the relief, should there be some, is probably a ways off.

I have had the pleasure of spending almost 5 hours a day with a group of fifteen young people as we look at some of the triggers that are making things happen throughout the globe. The upside is that these young people are fearless when it comes to proposing different changes and their reactions to the world as they see it is somewhat different. But passive? Hardly.

We spent most of a day looking at the begging going on by the Big 3 auto companies as they are trying to get on the government nipple. Their argument, of course, is that if the Big 3 go bankrupt, the resulting downturn would be something really terrible. Or would it? In testimony in Washington, we see the duck and dive of these companies that are trying to ascertain whether or not their finance companies can qualify as banking institutions. That would allow them access to the original bailout. Yet it was the young people who made the most simple of statements. Build an auto or truck that is price-friendly, doesn't break down every other Monday and back it with service. Why? Because their competition does just that.

The spiral, in case you forgot, was still at the feet of the oil companies and their friendly speculators. Not that the fake mortgages didn't take many over the top, but the unforgettable fact is that the striking rise in oil raised every other price of almost every product being sold. Not to mention its kissing cousin called the utility company. The massive increases that were passed on to the consumer fueled the fire of inflation that we have yet to come to grips with. Prices went up, risk went up, those in the risk business had been spending the profits in Cancun and before it was all said and done, the taxpayers are footing the bill for the antics on Wall Street. It is my hope that President-Elect Obama is paying strict attention to the greed that is driving this country to the brink.

On the local scene, the Symphony of Trees is wrapping up its celebration this week. What a wonderful look at the real essence of the holiday season and the Ambiance never looked nicer. For the countless hours that were spent getting that festival set up, we salute the effort.

Also a shout out to the Salvation Army. Their kettles and bellringers are all over the Tri-States and I hope that you'll find it in your heart to make those red jars even heavier. Believe me, it will make you feel good.

Spending for Black Friday was up; it seems that such spending was just about it. Now the deep discounting is starting and if you are looking for a Christmas bargain, you shouldn't have any trouble finding one.

The return of the season and the cold weather also made for a nice musical serenade via the neighborhood carolers. While perhaps not Currier and Ives, the brisk December breeze and the lovely sounds of traditional and seasonal music does put you in the mood. Those are the hidden gifts of this time of the year. There are many others.

It centers around family and friends. Seeing those that perhaps you don't see - throw a little egg nog into the mix and you have a sense of togetherness that is unmatchable. Plus, when we get together with friends later this week, we'll get to show off our own hero to a group that perhaps hasn't heard the story. That's a hoot as well and we are mighty blessed.

On the road this week with the young people; education behind the wheel and in the corporate world. We'll give you a full report next week, so till then, and as always, I remain.....