This holiday season, our family shopping was guided by cost and practicality. Even though our children are older and are not into toys, we stayed away from going overboard on spending. Although we did shop at Target, Macy's, and Best Buy, we stayed with gift cards. We all understood that it was inappropriate, given the country's economic situation and high unemployment, to spend lots of money and go into debt.
Once again we did not spend a penny at Wal-mart. My philosophy about Wal-mart is that until they treat their employees fairly with pay and benefits, we will not give them any money. Millions of Americans may think I'm crazy, but I do not want to award Wal-mart's less than stellar record of fairness in dealing with their employees.
With less than three weeks to go until Inauguration Day, I'm trying to stay calm and hopeful. Like many Obama supporters, I am very excited about Barack Obama becoming President. However, given the mess left behind by the current administration, Obama will have to deal with a boatload of problems almost immediately. You almost wonder if any other modern President has had to face such a massive laundry list of problems, wars, and financial disasters. The friends of supporters of President George W. Bush are trying to re-write his legacy at this very moment. Given the state of affairs and the lingering financial crises, W will long be remembered as the Herbert Hoover of the 21st century.
The only obstacles that could possibly stop or derail the Obama administration are those Republicans in the House of Representatives and the Senate who are against progress. Sen. Mitch McConnell, Rep. John Boehner, and others will do their part to delay or block legislation designed to get people working again. We must respond immediately with phone calls, and e-mails to thwart their obstruction. We've been saddled with the Republican "trick down economics" that has brought us disasters. It is time to get things done.
