Who's Right??

Why are so many people uncomfortable with the idea that many problems don't have a single solution? Take for example the current Health Care Reform bill that is in congress. Without getting into weather I think the bill is good or not, there have been many heated debates and all across the media television, print and internet are more articles and reviews about this bill. The reasons some many people are arguing about this bill is because it does not address everyone's needs. If the insurance companies don't get their money they don't like it, if the rich have to pay more they don't like it, if the working man has to pay more he doesn't like it. When addressing an issue like health care reform, it takes on a meaning for a lot of different parties. While I believe everyone wants to pay less for there health coverage, the only people who are against low cost health coverage are those that benefit from the high costs, such as insurance companies. You have the American people, the doctors, the nurses, the hospitals, the drug companies, the insurance companies and all the other health care businesses that are looking for something to benefit from in this bill. That is why there is no right answer. So who wins if nobody is right?

So is there a single solution? Probably not. With all of the factors that go into health care reform, no one answer is the right one. That is what makes people uncomfortable. We live in a society that gives and takes and it seems everyone wants to take from this bill. People are uncomfortable giving up certain things when they don't know what they get in return, and the uncertainty of this bill is very much in question. Whether it does enough, does it reduce costs enough, will it provide better coverage for everyone, can everyone afford it? The answers again are different for every walk of life.

Spend or Save - Which is more Patriotic?

In these tough economic times people are hoarding money into savings accounts like never before (Bureau of Economic Analysis) , yet many economist are screaming for us to spend to jump start our economy (New York Times). While I've always considered myself to be patriotic and support our country and its interests, I have to wonder is our country doing the same for us? If the U.S. economy is based on consumer spending, then why did it fail? Americans spent everything, savings were at an all time low, investing was at an all time high. Our economy was thriving so much, they let anyone spend more than they had, and spending was the downfall of our economy.

So now the government and their economist want us to spend. We have seen increases in health care, gas and food, and a reduction in wages, jobs and equity in our assests, and they still want us to spend? Is it unpatriotic to look out for your family and save money for the future? When I talk about saving, I'm talking about old school, sticking money under your mattress saving. You can't invest money, the market is so up and down. You can't trust the banks, they are taking bailout money to pay bonuses to executives that made poor decisions. If I save money, will I be the cause of the failure of the economy?

Maybe, but there are solutions to this problem. Spend money to save money! That's right, you can actually spend money on things that will save you money in the short and long term. Buying a membership at a Costco or Sam's Club and buying in bulk will save you money. Installing a electronic programmable thermostat will save you money. Purchasing a more fuel efficient car will save you on gas prices. Buying energy saving windows and adding insulation to your home will save you money on energy bills. There are lots of ways you can spend money to help our economy and yet still look out for your family. Maybe we can be patriotic and save money at the same time. All hope is not lost.

I can't believe I have a blog!