Economy

I tend to think of myself as a democratic social-capitalist.

Let's face it, a nation that is 100% socialist doesn't work. The people have no reason to take tough jobs or undesirable jobs. A nation that is 100% capitalist does not work. Businesses control the government, monopolies act unethically, and the needs of the people are too easily forgotten in the name of profit. Generally, an economy works best when you find the right balance between the two.

Where is that balance? Well, it depends on where you're at economically. If the top 1% of a nation controls 90% of the wealth, it's time to enact social reforms. If businesses are failing because they cannot afford to pay their laborers their wages, it's time to enact capitalist reforms. A democracy allows the people control over the economy in a way that balances the needs of the poor with the needs of the corporations.

I also believe that we need to cut the crap when we talk about the politics of economics. "Gas tax holidays" and offshore drilling are not any more of a cure for economic hardship than a $600 check from the government to "offset the declining value of your home". Let's get real. There's economic trouble a-brewin'. The government is in debt. People are in debt, and when the economy declines, that debt gets called in. People - myself included - will have to live within their means, tighten their belts, and try to pay off that debt. I'm actually already looking for a second job.

This may seem counter-intuitive, but I also believe that the government needs to raise our taxes. It is time for social reform, so raise the taxes for the wealthy more, but raise the taxes for everyone. The government needs to end the deficit spending and get out of debt. If the government had money, it would have the ability to help the people in future economic crises. Furthermore, our country cannot remain in debt forever. All loans have an interest rate. The quicker we pay off our outstanding debts, the less we will end up paying. America and Americans are going to have to learn to make more than the minimum payment if we want our economy to survive.

-Please Heed the Call

PS To all you congressmen out there, please enact legislation that limits all loans to 15% APR rates. Some of these credit card interest rates are unbelievable.

PS To all you lenders out there...don't allow a person to borrow more than they can afford.

PS To all you people out there...don't borrow more than you can afford. And don't get mad at me (I'm a real estate appraiser) if a lender tells you that you can't afford the home you want to buy because my opinion of value did not mesh well with your credit history. Think of it as me saving you from the agony of repossession. You're welcome.