The number problem with America is...

America has been hit by a massive tsunami that threatens to cripple our nation and our democracy. This nation is in a state of shock, fear and disbelief as it watches the financial meltdown rapidly taking place. This society, our government and our financial institutions are literally drowning in debt. Many people ask: "how could this possibly be happening to the greatest, most powerful nation in the world?" And the answer is simply this. Rampant greed has evolved to such an extent that it is overwhelming our national sense of honesty and ethics. So the tsunami that is washing over America is one that is of our own making.

Just today we have seen a temporary stoppage of the financial bleeding, but don't be so naïve to think that the market has now bottomed out and that the good old days will soon return. Of course, the gain of more than 900 points in the DOW is very welcome to many, but it has been accomplished by the infusion of hundreds of billions of dollars from the U.S. government and now from the nations of Europe – with promises of additional infusion in the very near future. However, this is a temporary, very expensive fix that many millions around the world will pay for in one way or another. There are huge problems with market fundamentals, lack of oversight, appropriate regulation and other means to curb the rampant greed and manipulations that got us into this mess to begin with. So we need to stay focused and demand that our leaders follow through on the proper safeguards and policing of financial institutions.

In the great movie, Wall St., Gordon Gekko, the ruthless corporate raider played by Michael Douglas, speaks to a stockholder group and tells them "Greed is good. Greed is right. Greed Works." He was stating a reality that the real Wall St. has long known, one that is embedded in its financial soul. But Wall St. is not the only guilty party in the crisis that now threatens our nation. Our elected Congress, the totally incompetent Bush administration and the Wall St. robber barons have now collectively brought America to its knees. And, yes, we Americans most definitely must share the guilt.

The greatest adventure

President John F. Kennedy once said,

"Many years ago the great British explorer George Mallory,who was to die on Mount Everest,was asked why did he want to climb it.He said, 'Because it is there.'
Well, space is there, and we're going to climb it,and the moon and the planets are there,and new hopes for knowledge and peace are there.
And, therefore, as we set sail we ask God's blessing

on the most hazardous and dangerous and greatest adventureon which man has ever embarked."

Much later we put the first man on the moon and brought him back safely. President John F. Kennedy laid the foundations for many things in his term as our nation's president. Yesterday I took a step towards a goal that I had long wanted but was to fearful to accept - until now. In the coming months I am hoping, and prying to God that I move forwards with it...