America's Economic Struggle

One of my favorite novels is "The Old Man and the Sea" by Ernest Hemmingway. Against numerous odds, the old man left his fishing village, went out to sea in a raging storm. This fisherman runs into many obstacles but does catch the biggest fish. He faces harsh perils while attempting to secure his prey. Hemmingway gives a realistic view of the struggles, emotions and disappointments that relate to the fisherman and today's economic struggles. The American people are dealing with mortgages, balloon payments, foreclosures, credit card debt, and unbelievable interest rates. while running a household on bare necessities.

Americans are more concerned about the country's economic future than any time in recent memory. While taking advantage of the deals of a lifetime, some have managed to get into a lifetime of debt; debt that cannot be paid. Working diligently to realize the dream only to see bits and pieces disintegrate.

The "old man" fought off predators and raging storms. He battled sea predators that bit off chunks of his prized catch. With much of his catch destroyed, he hoped the remaining part of the fish would be sufficient to prove he met the challenge and won his trophy. He was devastated at his loss. Realizing he could not control the sea, the fisherman did the best he could. He secured his catch and fought off sea predators but had nothing to show. He worked hard to save his prize. American's are fighting creditors and raging financial storms. Americans are realizing that they have nothing to show for their sacrifices, and private enterprise and government leaders are of little comfort.

The "old man" had no cell phone access. He could not take a picture as proof. No one was around. Who would be out in such horrible storms? Disappointed his catch was gone, he returned to his village. In spite of economic woes, Americans survive. No one has the answers, not even the financial giants, the best and smartest. The most diligent workers have paid their bills, educated their children and are now absorbing the blows from what appears to be communication gaps in Washington, D.C. You may not have your fish, but keep reeling. When the American people paddle into their villages, they may have more fish than bones.