Is the Recession a Myth?

I hear President Bush stand behind a podium, well fed, well dressed, and well rested saying that the economy is experiencing a "downturn, " that the economy is in the process of "correcting" itself. A weekend political pundit literally screams that we are not in a recession. His statements are based on some ivory tower, economic definition of "recession."

Politicians who wish to parlay with Republicans are quick to agree with voter's experiencing the pinch of difficult economic times. Though, they spend millions of dollars on campaigns. Their plan is to get in office and make sweeping reforms.

Only recently has the media begun to focus on prices beyond the gas pump. I don't know about you, but here where I live in subural Georgia we've been feeling that pain and more. It seems to have taken the media six months or more to pick up on the fact that food prices were going up. That's because of increased gas prices, or is it?

Our country is such a mess of political idealism and greed that it's hard to figure out who is telling the truth anymore. I'm not sure robbing the rich to give to the poor is going to do much to invigorate the economy. Especially when I see the poorest of the nation lined up at liquor stores and visiting drug houses. Maybe it is to ease the pain of a difficult life, but it isn't the answer to improving the general economy and culture of America.

Sometimes I see those who come to our non-profit for food, but have the money for beer, cigarettes, and lottery cards. Something is out of kilter in our nation.

I don't think the refusal of conservatives to acknowledge a recession is any benefit to the nation. You can call it a "downturn," "slow down," or "correction" all you want, but I see people around me losing jobs, day after day. Small companies, large companies, short term jobs and people who have worked on jobs for twenty years are sent home at the end of the day laid-off or fired.

I guess the real definition of "recession" depends a lot on where you live. You're means of income, whether you have lived long enough or made enough money to make wise investments. Sometimes it is a matter of whether you have ever gotten to a point financially to outpace the governments tax on your paycheck so you had enough left over to invest.

I'm not sure too many politicians understand just what it means to live paycheck to paycheck. What it means is that you pay the light bill one week, hoping the water will not get cut off until the next paycheck. You can't buy organic because you can't afford it, yet you are chastised for your family's diet full of pasta and potatoes. That's how big families fill hungry bellies, but it doesn't stop the bombardment.

Oh, but there is a way to buy fruits and vegetables affordably. Go to the local farmer's market, if you have any gas or money left from commuting to your job.

Economic issues are not as cut and dried as bean counters would have us believe, because the economy involves people. It involves families. The families in subural and rural Georgia where I now live are suffering.

Those who are hard workers, feel a sense of self responsibility, and adhere to the old-fashioned Protestant work ethic are doing all they can to make ends meet. When they get a chance to get ahead, it's usually just enough to push them into the next tax bracket, so Uncle Sam can take their additional earnings, if not more.

Recession, I don't know about where you live, but where I'm living people are suffering from lower wages, job loss, higher gas prices, higher food prices, and general higher prices. Please, don't call it a "downturn" or "correction."

If we call things what they are, maybe we can make progress to improve the situation.

*For one long term solutions see related article on Education Reform