The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly for 2009 ...

Where do we start as we close out the Year 2009?

There is always more good in the world, than bad. But, things are getting ugly in many respects.

The Good ...

• Christmas - we hope everyone had a very nice Christmas 2009
• Family - the love of family is always special
• Community - 'Who is my neighbor' - if willing, you will often find good people to break bread and get to know ...
• New leadership in Cedar Rapids in 2010, as Ron Corbett is elected Mayor in 2009
• Private flood recovery and small business flood recovery

The Bad ...

• Well, the loss of life isn't always a bad thing. Many people simply live a long life and time reaches a point, where they gently pass on. But, it is tough to lose friends, family and loved ones to age, cancer, accident, H1N1 and/or tragedy. Two more die of H1N1 flu
• The Economy
• The time consumed by social networking, blogging and other demands of time at work and otherwise ...
• Not always keeping up with our blogs ...
• The next recession, which appears around the corner, due to our public policies ...
• Our Federal Government and State Government's expansion throughout 2009
• The transition in Cedar Rapids to the Council-Manager Form of Government over the past four years ...
• Tax Climate

The Ugly ...

• More terrorism on the horizon in the USA - Fort Hood and Christmas Flight to Detroit
• Health Care Reform and tactics
• Congressional Earmarks
• We could add to the list, but we would suggest the following needs to be promoted in 2010 and that there is more good in life, than bad ...

Needed in 2010 ...

• Limited Spending
• Limited Government
• Life
• Liberty
• Pursuit of Happiness

Governments and individuals need to uphold established standards of ethics and prudence at all levels. Whether it be a political organization, a local, state or federal government, we have a lot of work to do to build a better tomorrow and to rebuild the trust of the American taxpayer.

The past year, we ran across a person who at the end of many conversations or e-mails, would simply say in his salutation or his departure ... "Pay Taxes"

While government has an important role at all levels, there is more to life than taxes ...

Let's work to build a better tomorrow, with getting involved in our local communities and working to better know our neighbors.

peace

November 4 - Good, Bad and the Ugly

November 4 -

The Good -

After eight years of President George W. Bush, the United States will be getting a new President. While President Bush has led us through a very difficult time, with 9/11 and terrorism, much of his economic and bi-partisan approach to government that Bush was successful as Governor of Texas hasn't been delivered as President.

A renewed push for Limited Government and reduction of the size of government. Government isn't the solution for every thing. But, change alone doesn't guarantee that things will get better in Washington DC, Des Moines or even locally.

The Bad -

A lack of candidates for November 4th.

The two party system we have doesn't always field candidates for every race or strong candidates for those that have races.

The Flood of 2008 and the change in the form of government locally have clearly lead to leadership being stuck in a vacuum.

Sometimes a decision is better than waiting for the best answer.

The Ugly -

The future is cloudy at best.

The majority is likely to remain in power. Congress has lowest ratings ever, but is likely going to remain the same. How ironic.

The mess is on both sides of the aisle. Budgets in Washington DC are expanding, expanding and expanding... both sides have lacked restraint.

Des Moines appears to have a budget shortfall. So, the majority has some problems in the State of Iowa too... Mediacaid and shortfall.

Don't forget to Vote on November 4, 2008. The candidates we choose may have a major impact on our pocket book and way of life.

peace