"What you do speaks so loudly that I cannot hear what you say." -Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Sometimes being right isn’t as important as the provocative debate. We learn from varying points of view. With that in mind let me ask you this:

How do you feel about our economic future? Are you in a state of trust about the current stimulus plan?

I’d certainly understand if you say yes. I would only ask why? What are you seeing that I am missing?

My wife is the eternal optimist, who has faith that things will be alright if you stay positive. Time will heal all.


I marvel at her ability to be so ‘up’ all the time. My banker, on the other hand, won’t accept "faith" payments from me. Just cash.

You see my problem may be just like the apostle Thomas: "Doubting Thomas" who needed proof of Christ’s resurrection. I guess I’m just not that good at blind faith. For me "blind" and "faith" shouldn’t be used together. I can achieve a faithful mindset if I can see the logical path. Only then can I believe. So this leads me to my point on the economy. The stimulus plan isn’t working. Not in California or New York.

WHAT TO DO? What our markets need — and need NOW — are direct inducements to transact, such as a capital gains tax moratorium for real estate sellers or a tax relief on IRA/ 401Ks for buyers to use to acquire homes. Until we get something that stimulates our markets we are doomed to proceed more deeply into this abyss. people and companies will continue to contract to survive, leading to more stagnation and deeper unemployment.

In the meantime I will pray for divine guidance. And I would love to hear your thoughts.