Months ago, I compared American society and our apathy to a frog who found himself in a pot of boiling water. He got into the pot when the water was cool and lived until the pot boiled. When he tried to get in after the water was hot, he revolted. Well, Mr. Frog is back from the dead, and he now weighs 700 billion pounds.
As I watch the US economy and our retirement savings wilt on the vine, like fruit long neglected, I have to wonder. How in the hell did we let this happen? Was the water soooo comfortable that we just sat back with our cocktails and enjoyed the bubbles? Or were we distracted from the increase in temperature? If so, what distracted us? And just why won’t that frog get back in the hot tub with us?
Now, President Bush has called for swift action to save Wall Street from total collapse. $700 BILLION worth of swift action. We need to get this done now. If not, our entire future is in dire straits. You should be afraid, and trust us to protect you. Sound familiar? We must attack Iraq now or Saddam Hussein will blow us up with a nucular (sic) bomb. And we all know how that one has worked out.
Last week, the Bush administration presented a three-page “summary” of action to the House Finance Committee as a solution to this crisis. Three pages, total. What the FUCK? I could write three pages on how to save the economy and I flunked out of business school. And we sit there and watch, realizing that there is nothing we can do.
I believe we were distracted by record gains in the market, everyone making money like mad, and not a rule in sight. Hey, as long as everyone gets rich, why do we need rules? Pass the chips. You can have that $600K McMansion for $599 a month.[*] Sure gas is expensive, but you can get a $100K tax break if you buy a Hummer! [†] War in Iraq? What war? Obama or McCain? (That’s another story altogether) Add to that our obsession with “talent” competitions on TV and you’ve got a recipe for Shit On A Plate. We were given the old switcheroo and didn’t even notice.
So, what do we do now?
Well, for beginners, I suggest we become much more engaged in the process. Start by voting. Talk to your neighbors. Contact and start a dialogue with your elected officials, from the city council, to state legislators, to US senators and representatives, to the president. Ask hard questions. Write letters to the editor. Become part of the process instead of a dolt on the sidelines. Organize a rally to support your ideas. No one ever said it would be easy.
We’re in deep shit. And now, the 700 billion pound frog is watching the people in the hot tub, wondering why they stay in there as the water gets hotter and hotter.
[*] Don’t read this fine print because it will scare the shit out of you. After five years, your mortgage payment will be $2,500+. But you’ll be able to pay it because your boss will surely give YOU a raise, and the housing market is strong (for us, not you, dumbass).
[†] I believe this tax credit is still in effect if you buy the Hummer as a “business vehicle.”.
