Show Me the Money

When you are a kid the economy has no real meaning. At least it didn't to me. I was lucky to never worry about the roof over my head or food on the dinner table. Fortunately I still don't have to worry about those things.

But I have to say, the economy has more meaning to me now than it ever has before. It's tough to fund-raise when people are making just enough to get by. I know I certainly don't have an incredible expendable income to donate. It's just not in the cards. Working for a nonprofit, sometimes you really feel the pinch of every day folks who can't spare too much money to support your organization. I know Ross and his co-workers feel it too. Mattresses are one of those things that yes you need but you think "I can put it off 6 more months" or "We can get a cheaper one." And they are a big expense so it makes sense that people are hesitant to spend that much on just one item - even if we do spend 8 hours + of our day on them.

It is for these reasons, Mr. Bush and presidential hopefuls, that I say, Show Me the Money. I know me, Ross and the city of Austin are doing well compared to other people and areas but we are itching to bring home the big bucks. We are itching to spend the big bucks once we bring them home. Economists are estimating that our $600 tax refunds are only going to cover the increase in gas prices this year thus helping us but not really allowing additional money to flow into the market.

We need more help. We need to spend less money on this war and more money creating jobs domestically. FDR Style. Let's build roads or fix the ones we have. I can personally atest to the need for better roads in at least Pennsylvania and Louisiana. I bet both of those states would welcome the income and infrastructure. Let's create more teaching jobs. Every teacher in America would be happy to have a class with 2 or 3 less students. If our government needs help figuring out what new jobs to create, trust me, I have a couple ideas. I'm proud to say that Texas has dedicated $10 billion to cancer research which will not only combat this terrible disease but will bring white collar jobs and an increasingly educated population to Texas. What could be better than making your state a leader in cancer research, helping all of humanity and creating jobs all at once? Good job Texas :)

Get on board Mr. (or Mrs. as it may soon be) President! Show me the Money!