Thursday, July 10, 2008

• Phil Gramm Makes a PR Slip

  Well, conservatives have done it again!

  We're experts at PR, aren't we?

  Phil Gramm, economic advisor to McCain, and former long time Senator from Texas, made some comments today that are stirring up some controversy. In an interview with the Washington Times Gramm said, “You’ve heard of mental depression; this is a mental recession,” ....and...“We have sort of become a nation of whiners.” “You just hear this constant whining, complaining about a loss of competitiveness, America in ‘decline’ despite a major export boom that is the primary reason that growth continues in the economy.”

  So, while Senator Gramm is a highly respected economist, and in all reality there is probably some truth in what he is saying...that's not the way to say it!!! When American's are paying over $4/g for gas and milk, and there is an obvious slump in the economy, don't go saying "it's all in your head." It would be nice to hear Sen. Gramm telling us how, yes, he understands there seems to be a slump, but explain from an economic standpoint how it is not a recession and how the country is still strong.

  In Gramm's defense, however, I must say that there is a ring of truth in his comment about "whining." For all the "difficulty" that our nation is facing now, it's still the strongest super power, with the highest standards of living and lowest poverty rates around. We do start whining a little too soon around here when high fuel prices keep us from being able to afford to go see our favorite ball game or other such amenities. This is about as hard as it gets for the average American family out there. But, there are some out there that it IS harder for. For those who have lost their jobs, who have had to take huge pay cuts, and who have had to reduce their standard of living.

  We need to recognize those who are in need--recognize that there are needs out there--and not just live our lives by the numbers on the screen in front of us.

  We can learn two lessons from Phil Gramm's comments today.

  1. Be humble, and realize and recognize that there some of our fellow Americans are suffering from a hurting economy right now.

  2. Be grateful. Stop whining and get on our knees and thank God for the blessings that we do have.

  Posted by C. Dalton

  • 6:22 PM
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