We usually send out a patriotic email this time of year (Real Estate Marketing 101) but are going to go a different route this year. For the last few weeks we have been pondering the events so far this year and have come to the conclusion that we are at a true crossroads in American history. Not necessarily the end of the world but not the beginning of Camelot either.
So far this year we have seen the first Iranian uprising since the Islamic Revolution in 1979. They may or may not succeed and are at a bigger crossroad than we are; we should all pray for those who are courageous enough to step up and risk their lives or freedom for what they believe in. We have seen the President of Honduras forcibly removed and exiled when he triggered a clause in the Honduran constitution that was written in specifically to prevent what he was trying to do (illegally extend the number of terms that a President may serve). The Hondurans have been down that path and don’t like it- they were acting fully within their law; we wish our State Department, President and the rest of the world would stand down on the accusations of a coup down there. Seeking to understand first before trying to be understood is not in fashion these days.
We have some significant bills heading through congress right now; the Climate Bill was admittedly not even read by any of the Congressmen and Congresswomen who voted for or against it; the bill actually holds clauses for helping out the people who lose their jobs because of it (Section 426) and for giving a “monthly cash energy refund” to those at 150% of the Poverty Line or less for their loss of purchasing power due to the passage of the bill- meaning even the authors know it is going to increase everyone’ s energy costs (Section 432).
We have seen 170 years of established bankruptcy law precedent turned on its head with the handling of the GM and Chrysler cases. Those of us who live in California (one of the top ten economies in the world) have a state government issuing IOUs because it has run out of cash. Perhaps those in Washington on both sides of the aisle should come out and visit us here in California to see what happens when you have unchecked spending. The Law of Unintended Consequence is alive and well, I hope it is being considered as they move forward with these actions. Can you imagine what would happen if the Federal Government tried to issue IOUs for its obligations?
We are not pointing these things out in order to make a political statement; we are pointing them out to illuminate that we as Americans have a very sacred right of self-determination. It comes in the form of your vote on Election Day; it also comes in the pressure you put on your elected representatives to act appropriately and in the best interests of the nation and state when they cast their vote. There are right and wrong ways to approach every problem; imitating sheep or voting the party line (on either side) rarely represents the best interests of the constituents.
Be sure to exercise your freedom- you are not risking your life or imprisonment by educating yourself on the very real and significant issues that will be affected by the legislation that will be coming up for a vote later this year. We don’t care which side you support, just educate yourself (beyond MSNBC or FOX) and if you have an issue with what is being legislated be sure to let your representative know about it. Don’t be the person who didn’t vote on Election Day and then complains about who got elected.
Freedom isn’t free. We all have it – don’t waste it.
Have a safe and Happy 4th!
Rick and Kirsten
