About the economy

I generally try to keep this blog about fishing and my other (mis)adventures, but perhaps we should add "staying on topic" to the list of things I could be better at.

As some of you may know, I've been applying for a few job openings. I enjoy my current work, but am interested in changing gears a bit. One position had seemed especially promising and was very exciting. Unfortunately when I talked with their hiring partner a few days ago, I found out that that they were going to offer me the position but had decided not to fill their opening because of all the economic uncertainty. When this happened, The Wife and I experienced our first personal impacts from the current economic downturn.

With the economy in the pooper and regular people (e.g. me) being affected, we turn to the current political climate where McCain has "suspended" his campaign.

"Why is suspended in quotes," you ask.

"Because this must be one of the most politically motivated moves ever," I reply.

Lets take a look at a few things. First, neither McCain nor Obama are on the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs. Moreover, with Democrats in charge of the Senate and relevant committees, I doubt McCain and the accompanying press mob would actually be of much "help". As far as I can tell, McCain may be most productive by staying away until the bill leaves committee.

Second, McCain elected to accept public financing and, as such, doesn't have the financial resources of Obama's campaign. Could McCain be trying to save money until closer to the election?

Third, McCain's "suspension" has successfully diverted the media and the public from a series of other important issues: McCain's campaign manager accepting pay from Freddie Mac as recently as last month, recent polls (including those by Fox) show McCain falling behind, and Palin has had another interview that makes her lack of knowledge on important issues painfully obvious.

Finally, McCain has threatened to withdraw (or is forfeit the right word?) from the debate. Could this be because McCain doesn't want to face questions about his involvement in bringing about this economic mess in the first place? Will McCain try and postpone/cancel the V-P debate? We all know he keeps Palin on a short, well scripted leash.

In the meantime, McCain is banking on us (the voting public) not recognizing his "suspension" as a political ploy. He must think we are a bunch of idiots.

Listen, I'm not trying to bash McCain here. But, this "suspension" is crap. How long has it been since he addressed anything of substance? Since before the convention? Meanwhile, the economy is wrecked and, if I'm beginning to feel the effects of the downturn, you can bet that less fortunate people are getting screwed.

One final thought, this was a really hard post to write without swearing. Mom, you should be proud.