Water Cooler Conversations

Written by Pat Perry
President, ERC 

I watched the President’s speech on CNN on Tuesday evening.  The commentators made several mentions of the Congressional leaders that staked out their aisle seats next to the President’s entrance as early as 8 am Tuesday morning.  The President’s speech was at 9 pm. Unreal.

Evidently, they were seeking about 10 seconds of national exposure when the cameras focused in on the President’s entrance.  As one New York Congressman stated – “it’s the only time my constituents see me”.

Shame on all those politicians including Dennis Kucinich (yes…we saw you in your aisle seat again).  What a waste of time and tax payer money.  Here’s an idea for our government – assigned seating!

Hey Congress…in case you have not noticed this is not a game anymore.  We do not care if you are on national TV.  That does not help us one bit.  We are tired of your show and expect you to make good decisions with our dough – for once.

Written by Pat Perry
President, ERC 

This has certainly been an interesting year.  The Presidential campaign, gasoline prices, Black Monday, Russian invasions and the continuance of the wars in the middle east to name a few.  It would be no wonder if the average American is a little dazed and confused.  Wow…2008 is not the year I thought it might be…it had so much promise.

I was watching CNN the other evening and they were illustrating on a chart, the expansion of the
U.S. deficit with the so-called “bailout” to exceed $16 trillion.  The American public should be screaming.  The mess that has occurred over so many years is going to take a very long time to correct, even if the right measures are put into place. 

The deficit and the financial mess we are in are byproducts of a bigger problem in this country that has no signs of slowing down.  We are saddled with a leadership deficit, the likes of which may be the biggest in our nation’s history.   I think my generation blew it.  We had our chance.

I am hopeful that the upcoming generations look at the childish and gutless behaviors of our elected officials and corrupt CEOs and recognize that reform is a must.  It is not an option.  It’s going to take guts and determination.  But they will have their chance and here is one Boomer that is praying that my kids’ generation don’t follow our horrible lead. 

Shame on us.