Bailout...what is up?

I just want to let you all know, financially, I believe that I am in the competitive range for folks with conservative values, who mainly value supporting your family as opposed to owning a fancy car. If that makes sense, you will need to tell me how :-)

Don't get me wrong, I do not hate people for being rich; I do though dislike when they are decision makers and they do not exercise common sense.

For example, and I base this primarily on am radio, because I have not had the time to do my own research, but look at the auto maker big 3 doing their thing in DC today. They are asking the American people for a "bridge loan" or bailout to rescue their industries. Do you know how they arrived at the meetings, in light of their hard times and struggling businesses? Private, or corporate funded jets, when you are asking the American people to give you 25 B dollars? As Joey from the old show Blossom: would say....."WHOAAAA".

Security concerns are cited as a justification. I would not be able to identify any of these folks out of a line up, maybe with the exception of Mullaly(sp?), because I once was employed by Boeing, but to cite security as a reason to use the corporate jet...really?

Where I currently work, is the first place that I have worked that consistently provides you with all of the plastic cutlery and coffee that one could desire. Cutbacks have taken their toll on everyone, and we are attempting to have folks reuse coffee cups. It is our part, but every little bit helps. Being a part of a global company, we have been in a cost containment mode for a while with layoffs and such, and I do believe that if other local companies have not taken that route, it is coming.

Off topic, and yet weirdly connected, I look at the current economic times as an opportunity to spend time with my family and learn the true meanings of the holidays. I read a "children's" version of the bible with my 4 year old, and I absolutely love it. Not only because I was a cradle catholic and always enjoy when I can personally immerse myself in the word, but also to see my child's expressions. As a result, even if I am able to afford X gift this Christmas, I view the economic downturn as an opportunity to play boardgames or read the bible more, so my kids and I can know the true meaning of Christmas.

Take a moment in your lives to be a person that brings savings to your workplace in the hopes of maybe saving a job, or a parent (if applicable) to bring the true meaning of the holidays to you and yours.