Dewey, Cheetum, and Howe

Hello www, Lord Jesus bless all those in the world who are seeking you, and longing for you: may they feel your healing presence. And Lord? Please give eternal rest and peace to all souls that have died, esp Molly and Max. In Your Name, Jesus, Amen. Many of you might remember the fictional character from "Wall Street," Gordan Gekko, and his statement, "Greed, for lack of a better word, is good." Maybe you don't. If you haven't seen this film, please stop reading my blog, rent the film, view it, and then return to reading. :) I mention Mr. Gekko because I've been wondering about this $700 billion bail out our government did to help some banks and mortgage lenders. This bailout is really the epitome of greed gone awry and the American people, (us) coming to greed's rescue. Mr. Gekko would have thrived in our current economic environment. I keep waiting for Justice to be done, and for someone, or many ones, to go to jail. But alas, I think this situation is too complicated to blame one or more people. In very simple terms, I think the government was trying to do a good thing: let people buy a home. However, I think the banks became gluttonous and saw an opportunity to make LOTS of money. (When the money was needed, my first thoughts turned toward Republicans. I've always considered Republicans as the party with the money. (I know, I know, Obama has raised more money for his campaign than any candidate in recent history, possibly ever. But here I'm talking about historically between Democrats and Republicans.) (I joke that I couldn't be a Republican b/c I can't afford it.)) What always surprises me is how Republicans don't like a lot of government intervention. But who did the US need to turn to when things went askew? We, the government. I like when government intervenes. There are times when we need it. I remember talking to a friend about how the free market should have been left to allow the 'strongest to survive,' whenever we have an airline crises. But when I began to think about the jobs lost and how this would adversely affect the economy, no, the free market should not be the one to decide who is left standing. Really, though, this bail out was to save those bent on 'getting more.' The mentality of 'I want more stuff; I need more stuff. A bigger house. A better car.' ran rampant. We think we need things, and indeed are told by adverts (who are just in to sell things, they don't give a rats arse if we are happy or not) that we need more things. Hey, I am all for people getting what they want, if that makes them happy. What I don't like is when people with a lot of money think they are 'entitled' to be treated differently. They don't want to be heavily taxed on the money they make -- they call this punishment for their wealth. How much wealth is enough? Do people Need a house with twelve rooms, ten cars, a vaction house, or their own island? "To those who have much, much is expected." When I was growing up, I remember living in my grandmother's house: it had seven rooms, but you know what? There were 8 people living in the house. Now, if I have 20 people who are going to live in my house, then sure I need twelve rooms, and all the rest. But I don't understand why a family of three or four needs a HUGE house, with a pool, and many more things...Anyway, I'm not judging you if you are this kind of person. Gahhd bless you, if this is you. I just don't understand this thinking. Were we a country built on church teachings (not just Catholic teachings either)? We are all about keeping God in government, prayer in schools, on our money, but if we're honest with ourselves, these are just symbols. We are sorely lacking as a nation with the motto, 'do unto others as you would have them do unto you.' I mean if someone with heaps of money was willing to share that with you, wouldn't you be glad they are sharing it? Because if my neighbor IS my brother, sister, etc, then why are people only looking out for themselves, or only their loved ones? Don't other people matter? I think they do. I also happen to think people are basically good and will do what's right, and I know that's naive to think, but it's how I chose to view the world. If you fall on hard times, I will help you out as much as a I can. If I fall on hard times, you would help me out, and so it would go. This is not the reality of the world. But I know that in my corner of the world, which is just the right size for me, is open to helping a brother or sister out of a jam. SO all in all I'm okay with helping out the rascals who got us into this mess, but only because I don't want innocent people to suffer because of their actions. I pray it won't happen again. God bless us, each and everyone, in this time of financial chaos. Amen.