The Value of a Dollar

I'm in a pickle over this economic disaster. I don't know enough about economics to understand exactly what all these bailouts mean. I do realize that while $700 billion sounds staggering, when it comes to macroeconomics, it's a little different from looking at your checkbook.

I know that. But it still makes me nervous.

If this all started with people not being able to make their mortgage payments, Washington's response seems at best, misguided.

I know that's a simplistic way of looking at a complex situation, but a number of things occur to me here. First, the talk in Washington should be how do we fix the problem of people not being able to afford their house payment, not, how do we bail out the ones who lent them the money.

Second, we should be careful about where the blame goes. I understand there are people who probably broke laws and deliberately deceived borrowers. They should come forward and be brought to justice. In addition however, this can be a time when each of us examines how we spend our money. Are we relying on other people to tell us what we can or cannot afford? It doesn't take a PhD in economics to know if there's more going out than coming in, that's a problem.

What it is that is the source of true joy? Jesus says, love God, and love your neighbor as yourself. Love doesn't cost a thing - and it doesn't come from a big, fancy house, a Lexus or giant television.

PS - Maybe the Muslims are on to something when they talk about the sin of borrowing and lending money...