Poker Perambulation

I don't really care for that term. It is derogatory. Connotations usually get by our mental filters and that isn't helpful. But, it has become part of the lexicon – for better or worse.

We have a GDP as does every nation. Ours has always been looked up to. Today, healthcare is between 1/6th and 1/5th of our GDP. We built that GDP over the years through innovation, efficiency and hard work. It outgrew the basics for survival and as a result our standard of living rose substantially.

We're now in a period with great pressures on that economy. We've had as bad or worse and survived and went on to prosper even more. But, our economy must distribute that wealth in a way for more improvements than just healthcare. Recent times have changed how government functions. Government has never been required to be efficient. It has always introduce corruption. We accuse 2nd world countries of such but we aren't exempt. Today, we just change their name to earmarks.

The states are also under great pressure. Some could actually go bankrupt. In the 80's when we had similar pressure, the Feds started distributing funds to states. But, those funds came with regulations. To get the money they also had to spend. That might seem like a great sale value at the local mall but it added cost against our GDP.

With war, entitlements and all the rest, government is as big a part of our cost as it ever has been and that seems to be growing at exponential rates. As it becomes a greater part of our GDP, it places more pressure on the rest of the economy.

The economy isn't that different from the individual. You can live beyond your means. You can allocate money to a new car or snowmobile instead of putting on a new roof. Those kinds of choices bring gratification along with increasing risk in other areas. When the roof starts to leak and the cards are all maxed, something has to change and that includes lifestyle to no small degree.

It is popular to denigrate those who've succeeded. They are a political target. But, 80% of the new jobs come through such individuals. Taxes are already 90% being paid by the top 10%. The goose that lays these golden eggs isn't be neglected by the IRS. There are frequent exposes about fat cats getting huge tax benefits and everyone games the system. The thing that isn't happening is blaming the source of such legislation loopholes – our Government.

We can rile against it; but, the old saw about “There ain't no such thing as a free lunch.” can't be disputed. The term “Yes, we can.” is offset by the question we don't ask often enough, “Is it a responsible action?” and that's always postponed until the tomorrow that never seems to come.

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