I remember growing up; we didn’t have nearly as much as today. Not compared to today’s standards anyway; one TV maybe two if you were lucky and one was black and white. The generation before us had even less. A new car was like a celebration. People would show them off as though they won the lottery. Now people get new cars every few years if not sooner. In addition, we not only have more than one TV, but some have 50 inch screens with surround sound. Our expectations grew bigger than our pay checks. As a result, no we're paying the price. No politician has full control over that. Moreover, they are worse at spending our money than we are.

I think we’re now paying the price for over expecting. Now reality is setting in. Granted, the economy WILL turn around. Things will improve. However, the days of unfettered growth may be a part of history, but no longer part of our future. It’s tough to expect car companies to meet CAFÉ standards at the same time they are going belly up. In addition, it’s tough to expect our government to provide health care when we are trillions of dollars in debt. Granted, these are all important issues, but something has to give.

This isn’t to say I’m not optimistic about the future. However, I believe the future will less about growth and more about quality; the quality of career, job, home, retirement, and life in general. That isn’t such a bad thing. However, it is a tough transition and there will be pain along the way. I think we need to think in terms of years and not quarters on our road to recovery.

Maybe America will get back to building good products and worry less about shareholder value. Maybe we’ll appreciate that new car if it only comes every five to ten years. Maybe the environment will be better off. On the other hand, we may wallow in mediocrity for decades. The only thing I know for sure is that “we the people” control our future. No one politician or one political establishment can be a cure all for all of our problems.