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Reader forecasts anything but merry and bright
Published: Sunday, November 30, 2008
We all know our government leaders have their hands full devising ways to pull the country out of the economic crisis. But growing cynicism suggests no one will be able to fix the mess we're in.Hardly surprising, pessimism was the overwhelming theme in responses from 25 Words or Less contestants about the shaky economy. These are dark days indeed. Some people think we're stuck in this downturn "forever."There's no shortage of blame to go around. Readers singled out incompetent politicians, the federal government, corporate greed and labor unions, just for starters.Anthony Garcia's answer seems to be the most realistic. He's predicting it will take four years to get the country going again - not super quick, but certainly better than never. For that, he wins the coveted 25 Words or Less cup.Next, we turn our attention to the holiday season. Black Friday has already started the mad dash to the mall. But let's not forget about the charities either. The question is at the bottom.
to fix the economy?Another four years! I voted for historical change! Perhaps another stimulus check just in time for holiday gift shopping. Get check for holiday cash!Anthony Garcia, HammontonThe Feds made this mess. Do you really expect them to solve it any time soon? Get off our back and out of our pocket!Ambrose C. O'Donnell Jr., Egg Harbor TownshipThe U.S. economy will never be fixed. Nothing but bad times ahead under half-assed socialism. It's a mortal blow. Deficit forever.Tom Murphy, Atlantic CityOur leaders can't do it alone; we have to help. Going into overwhelming debt just because we want something, rather than need it, is just wrong.Pauline T. Brady, Upper TownshipForever! Until we restore the middle-class society. Enact a flat or national sales tax, so we all pay some taxes to support the system.A.B. Maccarone, Egg Harbor CityThe economy may eventually return to "normal" but will never be "fixed." The reason is the greed of companies, unions, and you and I.Jerry Luber, Mays LandingAfter reading newspapers every day and watching news channels, I have learned our leaders are predicting this economy mess will be over by summer 2009.Rabia Shafiq, Galloway TownshipWhat leaders? If this country had true leaders, we would already be coming out of this mess we're in.Brenda Moiso, Ocean CityToo many wordsThere is no fast fix to this. ... It didn't happen overnight, and it cannot be fixed overnight. It will take time, hard work, strength, patience and dedication to do the right things for the economy to be repaired.Saliann Deaver, Mays LandingThe next question:If you came into some extra money,
where would you spend it this holiday?Send your answer, in 25 words or less, by e-mail to kpost@pressofac.com.Send regular mail to Kevin Post, Business editor, The Press of Atlantic City, 11 Devins Lane, Pleasantville, NJ 08232.Either way, include your name, address and phone number for confirmation and a place to send the 25 Words mug if you win.Include suggestions for future topics, anything related to money worth fixing or exploring.Responses will appear in the Marketplace section Dec. 14.