But tonight I saw Barack Obama's speech and sat marveling once again at just how proud I am to have a president that doesn't inspire vomiting and hatred from 90% of the world. A president who acts, strangely enough, like a president and not a spoiled child. Each point he hit on in his speech was something I've waited years to hear from a politician on the national stage: the need for health care, a belief in the dangers of climate change, the idea that we all have a responsibility to better our nation, etc. I rarely cry, but I teared up during the address. It wasn't as bad as his inauguration though. I openly cried during his speech. I still can't hear Air and Simple Gifts without tearing up.
Now, about this economy thing; I still have hope that we're not doomed. That may sound like the weakest optimistic statement ever, but think about what you hear on the news all the time. Anyway, I'm not going to get into the housing or credit crisis because I barely comprehend it. But here are a couple of suggestions on some steps we can take immediately to help the economy:
1. Spend. I know how stupid this sounds. But honestly, while saving is a great idea, especially in a time of such uncertainty, not spending anything isn't going to help in the long run. We overspent, which is part of the reason we're in this mess. This is in addition to living outside of our means in housing, cars, etc. But, we went from spending 109% of our income to saving 2%, according to CNN the other day. Now, saving is a great idea, and we need to get back to it. But slowly. As soon as the economy got bad, we held everything back, and it helped make the economy worse. So even it's a small amount more than you would like, if you can, spend it.
2. Stop freaking out. Every day I hear that the stock market went down "on fears that the economy will get worse." Really? You fucking idiots just made it worse by selling your stock and contributing to the decline in the market. It's a self-fulfilling prophecy. So when you hear the economy is getting worse, by some stock cheap and try to make it a little better rather than thinking about the short-term goal of your own pocket. Dumbasses.
3. And the most effective suggestion I have: legalize marijuana. Seriously, I'm not just trying to smoke legally here. I don't smoke very often. And there is always the possibility of me having to quit for health reasons. But regardless of whether or not I can smoke, I support those who do. Because it's the safest mind-altering substance that we have. It's also one of the nation's most profitable industries. We lose out on millions of dollars in taxes each year. Instead, we spend those billions on a drug war that creates more crime. We could take it out of the hands of criminals and regulate it. Gateway drug? Only because of the drug war. It forces people to buy from the same places that harder drugs are sold, so it makes those drugs more available. Otherwise, pot smokers would be exposed to little more than Twinkies when they purchase. Now, in the interest of fairness, some consider Twinkies to be worse that cocaine, myself included. Honestly, this one just seems like a no-brainer. But it's a mild cultural taboo, so it's difficult to accept it. I am happy to report though, that just today there were stories on the news about the War on Drugs, a possible change in policy and a bill introduced in California to legalize marijuana, so the movement is gaining surprising momentum. Pass the bill to the left!
4. Repeat step 3 with prostitution. Keep prostitutes safe whether you agree with their profession or not. Also, keep in mind that it's a profession older than America, every European culture, Jesus, Judiasm, the Pyramids, and of course, every other profession on Earth.
And there you have it. I just saved America.
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