Being a business student, I get to hear and debate about all the economy -recession speculations, the Big Bailout for the Auto companies, the housing market and really once again... this list could go on for days about everything the NEWS feels is news! As I watch in class and listen to my fellow students, I can't help but think... If the government actually does hand over 18 billion dollars to these companies... I really believe this is going to be an interesting lesson for our kids to learn.

Think about it....I understand that if all three auto companies where to close their doors and stop making cars. I would have some serious issues finding parts for my car, at a nice Cheap Cavalier price . There would also be other companies, throughout the world that would also take a hit. Maybe even some, that would have to close their doors too, which in turn would be a domino effect of other company's closing their doors. I understand that and know that is a scary thought; however, with the government now jumping and bailing them out totally. This to me, screams a very loud and wrong message... to me I hear... "Hey if you effect more than just yourself in the wrong choices that you do... don't worry about it because when it comes time to deal with those issues, the government will jump in!" This is not a good message at all to send to the world and our children. We are basically saying to the whole world or our kids, don't worry about your choices... there will always be someone there to "Bail" you Out but reality is... there really isn't!

Now I know this is a very far out there thought but really think about it.... Here is this huge company GM, who last year sold the same amount of cars as Toyota. Toyota who isn't going to their government for a hand out... who actually isn't even giving any thought about their business having any issues at all. So how does that work, how can GM sell the same amount of cars but than saying or expressing threats to close their doors. Something just doesn't sound right to me and I don't know why... but I really feel like there should be some people going to prison. There are bigger issues in these companies, than just bad accounting / budgeting issues... that's just my thoughts!

Then another thing that just rings through mind all the time, was hearing the Ford's CEO tell the floor... "I am sitting pretty nice! I'm okay with a dollar salary next year!" Are you serious? There is no way that can be totally true, everyone lives in their means and most of the time, we actually live outside of our means by one or two income brackets. So what gets me is, we know that Ford's CEO's bills aren't the regular house and electric bills we all have. He has vacation homes, private jets and servants, which I am not cutting that life style down... if you make it there... more power to you, I am just saying... this guy has bills like us but they are in the income bracket that he lives in. Right?!?!?! So how can he accept $1 next year for pay and still be able to live in his income bracket. Something there just doesn't mesh well with me either. This whole thing sounds fishy.

The sad and scary thought, this problem is a lose - lose situation for everyone. If the government doesn't help, a whole lot of people lose their jobs. If the government does help, we the tax payers get to not only pay our monthly car payments but also pay the bills for that car maker. That to me doesn't sound far, I want to sell something, get profit off that sell but than also get you to pay my bills too! That too me, just doesn't sound right either.

Who knows... but I do know that the next four years, we the people will be on our knees a little more talking to the Big Guy and it's not because of our president but because of our "borrowing with out paying" mentality. That is why I don't have Credit Cards and I will teach my daughter that too. Plastic is not good! If you don't have the cash to pay for it, then you don't get the merchandise!

SOME INTERESTING THOUGHTS TOO!!!

3. 1 Timothy 6:10
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

5. Proverbs 22:7
The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.

So just think before getting that next Christmas present... can you really pay for it and if you can't... don't get it. Christmas isn't about that present anyways.... it's about God and him giving us a second chance! Be happy with your situation and know... I love you and so does our father whose Birthday is coming up!