What Are we Waiting For?

Several months back, the economy ground to a halt while people waited to see who the next president would be. The election of Barack Obama was indeed inspiring, and for two days we were filled with hope.

Then we stood around with our thumbs in our mouths while we waited for the Inauguration. It, too, was inspiring, and we were all filled with hope. For one day.

Now we are all standing around waiting to see what the fallout or affect will be of the stimulus package. And the hope is gone as the bickering about how and what to do begins. Obama has bought the economy by running for office, and now he is thinking of spending more to stimulate it than we spent in Iraq. “Morning Joe” always reminds me of how disappointed we can really be in our government. After all, it’s only made up of people.

If that doesn’t teach us personal responsibility, nothing will. It is time to stop waiting. The government is not a big daddy that is going to bail us out — in fact I hate even to see that term used as though it could really work. No bailout is possible, either fiscally or politically. It is dangerous to expect that, because it leaves us open to demagoguery.The sooner we recognize that the better.

At best, we can use this time to build a new power grid and automate the health care system. At worst, tax cuts will cause a momentary lift in the economy as everyone races out to buy what they need most and is then tapped out again. But neither alternative — and not even the best combination of both — will solve the problem for you or me.

I never paid much attention to the history of the Great Depression, because it sounded like such a downer. Now, as all the pundits demonstrate their knowledge of history, I’m most impressed by how LONG the Great Depression was. How long it lasted. How FDR, in 1938, admitted that the New Deal wasn’t working. How only deciding to enter World War II really got us out of it.

But during the Great Depression, businesses were started and people kept on living. This state of permanent hold, wringing our hands and waiting for something to be done, is worse than any of the decisions being debated. Fact: there’s more than one way to skin a cat. Do something, even if it’s wrong. Do you want to sit through an entire decade doing nothing?

If you have been laid off, or your business has failed, you can sit around and wait for somebody to help you, or you can start something new. Optimism is contagious, and innovation attracts others.

I’ve decided, at my age, that I have demonstrated my survival skills, having delivered a great lifestyle for myself and my children, foster children, and extended friends and family for many years. So I’m going to do it again. I’m going to hold some Boot Camps for people to show them how to start businesses — not necessarily the kind that get outside financing, but the kind that create a new economy (which may be based on currencies other than money). This will not be “consulting.” This will be assembling groups of people with the power to help each other find fulfillment by working together toward a common goal. It will be the unexpected joy of the pick-up team or the jam session.

Stay tuned. I think I’ve got a partner, and I think I’ve got a place. Now I just have to find some good dates and I will be off and running. I will start in Phoenix, because we’re the worst off, but I am going to take this show on the road as soon as I know it’s ready for prime time.

In this economy, we are all responsible for each other. I am ready.