The waiting is over now back to work

The stimulus package has finally passed. I am not happy because I am not a big supporter of bigger government and more federal spending. However, I am hoping this will now allow us all to get back to work and stop holding our breath waiting for it to happen.

Many have been almost obsessive about reading all the bad economic news in print and on-line, and at times I find myself thinking the world has fallen over the edge and is in free-fall toward oblivion. However, in my many trips of traveling the many areas of this great country I look around and see a world and country that looks the same today as it did yesterday and the day before.

Regardless of the 'free-fall' life goes on. When driving the country side I continue to see active construction sites where they're building new businesses. One's a car dealership and several hotel sites. When I take the wife out to dinner on Friday or Saturday night, the restaurants are always busy. If I go to the store, I still have to stand in line at the checkout.

It is true the high flying credit markets took a nose dive, and we have experienced some great con artists like a Madoff which has resulted in some monetary loss for individuals. Let us not forget the housing market has imploded in some areas of the country. Some state and local governments are struggling with huge deficits. People are losing their jobs. We are continually reminded that the country is in crisis. These same events have caused Congress to 'two step' and decide they needed to play the role of hero with Super Hero Obama leading the charge.

The greatest danger is fear itself. The greatest danger to our country is our own fear and uncertainty. It seems like for the past several months we have been holding our breath: Waiting for election day, waiting for the bank bailout, waiting for the economic stimulus, waiting for salvation.

Fear is constant and promoted 24 hours a day in this day and age via CNN, FOX, Internet news sources, etc. If you have been holding your breath waiting for this fear to subside then if you hold your breath and wait maybe things will get better - or maybe you'll run out of breath while the world moves on without you.