For the first time in my life, some Christmas messages I�m getting are weighing in about the worrisome condition of the U.S. economy and the financial markets� as well as family news. Obviously, the crisis we are facing is triggering disheartening expressions of concern at holiday time.
This from a former state finance chairman for George Bush, who is so distressed he is staying out of the primary race.
On employment: �I wonder why our candidates have not come forward to feature as the main and vital keystone of their campaign that sector in the economy which can create millions of jobs and solve our huge foreign trade deficit� converting our $300 billion plus purchase of foreign oil to domestic energy� electrification of transportation, more natural gas, nuclear, more domestic oil drilling, clean coal, and all the domestic alternatives.�
On the deficit: � I have also become very disheartened with our politicians� inability to strike a grand compromise on reducing the federal deficit. We are considerably constrained by the Grover Norquist tax pledge signed by so many Republicans, wherein an elimination of a tax loophole which takes the recovered revenue and applies it to reduce debt is considered a tax increase and therefore unacceptable. This position will never allow the Republicans to negotiate and compromise( a noble word) with the democrats on a combination of a massive expense reduction with a modest revenue increase.�
All this from a conservative Republican in a key state who is utterly frustrated by � eternal gridlock in Washington�� and determined to spend considerably more quality time with his family. All this ranting in a Christmas card; it�s a first.
Then, there�s the retired New England real estate consultant and developer who is �fearful about the impending winter. The world seems to be perilously close to economic disaster and depression, and folks are rushing out to buy gold and guns.�
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