Memorial Day 2008

First and foremost today is a day for remembering those who served the United States and those who now serve. Regardless of everything else that is going on take a moment to ask God to bestow a blessing upon them and keep them safe.

We hoped for the same thing last year when we noted the thousands who died on foreign soil to keep us safe at home. That piece noted service in World War II, a time when we as a nation pulled together. My generation fought at a time when our nation seemed to be more interested in pulling apart regardless of the impression it left with those who served.

Clearly that was a mistake and one that we do not seem destined to repeat. When I see a member of the military I thank them. I am very proud to notice that others do as well. Sometimes their thanks are prefaced by, “Have you served in Iraq.” Other times I just see a smile and hear, “Thanks for the job you have done.”

To all of you who serve or who have served, thanks.

One Year Later

It has been a year since this blog started and thousands have stopped by for a tip or to browse. Some of you have asked if Wysi is alive and well given the absence of posts in March and especially April. The answer is “yes” but I have been a bit preoccupied with health – nothing serious, and business.

This isn’t the first recession I have seen but it may be the worst. Recessions are good for a free-market economy. Snakes have to shed their skin to grow properly and the same is true for the US economy. Old businesses and skills are shed in favor of business postured for the future. We emerge from recessions stronger and more able to compete in the world market. The reason this one may be worse that earlier recessions is greed.

We have seen greed ruin individuals, businesses and even threaten states. We thought we had an energy problem in California but it proved to be greed at Enron. Individuals boosted their bonuses by manipulating the energy market. The mortgage industry followed suit by writing stupid, self-destructing loans to greedy people who wanted more than they deserved. My sympathy to those in the second group but those in the first should be hauled into the street and shot. At the very least their ill-gotten gains should be confiscated.

The greed that damaged housing and credit industries has hurt my customers. There have been other recessions but none that have really hurt my business or caused my customers – good people, to close their doors for good. So I have been busy trying to adjust to the new order and keep from closing my doors.

Thanks for asking,

Wysi

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