Paying attention

When the Bailout bill failed to pass the House vote on Monday 9/29/08, I was so proud of my fellow citizens.  I'm not debating the ins-and-outs of this incredibly complicated credit market mess, as I simply do not have the expertise.

What I do have is a logical mind with a very simplistic, basic understanding of how our world works.  Even if I'm not completely clear on that, or may have a principle here and there confused, I am clear on when something smells fishy.  Apparently, so are many of my fellow Americans.  The power of the people - and I don't mean a few loud-mouthed, nothing-better-to-do-but-clog-the-airwaves types - was exhibited thru pressure on their elected representatives to think twice about their vote on the Bailout because their re-election is up in just over a month.   

The Bailout plan - 110 pages!  Yikes.  Who can read all that - and not end up with mushy brains?  I've been on vacation, but was barely able to keep up with events with limited internet access, and considerable distraction from Florida blue skies and catching blackfin tuna and dolphin (mahi mahi to you Hawaiians).   I'm doing my best not to become addicted to CNN or C-Span or MSNBC or any of the rest of the news services, but things are so complicated and changing so lightning fast, that I may have to spend more time than usual being "tuned in."  Hey - whatever happens will have a direct impact on me, and if I have a chance to voice my opinion/vote, I don't want to miss it.

Plus - I don't want my diehard Republican brother who supports John McCain to get a leg up on me (the mostly Democratic-sometimes-Independent supporter of Barack Obama) in our philosophical "discussions" on politics and the economy. 

Heaven help us all as the future unfolds.