Could Things Be Worse?

Usually if you scan the horizon it's possible to find something cheerful to lighten the mood, but boy oh boy, the pickings are really slim now. In real estate, the downward slide continues, foreclosures are a continuing problem, modifications have proven to be expensive and ineffective for the most part, and even though mortgage rates are very low, getting a loan is very difficult. The tax credit much like the "cash for clunkers" program, has siphoned of future sales and new mortgage purchase applications are down to 1997 levels. The stock market took a 300+ point dive today, stripping enormous value from 401K accounts and generally reflecting the malaise of the country.
We have been the strong protector of the entire world because of our financial and military strength, and our devotion to protecting human rights as a reflection of our own ideals. We now have a regime in Washington that insults our friends, bows to our enemies, and demonstrates weakness and indecisiveness with every challenge, whether an oil spill, saber rattling by North Korea or Iran, an economy in shambles brought about largely by failed government policies. The consequence of this demonstrated weakness of purpose is a stepped up testing of our resolve by everyone on the planet. Even the President of Mexico and an aging Beatle feel free to insult us publicly. The Chicago thugs were able to get this guy elected, but nothing is going to teach him, or them, how to govern. November is a long way off, but we absolutely must begin the process of restoring some semblance of sanity and fiscal responsibility to all levels of government, and if we can't teach some leadership skills to the President, we must at the very least change the disastrous course he's set us upon. ( I know that's a preposition.)
As usual,
thanks for stopping by.