Rick Smith – 2/22/06

This page was last updated on February 22, 2006.

‘Vote! Apathy is our enemy’; Rick Smith; Beaver County Times; February 22, 2006.

Below is a detailed critique of the subject letter.

“Do you remember the Bush pledge for ‘compassionate conservatism’?

“What an oxymoron.

“We have seen our standard of living decline, the middle class shrink, ‘careers’ last only until the next downsizing, shutdown, merger or bankruptcy, and wages stagnate and decline even in the face of modest yet continued inflation.

“Health care, home heating, prescription drug and gasoline costs have slammed our modest family budgets.

“Our trade deficit is the worst ever. Personal savings are at an all-time low. Personal debt is at an all-time high. Personal bankruptcies and mortgage foreclosures are commonplace.

“The consumer, the engine that drives our retail service economy, is just about tapped out.

“What happens when: the consumer just can’t spend anymore? If China calls in our debt that it holds? If China sells its U.S. stock market holdings? If all the foreign holders of our huge (deficit) debt were to call it in at once?”

[RWC] Note to Mr. Smith. “Deficit” and “debt” are not synonyms.

“The Great Depression would pale in comparison.

“Mid-term elections are coming. Get ready for the divisive distractions. These are the issues that divide us - divide and conquer - and distract us from the issues that impact our quality of life and economic security.

“Washington is bought and paid for. Let’s put new faces on both sides of the aisle. Vote! Apathy is our enemy.”

[RWC] This letter illustrates two problems for Mr. Smith. Mr. Smith apparently has the opinion government is responsible for everything that happens in life. For example, if we’re too stupid to save for our future, it’s President Bush’s fault.

Second, in the midst of a growing economy and very low unemployment, Mr. Smith apparently can see nothing positive.

Actually this letter illustrates three problems. The third is some of Mr. Smith’s facts are in error.