Politics as usual continues

Despite a massive bailout of the auto ind.  ustry, TARP for the financial industry, and stimulus for yet-to-be-defined infrastructure projects, our economy continues to limp along.  Politicians continue to fret over high unemployment as they brace themselves to face the voters in November.  Their short-term mindset coupled with the focus on either maintaining or gaining control of Congress has created much uncertainty.  Add the uncertainty as to business costs associated with health care reform, financial regulation, and the "Bush tax cuts" to the mix and there is a mountain of uncertainty.  No wonder businesses are reluctant to hire and consumers are reluctant to spend. 

I do not see the Republicans as the proverbial knight to the rescue.  They do not seem to have a plan other than attempting to capitalize on our economic travails.  Many Americans continue to struggle yet our politicians are staking out positions in order to win seats in Congress.

Economists continue to point to this uncertainty and the dysfunctionality in Congress as perpetuating our economic duress.  But in DC, it is a politics as usual. 

Even if Republicans gain control of the House, I do not see that as a guarantee that things will improve. 

However, there may be a glimmer of a new mindset emerging   New Jersey Governor Chris Christie is administering much needed strong medicine to its fiscal house.  When confronted by those whose programs he proposes to cut, Gov. Christie repeats his mantra of "I am not against your program.  We cannot afford it".  Hmmm.  Fiscal responsiblitity -- what a novel idea.