The common answer to most problems involving financial responsibility in the face of recession is to tighten the belt which is a really a misnomer. The phrase tightening the belt came from one who was starving and their clothes were falling off which I believe is the wrong attitude toward a community and the citizens thereof. I'm not an amateur economist. In fact I'm one who thinks my bank app with running daily balance is better than sliced bread because it helps me to have the money to purchase such bread without paying exorbitant overdraft fees. I do see the mess the so called economic gurus have gotten us into time and time again with their thoughts on how money should work. My axiom is money only works if we're using it.
The phrase "A rising tide lifts all boats" has been widely attributed to a speech that a past president gave. Upon further examination it was found that likely it came from a Christian mission to Korea in the early 1900's. As goes the axiom, it explains that all things benefit from a lifting action. When we spend money and make efforts to bring about change, change will in return reap benefits to more than those involved. The mission also used along with that "a bright light shines brightest at home". Both of these were to attest to the power of God and His Hope for the world but what better source to turn to than Heaven.
FDR said in a speech that "heedless self-interest was bad morals; we now know that it is bad economics." Now I don't know how great of an economist he was but from his Inauguration to the end of his presidency there was somewhat of an economic miracle to which only part can be attributed to WWII. There were laws passed that helped business function better in getting product to market. I agree that there needs to be rules for zoning and business but the plethora of red tape and hindrances that tie things down could be loosened from every source. In governments rush to regulate everything from sunrise to cow farts, businesses, and those who purchase from them, are the losers.
I have long heard the story how Mr. Hartley Peavey once wanted to build a factory here back in the '70's. I have always heard, accepted, and repeated it as the truth along with others who did the same. I was told this story along with the reason that it didn't get built. That reason was that others didn't want it because it would raise wages and decrease their profitability. The interests that didn't want Peavey to move in here were only looking out for themselves. Just like I mentioned last week in reference to the annexation push self-interest ruled the day. Things must change if there is to be change.
Are there answers that will work? Are there things local and state governments can to do enhance our survivability? I will always be proud of our town, its beauty, and its citizen volunteers who have graced Quitman. I truly think we can do greater things here with the opportunity that we were given with this 4 lane project that connects the rest of the south to East Mississippi with those traveling to our coast. I believe that we can have the kind of place that will balance the now with the future. All growth will help all of us. Until next week. ags
