We're Bailing
Everybody is talking about the economy these days. Even small town journalists like me are discussing things like “consumer confidence” and “S&P Indices” and “money.”
This week, The Luminary sheds light on several consumer and commercial related issues. I didn’t really plan for that, but then again, I never really plan any issue of The Luminary. It just happens. You know, like…er…forget it.
On page 6, we’ve published information released to us from the Federal Reserve Board of Kansas City. We all talk about the economy as if we know what’s going on, but this report is the official take from the government bean counters. This can sort of give readers a baseline and provide them with information they can use at the dinner table or over a few beverages and feel secure in the knowledge they know what they’re talking about.
Also, on the surface, the story about Betty Knight’s involvement with the National Association of Regional Councils may seem dull, but stick with it – it’s not. What interested me in this story wasn’t so much her leadership on the issue – she is requesting that the government distribute bailout funds through the existing networks of regional councils, councils that have track records, the experience and expertise to handle infrastructure improvements – but that she’s asking at all. Her outstretched hand out is not the only one looking for a handout. How is she going to rise above the din?
More than 300,000 people have applied to work in one of the 70,000 jobs available in the Obama Administration. Just about every governmental, quasi-governmental, non-profit and special interest agency has their hand out for the perceived influx of funds from Santa Hussein Obama. There are even local political clubs forming to figure out how to get their hands on some of that other white meat.
Who wins out in the end remains to be seen. Will this new, New Deal lead to job creation and a cultural, economic revolution? Good question. But I do wonder about one thing: who’s going to follow the money? I think it’s time for the Fourth Estate to get their posterior’s in gear. This sort of in-depth reporting is precisely what newspapers are good at providing the public.
Memo to the big city publishers: The bailout is your bailout.