Can I just raise my debt ceiling?

I have only tuned into the whole "debt ceiling" crisis in the past two weeks.

About 5 days ago, I had to look up the definition of the "debt ceiling" in order to understand the nature of the current government (or American, or possible world) financial crisis.  I had to consult 3 different articles/sites with explanations in order to actually comprehend it. It's possible that I remain a bit foggy on the details but understand enough to get the weight of the situation.

I'm embarrassed to admit to you that when I tried to write to my representatives in Congress, I wrote to the wrong ones at first--the ones that are in, for example, the PENNSYLVANIA Senate, not the UNITED STATES Senate.  I was wondering why the names didn't jump right out at me.

Luckily (and also embarrassingly), about 30 seconds after I sent one message, a secretary or whoever reads email first from PA STATE SENATE called me to tell me that I had the wrong people.  She was nice enough to point me in the right direction but I felt so stupid.  But she was super helpful and maybe she was thinking, "Well, at least this dumb ass is trying".  That's what I hope anyway!

I find it remarkable that the U.S. Government can just "raise" the debt ceiling and thus, avert a crisis.
(I know, I know, it's not that simple but sometimes news reporters make it seem that way)

Are our lovely elected officials really going to let this crisis come to pass?

As a family who has had it's share of financial ups and downs, the thought of another force making such a negative impact on the economic status of our country really, really scares me.  We are walking a budget tightrope ourselves right now.  And just because we do it often doesn't mean we like it!  We're just doing our very best.  The fact that our house isn't in foreclosure tells me that we have learned something about balancing a budget...or at times, what I like to call "creative finance" which involves figuring out what bills needs to be paid, which offer a grace period that we need to work with & how to prioritize things when the debt-to-income ratio is unfavorable.

If a dum-dum like me can figure this out, certainly the smarties on Capitol Hill and in the White House can do that too.   Right?

My husband thinks that this is all for drama and a last minute deal will be made.  I usually think that way about government stuff too but this time, for some reason, I feel less sure about that.  I think there are too many people who want to see Obama take the fall for a problem that did not originate with him.

One thing I learned about economics is that the consequences of policies made by one administration aren't necessarily felt during that same 4 year period.  It takes time.  And the responsibility should be shared by the powers that be when it comes to figuring out a solution.

And even if you could blame just one person for the current situation, is it really worth it to run that person down just to make a point?  What about the rest of us?

MLK Jr.

There are many reasons why I appreciate the accomplishments and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.

This is a bit shallow and selfish of me--qualities that do NOT speak to his legacy-- but today I appreciate him for the very simple fact that I have today off.
Is that wrong?

Well, anyway, if it weren't for him tomorrow's inauguration would almost surely not include Barack Obama...

Election!

About Tuesday...
It took over an hour to get both boys settled this evening. Once they were in dreamland, I became completely caught up in election coverage. Having been around for some events that are historic but tragic (the Challenger explosion, 911), it's nice to be a part of a moment that is both historic and exciting.

We had a fairly easy time voting today- we only waited about 40 minutes. We had the boys with us but they were awesome. Michael was excited that he got to vote with Daddy. He had the ballot stub in his coat pocket and was holding it every time we were in the car. My little citizen- LOL. Liam enjoyed flirting with the ladies while we were in line.

Other than national events, it was a low-key day for us. And that is just fine with me!

Positives:
*The boys woke up early again but my husband (God bless him) let me sleep in for another hour and a half because I had a bit of what I call a "migraine hangover". The extra sleep and a hot shower worked wonders!
*I think I have a good in-home daycare option on the table. I will be setting up a time to go visit but it sounds like what I am looking for and the price is doable.
*I have video of both Liam and Michael attempting to say "Barack Obama" and it is TOO cute. I am going to try and post it. Michael does a fairly good job and Liam's version sounds like "Boc Mama".
*Riding the line of not TOO political, I will simply say that I am pretty happy with the outcome of the presidential election. I think the fact that voter turnout was so high is the best news!

That does it for now...

Daycare Questions/Random Thought

Question:
If you currently use or have used daycare- what is the setting and how do you like it?

Random:
Does Obama know that his campaign slogan is also Bob the Builder's favorite phrase?
"YES WE CAN!"
Someone else might have already noticed this but I was just wondering...

Political Topic

I want to preface this post by saying that I am not going permanently political on you- this is just a question raised by your average Joe...well, your average Jane.

Is it wrong to base your choice of a presidential candidate on one issue?

EXAMPLE:
(Not trying to start a debate here, just using this for the purpose of example because it is a heated topic.)

Let's say that you are Pro-Life but your other political views fall in the Democratic camp.
(or Pro-Choice but Republican)

My question is: Can you justify making your decision for who will run the country based on that one issue? It is an issue that most people have very strong opinions about no matter what "side" they are on. OR- Is it okay to ignore one issue (that is rather important) and choose the candidate who is more representative of your overall view?

I don't have the answer at this moment. As election day looms, this is just something I have been thinking about. What is the best way to be a responsible citizen and at the same time stay true to your beliefs?

Election!

On a non-baby topic, I am now officially excited about the upcoming election. I must admit I was pretty surprised by McCain's choice of a running mate. Initially, it seems like a smart move but then I guess we have to wait until all the skeletons start coming out of her closet, right? I hope that this will be one election where I don't feel as though I am just choosing the "lesser of the evils".

At any rate, I find this series of events fascinating to watch. I know that many people are very cynical about politics and politicians and I don't blame them. While I think we are behind the times in terms of "allowing" (note my sarcasm) women and minorities to be in the forefront of the political world, I feel a bit of excitement about our choices this time around and am eager to see how the whole thing unfolds in the coming months. I am by no means a political guru but I try to stay involved so I can make an informed decision when the times comes.