"In God We Trust - All Others Pay Cash"

An uncle of mine used to say that in this country, we are not ruled by ballot or choice, but by the dictatees of "the God-Almighty buck!"

How many times have you seen in a business establishment this sign:

"In God we trust - all others pay cash!?"

The question, of course, is which of the two presidential candidates -Obama or McCain - represents any change from this sad and oppressive reality?

Which one proves himself, in this campain, progressive and for change, rather than regressive to a bygone era like tht of "Silent Cal" Coolidge and the depression following "Black Friday?"

Our poor economy lies like a cadaver on an autopsy table, awaiting dissection - unless, by some miracle of legislative cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, it can be revived!

I note that I have had to reassure my long timed friends at American Express that in fact I actually do have the wherewithal to continue paying my bills!  Nonetheless, my line of credit has been summarily reduced.

Meanwhile, Chase Visa card has reduced a previously high line of available credit to nothing!

And from this, I cannot discern whether the villain is the current credit crisis with the bail-out of major corporations, or some failure on my part!

Wall Street, it seems, due to the efforts of Congress and the final contribution of indentured generations of Americans, will survive.  A bill will likely be agreed upon to put Wall Street on "relief."

Any thoughts about the ultimate ironyof that measure?!

I’m quite thankful for it, if it saves the consume along with the execs.

But I wonder how I myself, and others like me, will be affected?

I live in a home bequeathed me by a fond aunt, and in which the electrical wiring dates back to the early nineteen-twenties. This little place longs for restoration, and I plan to do right by it.

But I don’t know whether my recources may exceed my aspirations and elegibility for credit!

I foresee a deck off the back of the house, preferably of redwood, with entry from both back door and my studio in which I now type.

Over it I imagine an arbor, with holly and grapes.

Such a simple, and common, American dream: a few romanesque arches to turn my early bungalo into my little pensione.

I’m not asking, mind you, for a drinking fountain with beer, or for a staue of David by Michelangelo in my planned Oriental garden!

My hopes endure - but now it looks as though they might be dashed against every stone in my yard.

I sit here listening to "Old Blue Eyes" sing "A Son of God’s Country Am I."

I do believe that, in fact, Colorado is God’s country, and I love having returned to it after living in sundry other places!

But now, I am made to wonder about the state of this nation, and am made to re-examine every assumption of both right and opportunity.

Without the intervention of a more fortunate and practically talented brother, I would likely be without this home, or, through medicaid, health care - or, with food stamps, food!

And, equally as lucky in one respect, I have a family doctor who, in his beneficence, has treated me when I was altogether without any insurance at all.

I write all this knowing that many a soul is not so fortunate as I with my kind physician and cohesive, Italian family!

So now, I can only proceed with my plans, praying nightly at dinner’s blessing with my ninety year old mother, for health, love and prosperity for all family and friends.

For, you see, whether by cash or credit, I yet have faith in myself and my staggering country - the United States of America.

Or, in fact, are we united at all - or hopelessly deadlocked and divided?!

"United we stand - or divided we fall!"

 I wonder if we have the political and legislative legs to stand at all?

I choose to believe so.

And I cast my lot in the form of a ballot, with Senators Obama and McCain.