Greenspan and Federal Reserve continue to act confused about what is happening. They give impression of trying their best to keep American economic engine on track. He assures us that inflation is under control, that housing industry just has a little “froth” in it, but that economy is growing soundly at a 3.5 to 4 percent clip.

So can United States continue to have massive budget deficits, massive trade deficits and continue to lose productive capacity to other countries and still be great consumer nation of world? Are we looking at a mere slowdown or something worse? We, as Americans, are an optimistic people with such faith in our country, and if past performance is any judge, reason to continue to have great faith. The question is, have changes been occurring right under our nose without our even knowing about it? Has there been a massive cover up to keep us in dark?

So let’s look at American government’s reporting on economy: inflation, growth, unemployment, cost of living indices, etc. Let’s see how reporting has changed over years in order to hide real situation from public and experts alike.

Inflation

Inflation is one of most important indices there is. Inflation represents hidden tax we all pay. Since beginning of Federal Reserve in 1912, value of dollar has fallen by 95 percent. In other words $50,000 in 1912 would be equivalent of a million dollars today. Is there anything you can think of that makes post-war house in Los Angeles that sold in 1950 for $5,000 worth a half million today, or

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Submitted by Arlene of FL President Kennedy said following in 1962: Few nations do more than United States to assist their least fortunate citizens--to make certain that no child, no elderly or handicapped citizen, no family in any circumstances in any State, is left without essential needs for a decent and healthy existence. In too few nations, I might add, are people aware of progressive strides this country has taken in demonstrating humanitarian side of freedom. Our record is a proud one--and it sharply refutes those who accuse us of thinking only in materialistic terms of cash registers and calculating machines. Are we still same country? Think about it.

Submitted by Frank of TX We are free to breathe. Well, only if you don’t mind fact that air we breathe these days is full of contaminants put there as a result of industrialization with profit main concern over environmental safety.

Submitted by Joseph from IL Thomas Paine said in 1791, "The duty of a patriot is to protect his country from federal government." Our first President, George Washington agreed. He said, "Government is not reason; it is not eloquence; it is force! Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master." I fear we’ve lost control and servant is not our government (as it was intended) but we people are now servants to them. Fearful master indeed.

Submitted by Stephen of OH I was a child during World War II. I remember thinking that I hoped war would continue long enough for me to join army and fight for my freedom. Now, as we appear to be repeating history, I wonder if maybe we should learn that freedom can be best held through learning tolerance and letting go of fear and hate. The struggle for freedom, around world, always seems to be centered in energy of conflict and only ends when one side concedes. Who will be brave trusting sole (or country) to say, no more killing for freedom sake?

Submitted by Agnes of FL Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security dollars are money that you and I have supported through payroll deductions. I say, if you want to receive these benefits, and then continue supporting this. If you do not want these benefits, let us have freedom to invest this same money on our own. We would promise never to apply for benefits and if we mismanage our money, then so be it. But I would like to have freedom to ask for right for government to trust me with my own finances. Given debt of our country now (you are aware that we’re borrowing money from China just to operate administrational functions of government) I think I can balance my checkbook a bit better than a politician. But will we ever take stance that we are wiser than politicians?

Submitted by Eleanor of OH Freedom to me is to follow accepted rules of society. That is to say, work and support ones’ family, educate your children, care for elderly and frail, teach people how to do same without crippling them with handouts and that my children should be able to capitalize on my efforts, ending up with a better life than me and their children building on this success and so on. My son and daughter-in-law and their two children are now living with us, my son holds a PHD and cannot find work. Clearly, they do not have same freedoms as I have enjoyed all my life. He has a job offer now, but it will take him to Japan. It breaks my heart, but he has a family to feed and this company in Japan is offering him something that he cannot find within United States.

Submitted by Howard of FL I would like to hear truth along with all facts supporting truth about how our tax dollars are being managed. Freedom requires decisions. Decisions cannot be made if you are held hostage by sound bites and misleading data. I sense that we are in real trouble here in states, but how does one truly know?

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