By James B. Ewers Jr. Ed.D.
America, this is not a dream. The economy has nosedived. We are on the floor below the basement. Buying has become trying. Selling is at a standstill.
“Can’t find no work, can’t find no job my friend. Money is tighter than it’s ever been. Say, man, I just don’t understand what’s going on across this land” are lyrics sung by iconic singer, Marvin Gaye in 1971. That’s many years ago and much has changed in this country.
While these lyrics were written some years back, they have relevance to many people today. The economy is a painful reality to many Americans. Affordability has become an issue, and it is not going away.
Several months have passed since the new administration began talking about the cost of living. Their constant refrain was that the economic forecast was good and all was right with America. We, the people, saw a different picture when we went to the store. In other words, their talk didn’t match our walk.
Most recently the new president was in Pennsylvania telling the folks the economy is in good shape. Critics and those who know about these matters disagree with his assertions. A recent Gallup poll says that 62% disapprove of his handling of the economy. Noted scholar, Dr. Cornel West said recently on CNN that the president is out of touch with everyday Americans.
It’s clear the new administration is struggling with their message. The economy is listless so now the Federal Reserve has cut interest rates a quarter point. Chairman Jerome Powell suggests “that the Fed is well-positioned to wait for more data, noting cooling labor markets and tariff-driven inflation, with no immediate rate hikes expected, while balancing risks to both inflation and employment, though facing internal disagreements.”
If you are a potential home buyer, this cut may help you. Danielle Hale, chief economist at Realtor.com said, “I expect to see home sales in 2026 move more convincingly up from their 30-year lows.”
According to Real Estate News, Ruben Gonzalez, chief economist at Keller Williams is quoted as saying, “2026 will be a transitionary year with home sales ticking up in a high inventory environment across most of the U.S.”
Christmas purchases will become more difficult. Goods that were cost effective in past years will be more expensive this year. That is simply a fact of life.
Another problem on our radar screen is healthcare. This year is coming to an end in a few weeks and so will the healthcare subsidies for many Americans. The Affordable Care Act is being debated by our elected leaders.
There have been several proposals floated in both legislative chambers about the future of healthcare in this country. All have failed so we are now in a state of healthcare limbo. More than 20 million Americans will be affected. That doesn’t have to be if legislators would act for the people instead of acting against the people.
It is my opinion that the next few days to a week will be a tipping point for this healthcare crisis. At the end of the pharmacy counter is the question about what the future of healthcare will be in the United States of America.
The economy and healthcare are problems with solutions not readily available at this moment. It must change. America is too great of a country to be in this predicament. We are being held hostage by these circumstances.
There has not been this level of vitriol between the political parties in many years. Now, it is just commonplace. Frustration and fatigue are words to describe how we feel about what is happening in Washington DC. We are weary of the meanness and tired of the malcontent between the Democrats and the Republicans.
There will be no solutions until this atmosphere of animosity turns into an environment of amicability.
