All About The American Dream
Closed factory in the Oskaloosa area
Editors Note: The views and opinions expressed in this editorial are not necessarily the views or opinions of Osky News
Oskaloosa, Iowa – Once again, we see the all too familiar sign of a store closure in Oskaloosa.
Times are tough for many in our community, in the state, and also at the federal level.
President Obama has recently initiated a jobs bill with his drum beat of “Pass This Bill.” The $447 Billion bill, nicknamed “The Son of Stimulus” is paid for, according to the White House. The bill would be paid for by increasing taxes and looking for further cuts to the budget from the “super committee” that was set up with the latest bill to increase the debt ceiling.
America’s jobless rate remains 9.1% and according to Bloomberg, Obama’s approval rating on handling the economy is at 33%, while those dissatisfied come in at 62%. For the first time in history, our credit rating has been downgraded.
Overcoming a floundering economy and massive job losses has not been an easy task for the President. But at nearly 3 years into his term in office, it’s time that he, and all our other politicians, both Republican and Democrat, accept ownership of the mess we are in. One thing is for certain, adding additional debt is risky at best. The original stimulus bills were to have helped keep unemployment below 8%, according to Obama. We had to “pass that bill” right away as well. We had one massive bill after another that we had to “pass right away,” including what is commonly referred to as “Obamacare”.
How will we help support our community and our local business to prevent an economy that could quickly spiral out of controll
President Obama even admitted that in the last stimulus bill, those “shovel ready” jobs were not so shovel ready. How do you propose that spending yet another $447 billion will be any different? You have to get past all the red tape that is government anymore to even start those jobs. The EPA has so many rules and regulations you have to follow, and the process from the Transportation Department is daunting in even the most mundane of projects. How do you expect to get anything shovel ready in months?
Then Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, was quoted as saying, “Congress “[has] to pass the bill so you can find out what’s in it, away from the fog of controversy.” The bill added nearly a trillion dollars in debt to our nation. Does this type of reckless spending and speed of passing bills without understanding what the true impact help our county? We have always been taught to make important decisions wisely.
The State of Iowa is no different. Iowa has been blessed with unemployment rates lower than the national average. With the exception of social issues, many times both parties have been able to compromise on budget items that impact the state. The use of one time “stimulus” money grew the state, but the contraction was painful when those dollars were gone.
Our budget has to be balanced, but we face a crises of regulation. The Department of Natural Resources is the one that issues the licenses for many projects that businesses want to do. But with waiting times of years on simple permits, businesses will never flourish here. We have businesses moving off, because simply they have to. They can not survive in Iowa and grow, because rules and regulations prevent businesses moving at the pace they need in order to stay competitive.
Local leaders are the ones we can most easily relate to. We see them at the coffee shop, or getting a hair cut. Their accessibility to us gives us unique opportunities to understand our local governments.
An alarming number of retail businesses have been closing their doors recently. What can we do locally to help them keep the doors open?
Mahaska County sits at a current unemployment rate of 6.3%, down from 6.8% a year ago, and well below the national average of 9.1%.
So does that mean that County and City officials have been doing an exceptional job of promoting our area, and helping us to be impacted less by the current “recession?” Unfortunately, County and City leaders have very little they can impact for their constituents that isn’t already mandated in some shape or form from either the Federal Government or the State Government.
But being that they have not much or little impact, doesn’t mean they have none. Extra taxes and regulations in tough times can make life for those that live in that area even more painful, and can make it more difficult to attract new business. They, as every other leader, should and must choose wisely and carefully. Their decisions can send ripples across the local economy. They can also send up the banner saying we’re open for business if they so choose. How will newly proposed regulations or taxes impact our businesses and residents. We must think carefully and walk carefully.
One thing is for certain, these times are tough. Not since the Great Depression has life been this way for Americans. More people than ever now live below the poverty line, or on food assistance. The percentage of Americans just one paycheck away from financial ruin and homelessness is astounding. Our children now face the distinct possibility that they will grow up in a diminished America on the world stage. Already this century is being called the Chinese century.
Local resident Pam Martin stated, “I feel very fortunate to have a great job and a steady income. I am, however, trying hard to differentiate between “wants” and “needs” when spending my money. I’m also trying to make a conscious effort to shop in the community, when possible.”
Jennifer Williams added, “We need a larger more diverse job market that will provide jobs in middle wage range….not minimum wage and not $35,000 a year”.
What will become of small towns like Oskaloosa. Hard work and determination may be the deciding factor.
Heather McSparen went on to say, “I have always needed very little to survive and get by. But… that is changing. With 2 children the trips to the grocery store are starting to hurt a little. Cost of living increased drastically… and yet we’re all still making the same amount of money. I see more and more people opting to work 2 jobs just to make up for the increase in expenses. Oskaloosa isn’t providing the community with solid opportunities to work and support our families. With gas prices on the rise, people are now starting to move where the jobs are instead of traveling out of town. A town of this size has no excuse for not being able to support itself. We have plenty of potential employees and every reason in the world for a company to come here… and yet they continue to go elsewhere. Why? Why are we losing out to Pella and Eddyville? Eddyville is expanding so fast over by Cargill that they are having to add on and expand to their highways and roads. We need companies here with versatile and new concepts…welcoming them with open arms. We need to get in touch with the times and get our head out of the past.”
Not everyone is having as difficult of time. There are bright spots of course as stated by Keith Fisher. “From when I was a kid my living conditions have greatly improved. Hard work and determination. Push yourself to increase your education whether its to improve your career or lifestyle. Its up to us to improve. I wont wait for someone to try and make it better,” Fisher said.
Will we continue to allow our leaders to tax and regulate us to the point where we can no longer compete? Will they come together to work for the American people and stand for the Constitution as they swore to do when “We The People” hired them? They must, but also, we must do our very best for ourselves, our families and our neighbors.
Send your comments to info@oskynews.org and tell me where I am right or wrong. I look forward to your feedback.
