Denrique Preudhomme has published a collection of social and political commentary, The Undisguised Truth, a collection of short fiction, Stranger Than Fiction, a collection of poetry, Reflections of Realism, and completed a booklet of poems, The Heart of Truth. She is the recipient of the 2006 Urban Spectrum Newspaper National Writer Awards for the Best Collection of Short Fiction. Denrique is profiled in the 59th Edition of Marquis Who’s Who in America®. She is currently writing her next book, a thriller titled Deception is Reality that is sure to captivate readers.The Undisguised Truth by Denrique Preudhomme is a collection of thought-provoking social and political commentary. It challenges readers to delve deep into some of the most troubling issues in our society, as well as, provides an introspective look at what has arguably been one of the most memorable elections in US.
The U.S. Economy: More or Less?
by Denrique Preudhomme
When I pulled a copy of Forbes magazine out my mailbox a few weeks ago, the cover told the grim reality of a diminishing U.S. economy. It read: “Credit Crisis! Foreclosure! Market Crash! Recession! Falling Dollar! Bankruptcies! Inflation!” In short, the United States has all sorts of financial problems. It’s so bad, that the government is hoping that an $819 billion stimulus plan will lead to an economic recovery[1].
As the financial crisis wreaks havoc across the United States, folks are unjustly forced to pay more, but they receive less:
A 5.8 percent increase in international airfares and a 6 percent increase in domestic airfares seem to have triggered a 50 percent increase in stranded travelers at airports across the country[2].
Transport companies such as cabs, movers, and general deliveries are forced to implement a gas surcharge. If you ask me, they need to implement a money back guarantee for broken air conditioners, tardiness, and damaged goods.
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit (Metro) recently announced they will soon have yet another fare increase (Geez), but it’s still difficult to get a seat on their forever-late buses and overcrowded trains.
Restaurants have increased their prices, as well as their portion control.
The Washington Post increased from 35 cents to 50 cents. The irony is, it’s costing more to read about the staggering reality of a dwindling economy. The Post seems to be saturated with nothing but statistics on unemployment, foreclosure and the credit crisis. Can they tell us something less depressing for 50 cents?
Nonetheless, aside from the depressing statistics, my point is, if we’re forced to pay more, shouldn’t we be entitled to better quality and experience? We are all affected by the state of the economy, but retailers need to remember that it is the consumer who holds the power of a “wildcard.” If we don’t buy, they won’t earn.
In the broad scheme of things, the dwindling economy remains an alarming concern: Although the price of gas has decreased at the pumps, foreclosure is still sweeping the nation; the U.S. dollar is still losing its weight; stocks are still dropping; bankruptcy remains the order of the day; and, the cost of living continues to rise, most believe (in part) because the Bush Administration spent billions of dollars to fund a useless war.[3]
What’s next for America? Sadly, soon, we might have to consider pawning gold to afford a bag of rice, or perhaps the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA, a treaty signed to produce trade among the Untied States, Canada, and Mexico) will prove to be America’s saving grace. NAFTA may now be an avenue for the all-mighty America to rely on one nation it once criticized for its lumber industry trade and the other whose immigrants it reduces to unfavorable stereotypes.
Copyright © 2009 Denrique Preudhomme
-------
[1] House Passes Stimulus Plan with No GOP Votes, The New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/29/us/politics/29obama.html?_r=1
[2] Statistics taken from All Business, Amex Research Shows Sharp Airfare Increase; Hotel, Car Rate Hikes: http://www.allbusiness.com/transportation-communications/transportation-services/4140328-1.html.
[3] Gas prices skyrocketed to $4 at the pumps in July 2008, then, began to slowly decline in September 2008
Please join in the discussion by leaving comments or congrats below.
Black Authors Culture Center-- Twitter with Ella--Black Pearls Mag
EDC Creations Book Promotions
