The economic package we need

As Democrat senators are starting to take Obama’s stimulus package apart, let’s keep in mind what’s really needed. We must shift gears from an economy based on excessive spending and all-out consumption to one that hinges on savings and on durable lifestyle. To accomplish that, there is no other alternative but to endure a long recession, some severe unemployment and a profound societal malaise while our entire society figures out and adapt to these new rules of engagement. Perhaps, this process hasn’t been made clear enough to the American public or – even worse – hasn’t been fully grasped by those who are in charge of leading us. Public infrastructure investments are certainly part of what needs to be done and they need to include repairing highways, upgrading communications and fixing healthcare, but also re-inventing the entire way we’re living. Perhaps some clearer and more sobering communication is needed to help people understand that the go-go years of consumerism are over for good…