Think the economy is getting better? See brighter skies ahead? If so, then you’re in the minority. Well, that is, unless you live in Washington, D.C.
According to a new Gallup poll, the District of Columbia is the only place in the country where a majority of people think the economy is improving (60 percent, in fact). In every state in the union, most people say the economy is getting worse.
What is it about being inside the beltway that makes people so optimistic? Is it the glistening waters of the Potomac? The heat and humidity? Or perhaps it’s that the District is home to the federal government, which has dramatically increased its spending as a share of the U.S. economy over the last three years. Gallup goes out on a limb to explain all the good feelings emanating from our nation’s capital:
Many may argue that the relative economic optimism of those in the nation’s capital and the states around it — and its relative increase this year in Washington — reflects their insulation from what is happening in the rest of the economy. This is at least partly true because those living in and around D.C. benefit from having the federal government as their major industry. And, unlike state and local governments, the federal government has continued to grow even as many other industries have not during the recession and its aftermath.
It’s not the first time D.C. has been a statistical outlier. According to the S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Indices, of 20 major metropolitan areas in the country, Washington is the only one to see positive change in home prices over the past year.
But while all is green in Washington, the rest of the country is feeling the effects of the economy. Last week, Gallup released a poll which showed America’s confidence in the economy plunging to lows not seen since the recession in March 2009, with 77 percent of Americans saying the U.S. economy is getting worse. And it’s those Americans who are shelling out the tax dollars that pay for Washington’s rose-colored glasses.
When you can print as much money as you like and it is based on nothing, its easy to have a bright outlook. Too bad the rest of the country has to pay for it.
I heard BHO say yesterday that the economy is improving, I live in the Metropolitan area of D.C., ouside the beltway and I can tell you it isn't improving .here, I was spending about $150.00 a week on groceries and 30.00 for gas, I now spend over $200 on groceries and $57. for gas yet income is the same, is that the economy getting better?? I think not.
The Beltway is a giant mirror. Those on the inside look out and see reflections of themselves, without realizing that they are not actually looking at the rest of the country. Meanwhile, those on the outside see the dark side of that mirror and think that they are seeing their government. The truth is that neither is seeing reality … and likely never will as long as they remain isolated from each other. Those on the inside need to live among those on the outside, while those on the outside need to have more interaction with those on the inside. This can happen only if the government is disbursed, i.e., if those elected spend more than half their time among their constituents in their home territories and if the government hirelings live, and spend more than half their time, outside of the Beltway among the people whose lives their actions affect.
We wish Herman Cain was our first president that isn't white. No matter what his life was put through, he shows a genuine love for America(ns) and the opportunities America offered he took interest to and came to realize personal potential. He's an inspiration! He would've kept opportunities available today. A selfless man of strength and dignity. He would've turned this country around the next day. We would be stronger in all areas with a government that stays within it's bounds and a President who has faith and respect in the people. A man that would only take sound advice to protect America and solve problems at home and abroad!
We're in terrible situations caused beyond our control but all within government's control. So much damage done to the concept of America. Abuse of all her founding documents mis and uneducated over time. Ron Paul is the only one with the necessary wisdom and determination to untangle this intentional, terrible entanglement to bring America back.
We really admire Michelle Bachmann and getting to know Rick? Perry and liking. If we get all four in leadership roles, the economy would be great for the majority of the nation!!!… these guys don't show selfish tendencies or superiority complexes but a nobleness to do what needs to be done for America.
Too bad Newt sat with Nancy regarding global warming caused by man. There's too much money behind this horrendous hoax and Newt's iffy…