"Back in the thirties we were told we must collectivize the nation because the people were so poor. Now we are told we must collectivize the nation because the people are so rich." --William F. Buckley Jr. (1925-2008)
*From the Patriot Post this morning
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Monday, November 7, 2011
Rush Hour Musings
Traffic ebbs and flows; four lanes of cars move in and out, slow down and speed up all at the discretion of the driver. Isn’t it amazing that this unchoreographed dance frenzy takes place all across the U.S. with only the barest of rules and laws set down by government, yet the large majority of these people arrive safely at their destination?
I see a similarity between driving styles and people’s approach to their personal finances.
Some pay close attention to traffic conditions ahead. They see a slow down and smoothly change lanes in plenty of time to avoid coming to a stand-still or abrupt stop. Others are not watching carefully and hit the brakes just in time to avoid a crash. Still other drivers, not in any hurry at all, see the traffic slow down but don’t worry about trying to avoid it - they figure they will get to their destination in due time. They just pick a lane and stick to it. Of course on the opposite end, there will always be the guy who is in such a hurry that he’s willing to break the law, risk a monetary fine, and endanger everyone’s safety by driving on the shoulder, swerving erratically, and changing lanes at fast speeds.
There are all types of styles but people choose for themselves how to handle the road ahead. People might choose to take large risks, calculated risks, or no risks at all. Most follow the rules and hope for the best. Many will make bad decisions and have a close call. Others break laws and hurt others by their crazy rush to get ahead but these paths are chosen without the expectation that government will be riding shotgun preventing all risks and consequences of decisions made by individuals.
So stay alert, keep your eyes on the road ahead, choose your course wisely, and buckle up. I’m afraid it’s going to be a bumpy road for some miles to come.
I see a similarity between driving styles and people’s approach to their personal finances.
Some pay close attention to traffic conditions ahead. They see a slow down and smoothly change lanes in plenty of time to avoid coming to a stand-still or abrupt stop. Others are not watching carefully and hit the brakes just in time to avoid a crash. Still other drivers, not in any hurry at all, see the traffic slow down but don’t worry about trying to avoid it - they figure they will get to their destination in due time. They just pick a lane and stick to it. Of course on the opposite end, there will always be the guy who is in such a hurry that he’s willing to break the law, risk a monetary fine, and endanger everyone’s safety by driving on the shoulder, swerving erratically, and changing lanes at fast speeds.
There are all types of styles but people choose for themselves how to handle the road ahead. People might choose to take large risks, calculated risks, or no risks at all. Most follow the rules and hope for the best. Many will make bad decisions and have a close call. Others break laws and hurt others by their crazy rush to get ahead but these paths are chosen without the expectation that government will be riding shotgun preventing all risks and consequences of decisions made by individuals.
So stay alert, keep your eyes on the road ahead, choose your course wisely, and buckle up. I’m afraid it’s going to be a bumpy road for some miles to come.
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