"Rainy Day!"

Have you ever heard the term, "Saving for a rainy day"? Some of us have retirement plans, others have money in the bank, and still others have property; all for the purpose of having something in reserve for the possibility of bad circumstances. Financial experts say that it is wise to have three months' salary put aside in case of a loss of income due to unforeseen circumstances. Many of our parents, who lived during the depression, had an ethic of saving money; "just in case"; they knew nothing was certain when it came to prosperity. My clever wife always finds ways to save money, "just in case", and I appreciate her financial wisdom immensely. "Rainy days" come in many forms; fires, floods, family tragedy or job loss are all possible "rainy days". If we don't prepare for those "surprises", we can be badly damaged by those situations.

Even the world can be caught up in a "rainy day". Last week, Egypt boiled over because of a bad situation that was left unaddressed for over thirty years. Massive unemployment and oppressive government have finally exploded into a situation that threatens the stability of the entire world; and could have a huge impact on the United States. Hosni Mubarak, the President of Egypt, is now the object of huge demonstrations and rioting across his nation. The people want him out; they want him out NOW! These demonstrations have already sent tremors around the world. The possibility of impact on world oil prices are already being discussed by world leaders. The possible interference of the operation of the Suez Canal could cripple energy resources around the globe. America is trying to influence an orderly transference of power to a democratic republic. This would be to America's benefit, but we must consider the presence of radical influences in the Middle-East. The radical, militant Muslim Brotherhood has a huge presence in this region, and is very powerful in Egypt. If a group like the Muslim Brotherhood gains power in Egypt, America can look forward to oil prices to skyrocket. This will drive up food and goods prices across the nation, and drive us down into a second recessionary cycle.

I believe our "chickens are coming home to roost". Carter, both Bush adminstrations, Reagan and Clinton allowed this to happen without complaint. We have allowed our own energy reserves to go unused in order to save frogs and birds, or to make sure deer don't have to alter their migratory paths. We have had our priorities upside down and backwards for years. We stopped drilling in the Gulf of Mexico. We have been cutting our own throats at the expense of the American people.

Barack Obama must now commit to an aggressive domestic energy program, using all of our resources. I'm sorry for the frogs and fish, but human beings come first and Mr. Obama must recognize this reality. An unstable Middle-East will affect every home in America. I hope we have not waited too long; and I hope our President can see the gravity of this situation as it will impact an already fragile economy. Sorry Kermit, it's time to drill! PEOPLE ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN FROGS!