Keep up the good work; I’m a newbie and need help with my site.

Thanks,

Tony

Considering my debt is slowly declining – not increasing – I think I;m doing about the best I can with what I have, and there’s not much more optimizing I can do with what I have.

But it seems the main thrust of the post is to take care of our own circumstances in a way consistent with what we would demand from the leadership in Washington (if we could demand anything of them).

For those who are uncomfortable with the notion of abandoning politics–and from reading the post that doesn’t seem to be what Ramit is advocating–you might give a shot to getting more heavily involved at the local level, where it’s still possible to make a difference.

Many people forget that the “tax revolt” and “Reagan Revolution” began with Proposition 13 in California, spearheaded by one man, Howard Jarvis. It’s still possible to make a difference in the political system, but it’s best to concentrate the effort where it will have the greatest impact. You never know where things will go once you get the ball rolling.

Otherwise, and in the meantime, concentrate on what’s right before you and the most within your control–your own life. Complaining about the big picture is a complete waste of time.

I think the issue is nobody really knows what will or will not prolong the agony. There are economists on both sides of the argument.

Now, Ramit has caught some heat from some readers, and I think rightfully so, by saying we can’t control what is happening at the government level. I agree complaining does little, but action does a lot. You may think it is a waste to write your Congressional rep or participate in a rally, but I am here to tell you that these events are influencing policy. Also, by engaging the political process we may actually vote differently and get new blood elected to office.

It is important to stay on top of these issues as taxes are our largest expense. Even folks in the lower tax brackets cough up a third of their wealth to the government through federal and state income taxes, social security taxes, Medicare taxes, sales taxes, registration fees, property tax, and the list goes on. Just think how much more wealth you could produce if your taxes were chopped down by a quarter. How about a half? Do you really think you get your money’s worth from your taxes? I don’t. So I actively work to reduce the size of government. Or, I would rather pay more locally or at the state level where I get police, teachers, roads, and services that directly benefit me. The Federal government is a wasteland, and I speak as a former government employee.

I appreciate your comment and I think you make some good points; however, I don’t think they are the same points that Ramit is making. It would really help me if you could explain your synopsis/interpretation and how you arrived at it based on Ramit’s text.

I think the problem is that Ramit has made two observations which are not necessarily related and made a corollation between them – some people complain about politics, and some people focus on external factors rather than personal finances.

@Liv – I believe your comment is off-topic from the nature of the original article. However, to respond, I think the reason that people are complaining about Obama is because he is doing the exact opposite of what should be done to fix the economy. I don’t think anyone expects the economy to be fixed immediately, but many are wise enough to know that the steps Obama is taking are only going to prolong the agony.