Stephen Yeargin

I have tried over the past few weeks to overlook the market reports and the ongoing talk of bailouts and failing banking institutions. After all, you and I likely are not changing our plans dramatically even though the Dow dropped into four figures for the first time in five years. Charts tell a harrowing story. Analysts bounce among “correction”, “recession” and “onset of a depression.” Politicians position and pander. Wall Street sobs while Main Street shutters. But for us, yesterday does not look much different from today.

But it all matters. Those acting with reckless abandon have put our very way of life in peril, threatening to obliterate the middle class lifestyle and dashing dreams of prospective home owners, entrepreneurs and others just aiming for a piece of the proverbial pie. But in a time when blame is plentiful and easily assigned, solutions are a bit harder to come by.

We need the courage to recognize when the markets are broken and fail to self-regulate. We need the wisdom to look beyond where we are and to focus on where we want to be. We need the patience and calmness of spirit to not allow hasty reactions to today’s headlines lead to tomorrow’s mistakes. We need the confidence to face these and other challenges that face our our great nation in this new century.

It is time for change.