That was then, this is now

Twenty-eight years minus one day, another President gave his first State of the Union speech. Similarly, the United States was in an economic recession. At that time, unemployment was over 10%, inflation and consumer interest rates were above 15% each. In his speech, President Reagan outlined his plan to bring the country out of that recession.

The cumulative national debt had just exceeded one trillion dollars. More than 200 years were needed to accumulate that level. (We have now crossed $12 trillion and see no end in sight for its continued growth.)

Reagan listed 3 keys to reducing budget deficits. First, encourage economic growth. Second, Lower interest rates and third, control federal spending. He was very adamant about NOT raising taxes as an attempt to lower the deficit. He felt that would encourage federal spending (and the Democrats in charge of Congress did not lower spending) and would discourage private investment.

He also referred to recent meetings with foreign leaders. He said how they were surprised that he (Reagan) did NOT apologize for American wealth and its strength of the free marketplace.

These policies DID turn around the national economy then.

Now, 28 years later, another President stood before Congress with a similar economic situation. Fortunately, we do not experience the devastating interest rates we did then. Unfortunately, he is taking just the opposite approach. Considering that Reagan's plan worked - and it did - Obama's plan will probably will not succeed. Our international standing will fall, as it already has started.

I believe Obama may very well be a one term president.

I am going to be a granfather!!

I am going to be a grandfather for the first time this coming summer. I know, it's no big deal. Many people have been, currently are, and will be in the future.

What has been different now - compared to when I first became a parent - is the associated technology. My daughter-in-law had an ultrasound performed on the baby at about 12 weeks gestation. Then she had the video put on Facebook. I watched that and it was so amazing. The detail of the baby was amazing. The doctor was able to measure the fetus at this point. Less than 2 inches long.

Less than 2 inches - and the formed details of the child were amazing! Although I know that the internal organs haven't fully developed yet, it was still inspiring to see the definition.

All of this brings me to two points. The first is that seeing that ultrasound affirms that all of creation is controlled by a creator. HE knows what HE is doing. This life has a name, character, and eternal soul already. The Creator does this kind of work every day and HE is really good at it. Watching the ultrasound has already developed a unique relationship between child, mother, father, grandparents, and great-grandparents.

The second point is that watching the fetus in this ultrasound reminds me that "it" can generate an income for one of two opposite workers. An obstetrician can work to help the mother through the pregnancy to birth. The alternative, ugly side is that the fetus can be destroyed. How can anybody - ANYBODY -really watch the ultrasound and say it is just a mass of tissue ( I saw the baby dance!) and be willing to destroy it???

Well, anyway, this is one exciting time in the Gordon family.