The Lousy U.S. Economy

Before I notice it, this week is almost over. Tomorrow will be Friday again! I wonder if the summer will be gone like this before I even feel it. Then again, the real San Francisco summer won’t come till October. Even the weather is not as hot as a typical summer, things are sizzling around the city regardless. Last Sunday, Frank and Patrick celebrated summer days at their house with a lot food, drink, and people. This coming Saturday is the 20th Annual Mr. & Miss GAPA Pageant—Gapa Runway, followed by Sunday’s AIDS Walk. It will be a very busy and fun weekend ahead. I hope that all of these events will take away the anxiety due to the current state of the U.S. economy, which is totally depressing. Inflation is way up, the highest annual rate increase in 27 years; US dollar is as weak as toilet paper; the U.S. has a staggering debt that averages to $455,000 for every household in the nation; banks are failing… Even though I didn’t get a raise at the inflation rate, I cannot say that the sinking economy affects me as much as it affects an average American, because I live a simple life without a car or a mortgage. However, that doesn’t mean I am immune from the lousy outlook. Groceries keep going up, and I must eat. I have not looked at my 401(k) account for months—I am sure it will only show depressing numbers if I do. I have to be on the look out to which banks my saving accounts belong. In order to help out the economy, my 46" TV in the living room decides to act up. Its picture begins to have diverged colors sometimes when it’s not happy. It’s time for me to shop for a new TV, finally. But I doubt it will be anytime soon—it looks like that I will be busy most of my weekends before November, if I am not traveling. Hopefully, by the end of the year, my TV, as well as the U.S. economy, will recover from its sickness. Honestly, I won’t hold my breath.