Plane Talk – US-Air Flight 3332, Seat 2F

Dear Friend,

There's a saying: "I'll know when I see it." Well, the economists can spend all the time they want debating whether we're in a recession or not. I'm telling you we are. I've seen it.

The last eight to ten Congress on your Corner events were enough to convince me. People are hurting.

This morning on the Jim Cates Show was really eye opening. The lines were lit up when we started and stayed that way. That hasn't happened for over a year.

What's on people's minds? The economy. Gas prices. The economy. The falling dollar. The economy. Veterans benefits. The economy. Food costs. The economy. Health care costs. The economy!

I have many people tell me that they used to be part of the middle class, but now they can barely make ends meet. It makes a heart very heavy to hear what people are going through.

It shocks me to hear some say the economy is fine and fundamentals are strong. I'm not sure what planet they are living on.

The policies of the current administration have resulted in massive trade deficits and driven our dollar down. The weak dollar causes oil and food prices to skyrocket.

We've destabilized the Middle East at tremendous expense – not one penny of which has been paid for.

It wasn't just the war that made me decide to run for office. Steve and I kept worrying about what economy we were leaving our 7 children. It was clear to us and others years ago that our path was perilous.

So what do we do?

1:    Renegotiate trade policies or get out of them.

2:    The world's energy supply, food supply, pharmaceutical supply are in the hands of just a few corporations. We need to reduce the subsidies to big oil, big pharmaceuticals and big health insurance. They can make it without having you and me subsidize them with taxpayer dollars.

3.    Realize there will be a few short term fixes, but not many. It may take us years to get out of this mess. It's a doozie.

4:     When you get your rebate check, really help stimulate the economy and make a point to BUY AMERICAN.

5:      Reach out to people in your community who are in need. Food pantries are pretty slim.

Our country is at a turning point. Do we want to continue down the path we've taken for almost a decade? Do we want to renew the policies that have caused the costs of gasoline and health care and education to skyrocket?

Or would we rather make changes that support all Americans rather than just a handful? To my mind, the choice is clear.

Keep In Touch,

Nancy Boyda
Member of Congress