1. While Maine seems to be avoiding the worst of the recession, slowly and inexorably businesses are closing, for lease signs are appearing and houses are being foreclosed.
2. Article in todays USA Today re: vouchers for new car purchases. For those that read my blog, I suggested buyer vouchers that would stimulate demand side(vs supply side strategies) months ago. Doesn't it seem obvious? It's my belief that supply side policies should be used as pro-active strategy to maintain growth while demand side policies should be used reactively in downturns. I continually listen to pundit talking points that tax cuts should be targeted at small businesses to allow them to hire and grow their businesses. Question: if no one is buying, why would a business hire people, buy new equipment or increase production with any realized savings from tax cuts? We need to spur DEMAND via a bottom up approach. Throwing money at the auto companies just prolonged the inevitable. We should have taken the money and driven new car sales with vouchers and serious incentives.
3. I had a chance to drive through a lot of mid coast Maine. The roads are bad! I wanted to go up to the observatory at the new narrows bridge in bucksport but it was closed for the winter.
4. I keep thinking I need to get back into the bar/lounge/club business but I really enjoy not being up all night.
5. Facebook takes an enormous amount of time!
6. I heard that an old acquaintence has had or is having some health issues. Your in my thoughts Steve!
phone is ringing...to be continued
General thoughts on all things Maine and perhaps beyond.
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