MARIE WUJEK MORE COLUMNS Advertisement

It's my column and I'm sticking to it. In my position as publisher of the Pahrump Valley Times and the Tonopah Times Bonanza I meet or speak with hundreds of people every month.

It breaks my heart to hear people from all walks of life, all different age groups and economic standing say, "I just don't care anymore." They have lost their hope, will and faith, not just in our government but in mankind as well. Everything they knew and believed in is being challenged on a daily basis. They fear for themselves, their children, their grandchildren, their parents and everyone else they care about. It is almost as though they are waiting for the other shoe to drop.

I try to reassure them these hard times are temporary, this too shall pass. They must hang in there for change is on the horizon and there is a light at the end of the tunnel. They have heart, they want to believe, so they pull themselves up by their bootstraps, say a prayer and hope for a good day. Their energy level is dwindling, their fear of what will happen next in this country or in their family unit is wearing them out. They pace the floor at night because they can't sleep.

They thank God everyday for their job, for the ability to pay their bills, to keep the lights on and a roof over their head. They find joy in a baby's smile, a rain drop on a leaf, a funny experience their child or grandchild had that day -- anything to forget, to avoid thinking of all the negatives and crises facing this country, a friend, family member or neighbor.

What has brought this country to her knees is plain and simple -- "greed." The rich get richer, the middle class get poorer and the poor become sacrificial lambs. All we see is one bailout after another from the federal government, our tax dollars at work. We don't see where these bailout funds are helping Americans in any way, from insurance companies, to banks and mortgage companies and now the auto industry.

All we hear about is how the economy is taking a tremendous toll on the middle class and businesses. What about the folks living in poverty, the retirees, the disabled, the veterans, the single moms trying to raise their kids on one paycheck because their ex-husband is a deadbeat dad or unemployed and unable to pay child support? What about the millions of everyday Americans trying to survive on unemployment benefits because their jobs were eliminated?

We are aware and realize that as middle class Americans we are but a pink slip away from joining the ranks of the above-mentioned folks. We also realize how many businesses are one more tax or government regulation away from closing up shop.

We are all red-blooded Americans, we are a proud people. Our ancestors, fathers, mothers, daughters and sons have and will continue to fight to protect our freedom. Some gave all and all gave some, don't allow their sacrifices be in vain.

Greed, the root of all evil, is responsible for the majority of the crises Americans are facing today. I sure don't hear the people whose wealth has increased ten-fold during the Bush administration griping about the economy.

My opinion is the Bush presidency should go down in history as the absolute worst administration since this country was founded.

The President didn't do this by himself; this required a boatload of highly motivated and intelligent individuals from both sides of the aisle to pull off what I call "the ultimate fleecing of the American people."

I see George W. as a puppet; the people responsible for what went on over the last eight years are the puppet masters. This was not poor decision-making on their part, a monkey with a magic 8-ball could have made better choices. This was an out and out deliberate and strategically planned power play and money grab. This was not pulled off by just elected and appointed government officials and representatives, big businesses and lobbyists also played major roles in ruining our country.

Many truths have been revealed and at some point all the deceit and destruction caused by this administration will be out in the open. Those involved or who played a part in these atrocities should be tried and hopefully convicted for the lies, deceit, fraud and extortion of the American people.

This is the season to be thankful for what we have. Family, friends, strong faith and belief in ourselves will pull us through; we are survivors and we will prevail.

It took years to get to this point and it won't go away overnight. Patience is a virtue, practice it daily. There is change in the air. Hold on to whomever or whatever keeps you of sound mind and heart.

Help a neighbor when you can, always smile at the grumpy looking guy in Walmart, that could be what he needs to make it through his day.

Ask your god to bless all those less fortunate, to watch over our troops, to keep America strong and resilient.

In a few short weeks we will say goodbye to 2008 and welcome 2009. On Jan. 20, President-Elect Barack Obama will move into 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue and be our 44th president. According to an e-mail I received the other morning, he has a popularity rating of 72 percent with Americans and he hasn't even taken over at the helm. I believe this is mostly based on the people he has selected as advisors, administrators and department heads. I guess the 28 percent that still believe the current administration is doing a good job are true believers or diehards.

I wish you and yours the Merriest of Christmases and the Happiest of New Years. There is a new day on the horizon, dare to dream.