The recent strain on the American economy worsened on Monday with the 228-205 vote of the House of Representatives against the bill providing a $700 billion dollar bailout of the crashing financial system.
President Bush as well as leaders of both the Democratic and Republican parties supported the bill, yet with a majority of House representatives up for re-election, many took the safe route with the contentious bill.
But the stock market plunged Monday by 777, recovering only slightly in the meantime. Americans will suffer if our government representatives continue to ignore our welfare because of self-centered election fears.
The congressional representative of Westwood, Henry Waxman (D-30), did vote in favor of the bill.
But other congressional members in the Los Angeles districts voted against the bill, including Xavier Becerra (D-31) and Hilda A. Solis (D-32).
As representatives of Los Angeles residents, we are disappointed in the lack of consideration of Becerra and Solis in regard to the economic well-being of their constituents.
The option for a laissez-faire, or “hands-off,” approach for the economy has expired.
And to those of you who insist on keeping the economy free of a heavy governmental hand: Step off.
The government has played an influential role in all of the triumphs and failures of our economy since its conception, and under the circumstances there is no alternative.
Ignoring the problem will only allow it to grow. Our representatives need to know that although some of their constituents may grumble at giving up money now, the salvation of the greater economy must take priority.
Popularity, rankings, partisanship and approval ratings should be tossed out the window, and the greater good should be the motivating force in decisions made by our representatives.
And as residents of districts where congressional members voted against the bill, we should let our discontent with the state of the economy be known. If the United States economy continues this downward spiral, it is only a matter of time before the rest of the world is greatly and negatively affected.
In recent years we have complained about the decreasing value of the dollar and frowned in worry at the increased foreclosure rate.
In early September, the unemployment rate of the United States reached a five-year high of 6.1 percent. And the rising unemployment rate has had a personal impact on many of us as recent college graduates who are attempting to enter the workforce or in regard to our families.
In our bubble of a university, it is too easy to ignore the happenings of the world around us. If we fail to call out those responsible for making these major decisions, then we may lose everything.
It is your responsibility as a citizen in this so-called land of opportunity to ensure that your opportunities and the opportunities of those who will come after you continue to increase in number, not fade away.
Take action and write your representatives about the brevity of their actions and the responsibility of the position you elected them to.
At the very least you should be carefully watching what takes place over the next few weeks and months, lest we all be doomed to relive this kind of economic disaster.