What I'm thankful for...

[Shawn Azman]

Well, I have all my bags packed, and I am just waiting for my ride to give me a call to pick me up and head back up to my home in Indy. So, I decided to make a short list of things I am thankful for in the wide world of politics as a way to get myself into the spirit of the seasons.

1. Gas prices on average around the nation are below $2.00. I never thought I would say that again, but it’s true. However, right when prices started to fall, there was talk that OPEC would try to keep prices higher in order to keep profits up. Now, there are reports that Russia might also join with OPEC in this as well – for this I am not thankful. I like gas prices low, and I would not be happy if our dependence on foreign oil forces us to have to raise prices because they set the price per barrel higher than it should be in the market.
   
   
2. Another thing I did not think I would say – I am thankful for Obama’s economic team. I was a little worried during the campaign trail about what Obama would do when he got into office. Would he raise taxes, would he increase spending, would he make a new welfare system, is there really a new new deal? The answers to these questions have still yet to be seen, but it appears Obama is moving away from higher taxes and toward more of a market-based system. His economic team of Tim Geithner as Treasure Secretary, Larry Summers as the Director of the National Economic Council, and Christine Romer to the top spot in the Council of Economic Advisers (CEA). As described in this article, these advisors look to be pro-growth, market-oriented, and pro-free trade. This right of center economic staff is definitely a pleasant break from all the talk of socialism on the campaign trail.
   
   
3. I am thankful that, even though Indiana turned Blue in the Presidential election, they made a good choice by re-electing Mitch Daniels. Since taking office not only had Mitch balanced the budget, he has created over 60,000 new jobs, the average salary is $5,500 higher than the national average, and Indiana’s unemployment rate is the lowest in the region. If he keeps this up, watch for his name in four years as a possible Presidential/VP candidate.
   
   
4. On a more personal note, I am temporarily thankful for the falling exchange rate. I am studying abroad in Germany next semester and I would love nothing more for the dollar to become strong and the exchange rates to continue to even out. Over the summer the exchange rate reach as high as 1.59 dollars to 1 Euro, now it is down to 1.3 dollars to 1 Euro. However, this number can easily change either way. If the government has to continue to print and borrow money, and then inflation increases, this could weaken the dollar. But, as I said before, Obama looks as though he has a good staff around him, let’s hope they can make the dollar strong again.

These are just a few of the politically related things I am thankful for. But, what I am most thankful for this week is getting a break from school to visit with family and friends and experience the best life has to offer. I hope everyone has a good break. Eat too much, Sleep too much, Drink too much (water); enjoy the week off.