December 9, 2024- The maintenance director at Solid Rock Christian Community was growing impatient with the last diner at this evening’s Soup Kitchen. The man is a slow eater, and is most often the last person to finish his meal. To his credit, he didn’t budge when the director dimmed the dining room lights. It took an extra three minutes for him to finish and leave-with a parting shot at said director.

Many people are concerned that the lights of democracy, and of a robust economy, are going to be dimmed, in the months and years ahead. Democracy must be seen as a vehicle for everyone to state their views. There are elements of elitism, in our country at present. Those who have long felt excluded deserve clearer explanations of policies and processes. Surely, it would help greatly if Civics were to be restored to its place in our education system. It is not an accident that many in Generation Z are drawn to quick fixes and more authoritarian approaches to problem-solving. Who has actually taken the time to carefully explain the nature of a democratic society to the youngest generation of adults?

The same is true of economics. There is a bit more emphasis on that subject, in the schools, but the fairly humming economy is not presenting itself, in an articulate manner, to many heads of households. There is a good return on investments and property values are holding steady, but people are not seeing their budgets stretching very far, despite the slowly declining rate of inflation. That, more than anything, is giving the loudest voices in the room traction.

Tariffs, especially at the rates being proposed now, will NOT have the desired effect on the economy. They will raise prices, and thus the rate of inflation, very likely to an astronomical level-with food, fuel, automobile repair and clothing among the commodities that will sink many a household budget, faster than is the case now. Tax cuts for the well-to-do will deplete the Treasury faster than tariff revenue can replenish it-thus adding to the national deficit, rather than shrinking it. Those who are presently staying at home, or who are otherwise not working, will find that there will be a growing clamour from their families, friends and neighbours for them to go back to work-often at fairly menial jobs, if the proposed deportation of the mass of undocumented immigrants is successfully carried out. Many of the stay-at-homes supported the incoming president. Are they ready to heed the call to work as landscapers, construction workers and housekeepers? Time will tell.

Is the national light dimming? Right now, I don’t think so, but there are some flickers. It is up to both conservatives and liberals to keep the lights burning brightly.