Texas Economic Star is Shining

Texas has long had a pro-business attitude. It is a state full of entrepreneurs in a governmental climate that supports their initiatives in many ways. With no state income tax, a budget surplus and excellent infrastructure many businesses are looking to Texas for their new home. The article below points to some of the strengths of the Texas economy and why it is growing.

The Lone Star State is Flexing its Muscles

While much of the nation is currently struggling with high unemployment and loss of industry, it is good to know that there are some bright spots in the U.S. economic picture. I believe that much of the struggle nationally is the self-fulfilling fear of the people. When people lose confidence in the economy it will falter. Although there is added caution in the behavior of some, the Texas economy continues to churn ahead in large part because of the can-do attitude of the state's business community. I hear remarks daily that can be summed up in the following statement: "Yep, it's a little tough right now. That just means we need to do things better and smarter." If only the rest of the country would get that message.

Let the entrepreneurs invest in the economy. The result will be jobs and more revenue at lower tax rates. Redistributing income is the wrong way to fix our economy. Our government leaders are in the midst of the largest redistribution scheme since the Great Depression. We are taking money from our children and grandchildren and giving it to corrupt and inept industries. Some of them must be let to fail gently but others need to come crashing down. It is time to start the rebuilding process. Instead, we are on the course of prolonging the agony into future generations. Not right.

New Study About College Students and Suicide

A new study indicates that a high percentage of college students have considered suicide. It is a sad commentary on our society. I'm no sociologists or psychologist or whatever "gist" you might think would properly analyze this, but a little common sense speaks to the reasons.

1) Pressure -- for grades, to fit in, for dates, over beliefs -- all adds up to "life is no longer easy and no one is really taking care of me anymore."
2) Lack of preparation -- oh, they may be ready academically, but too many of them have no preparation for facing real life with all of its challenges.
3) Socialization -- the process certainly starts in Kindergarten and continues through High School, but it is tempered by, hopefully, some influence at home that counter balances at least some of the socializing process. Some kids just don't fit in. They're told what, who and how they're supposed to be. If you don't fit -- you don't fit! However, it can be a difficult blow to those who don't understand that being "exceptional" is actually a good thing.
4) Just plain growing up. Most kids are still a bit immature when they hit college. Growing up and taking on the mantle of adulthood is not easy in Western society. We have no rites-of-passage. Maybe we need some.

The problem at least partially lies with the colleges and universities but it mostly lies within the home of the growing child. Too many are from broken homes. What a wonderful prospect to look forward to when evaluating potential mates. Many come from dysfunctional schools. If your High School doesn't prepare you for what to expect in college it only adds to the shock.

I think I'll quit now -- this is depressing. I have a senior in High School at home who is shopping for colleges. I'm thankful that he seems to have his head-on-straight. I pray that he will stay centered on Christ as he makes the leap to college. It is the BEST way to overcome what he will face.