The Presidential race is now down to two, Senator John McCain and Senator Barack Obama with the only suspense left being the VP candidate choices. For conservatives it's wait until 2012 as for many of us both men are unacceptable. I see a continuing struggle for the economy as neither one offers anything to help move the economy along in a positive direction.

Worried about the high price of gas? Keep worrying as both plan on fixing the prices through forced conservation and alternative energies which won't be practical for many years. Both plan on keeping the ethanol push which has had no effect in lowering prices. Both endorse carbon taxes which will be added as carbon and gas taxes. Neither one will increase domestic production or refining. Finally they both oppose the obscene profits made by big oil. Okay, they will take more of the oil profits which is great for the government but does nothing for the price at the pump because they won't give it back to "The People". The government must never do with less. So get used to high energy prices because the next President no matter who it is will do nothing about it except invest billions more in inefficient technologies while doing nothing for the present and near future.

Senator Obama has already said he will raise taxes on the rich. He also said he will raise the Social Security tax which will be a tax increase on every working American rich and poor. Both endorse carbon taxes which when applied to business will be passed on to the consumer IE: every American. The Democrats will gain in both houses so they will push through tax increases on every taxpayer one way or another. They will say it's on the rich and once again lower the standard for someone to qualify as rich, it won't be long before $50,000 a year qualifies as rich.
Senator Obama loves taxes and Senator McCain will compromise to get along.

The result will be the rich will take their money and invest it in developing countries or hide what they have left in off shore accounts like George Soros and Warren Buffet do. There will be no point in investing in U.S. companies when the after tax return will be so low. Investment will decrease meaning companies will not expand or increase payrolls or hire new employees. Foreign investment will go oversees as the dollar will continue to weaken. Americans will also be spending less in the economy as energy prices increase even more. Fewer travelling vacations, less dining out, less spent on holiday and birthday gifts, holding on to appliances and vehicles for another couple of years until they have to be replaced. Everyone else can rely on Senator Obama's hope and change and the government to solve their problems, I will prepare for and deal with the reality of less money and freedom in the near future.

I currently have a fair amount of debt but it is manageable and is being paid off at a nice rate. Under current conditions we will be in great shape in five years or less but under the potential tax increases coming up under the new administration we could be in trouble. We have a solid retirement plan in place but what would have been enough under current conditions may not be enough in the future and there will be less money to save. I think this is probably the situation for many people who will be in for a rude awakening in the near future. I will prepare by putting every spare penny into paying my debt. No extras and what we have will have to do for several years. I have already told people we will not be spending for the holidays this years. Have cancelled anything not necessary. Might as well start practicing for the future.

OH yeah and I will also have my bible out, stock up on ammunition and stay home to avoid those not like me.