Generations of Americans since the founding of our nation have fulfilled their responsibility to one another, and have made this a successful nation. As a result, America remains secure, and our commitment to freedom is strong. As we move into the new year with faith in God and a hope for an even better America, our nation's economy is a worry. While economic experts may debate whether or not we are on the verge of a recession, economic indicators clearly confirm that George W. Bush will inherit an economic slowdown when he takes office next month. For example, interest rates have been rising worldwide for the last 18 months.
Oil prices remain high.
The current price is nearly twice what it was a year ago. Natural gas prices have risen threefold in one year. The cost of eight years with no energy policy is finally hitting us, and hitting us hard. The entire increase in industrial production this year is from growth in the high-tech sector. The rest of the economy is at a virtual standstill, and the steep declines in the stock market in recent weeks has a major impact not just on large Wall Street investors but on average working Americans who are saving for their futures.