Published: October 14, 2008 07:05 pm            

MCDONALD: To regulate or not?

To regulate or not to regulate —that is the question Whether tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of ethical lapses

Or to take up arms against the market forces

And by force of regulation and authority to end them? To kill the free market, or induce slumber and solemnity?

To slumber we say we dull the heartache and the thousand natural shocks to which the circular flow of the market and the American Dream is heir? Tis a consummation devoutly to be wished

To sleep, per chance to dream; ay there's the rub

For in that sleep, what dreams may come?

To reflect upon personal responsibility, choices and decisions made in this mortal existence

In dreaming to also reflect upon the limited mortality of us all and the time that we shuffle off this mortal coil

This dreaming and reflection must give us pause of what may have been and what yet may be of our stewardship

How can one bear the whips and scorns of time? The ups and downs of market forces and the insolence of those in office, boards and the seats of power?

We are cruelly aware of the oppressor's wrong and the pangs of despised dreams and law's delay

To grunt and sweat under a weary life.

But that the dread of something after taxes and death.

The undiscovered country, from whose bourn no traveler reruns, puzzles the will and makes us bear those ill we have.

Than fly to others that we know not of?

Thus, conscience makes cowards of us all.

Mortal man is not angelic in motivation

No angel became greedy save one

Mortal man must guard against himself so that harm is not thrust upon his brethren

Man must assume the responsibility for personal actions and choices

Blame though we will, blaming can thrust us no further than where we stand

This we know, there is a problem

If there is a problem fix it

We must look upon our own personal realm for correction

Are there indulgences we have granted ourselves?

Have we been living beyond our means for selfish purposes?

For those in government, is there one economic theory that makes limitless sense? John Maynard of Keynes leans toward socialism in adjusting market ills with compassion

Frederich of Von Hyak is for no government action and let the market correct itself. While Milton of Friedman says the government must be active when necessary.

Not one theory is finite when man is intimately involved in the forces of markets. When man is the variable, unpredictable and susceptible to greed, one theory cannot be finite,

What is the hue of this wicked storm and what does the rescue resolution portend?

This we know, change is the constant

To be interconnected intimately with all corners of the planet is a blessing and a curse

As with a beautiful symphony when all notes are struck as written, harmony and resonance prevail; displace a few notes and the symphony collapses amid discord and dissonance

The global symphony has fallen out of tune and the players must retune their instruments and practices to the fundamentals

The individual players must demonstrate sound control and skill of their own instruments assessing wants versus needs

This storm will pass

Lessons will be learned, but will they be remembered and applied?

Or will we forget as with the great storm of nearly four score ago?

Tim McDonald can be reached at timothy.mcdonald@agsfaculty.indwes.edu

        

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