I’ve never been one for mainstream news. As affiliates get closer, and closer to being infotainment, I find myself growing closer to CSpan and websites along the lines of the tv program. Unfortunately, these places are like eating oatmeal for breakfast. They’re good for you, but there’s no secret fun prize waiting at the bottom of the box. Flipping by CNN, or Fox News, or MSNBC I’m blown away by the headlines of “The government is fixing this”, or “Obama establishes X To solve the economy”.

When are we going to realize that the economy is driven by us, not the government. Don’t get me wrong, the government has a large role to play, but nothing as significant as the power we hold as consumers, employees, and employers. The economy is a natural flowing process, and one that is bigger than any one entity can control. No matter how some try. Businesses fade, and grow, and very little of that has to do with governmental involvement. Which is why it depresses me to flip by these news programs with only ideas being shown from the government on how to fix things.

Sure, it’s easy to say “regulations were lifted on this, or the senate passed this bill”, but where’s the accountability on ourselves? Wal-Marts, and AIGs (no offense Wal-Mart), and other corporations are built by us. Providers can only provide, if the people in need buy into what the provider is selling. Businesses can’t sustain on invisible money, even if our dollars are becoming more transparent. Before the word ‘bailout’ was uttered, this money was obtained through us. We gave it away trusting in other human beings to do the right thing. I really am not a pessimistic person, but should we really give our money to others and not question how it’s being used? Do you buy a computer without making sure it’s going to run right?

The government didn’t question AIG with the bailout, and look what happened. If AIG couldn’t handle their own wealth, and asssets what made the people involved with the bailout think they would do any better with money given to them?

So, I’ve rattled on about consumer responsibility and government; but how do we fix it? It definitely won’t be easy, and if anyone thinks it’s going to be a quick fix you’re treading dangerous water. For a problem that has been in summation since our credit system was established, sending large amounts of money to various companies isn’t the answer. The true solution lies in all of us. The government can prop the businesses up, but what happens after that? Will we have learned our lessons? Are we going to make sure that the money we put away for safe keeping in 401ks, and other various systems are being used right?

If the economy is built by us, will we make sure that it survives after the recession?