1. "Good Times" can't last forever. Although we are blessed as Americans to have a unique form of government that has fostered much success and prosperity throughout our history, we are still subject to the economic ups and downs of a free market economy. If anything, we are subject to these even more than some more socialist or heavily regulated economies.
2. Freedom isn't free. Somewhat related to my previous point, we have to pay a price for the "ups" in our economic cycles with the "downs" that inevitably follow. More government involvement in our economic lives my flatten these cycle out a bit, but the price of more government is less freedom.
3. There is a cost to everything. The recent downturn has brought out a sort of panic reaction which says we need to pull ourselves out of this downturn--quickly and at any cost. The cost of some of the recent government legislation is very significant. It might not be immediately apparent, but we are burdening our future generations with more taxes without giving them a say in the decision. There are also costs to the substandard moral behavior which brought on much of this crisis. The cost has been severe and not just to those who acted unethically.
4. Economic cycles are beneficial. Although this recent recession has caused much financial pain in many people's lives, changes are often made which will pay future dividends. Companies have improved processes and removed excess costs. Families have reevaluated purchasing decisions and paid down debt. Governments have been forced to provide services more efficiently or in a more need-based manner. Many of these changes will strengthen our country to allow for future growth cycles.
5. Despite the financial challenges, we should be grateful. We are blessed with families, friendships, freedoms and opportunities that many people in the world could never imagine. Let's not forget those things because of some short-term disappointments and surprises.
