Hard to know where to begin, so let's begin with The Deal--you know The Deal that has dominated headlines now for a month.
OS thinks of this more and more in terms of a failed marriage, where both husband and wife know they have failed, but are so angry about it that they can't get past blaming the other spouse for all the problems of the world. And, Mister and Missuz also know they have to keep things glued together For The Sake of The Kids, 'cuz however bad things are now, they only get worse if a divorce occurs. So they're stuck, like participants in a gaucho knife fight, each with a knife and a burning hatred, but tied together at the wrist. Not a pretty sight, is it?
That's where we are, in OS's humble opinion, and it won't get better for a long time. 2012 gives us an opportunity to remove the truly bad actors like Obama and Pelosi, but the animosity will burn on for a generation.
With all the cry of 'Our debt will be downgraded by the ratings agencies', one thing seems pretty certain: Whether or not Moody's or S&P downgrade US Treasury debt this month, the event is inevitable. It is inevitable because, in reality we do not deserve a AAA rating. We borrow .40 of every 1.00 in operating costs, and spend with no budget in place, and no sense of shame. The US government acts like the coke or meth-addicted cousin that so many families endure. No matter how many entreaties are made, sooner or later he's gonna steal and pawn the family jewels, and 'borrow' the family's pickup truck, which will end up wrapped around a tree on some sharp curve on a country road. If you get mad at him for these things, you'll be accused of heartlessness and blamed for making him this way during his childhood. But he'll promise never to do it again, until next time.
The Deal will be signed, but it will not hold up. It's just being done For The Sake Of The Kids.
OS's travels took him to the DC area. For those who haven't been there, think of it as one giant parking lot, about 60 miles by 60 miles, jammed with vehicles all attempting to exit through one gate.
On the upside, OS enjoyed walking a course constructed in 1969, when persimmon clubs and steel shafts ruled the day. OS's persimmon and steel set did just fine, thank you. It's a joy to hit a good drive and not have to reach for the 3-wood to lay up on a par 4.
It will be interesting to see what happens to this part of the country, which for so long has floated on a sea of money emanating from Washington, much in direct payroll from Treasury, thus floating on a sea of borrowed money which is about to dry up. It will be interesting times. For now, the restaurants and retail are thriving, thank you, and the streets are filled with late-model vehicles. For now, at least.
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