As I sit and compose these thoughts shortly after the beginning of 2012, my mind takes me back to high school and Charles Dickens…”It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” What was “best” about 2011? Certainly it was not the Red Sox pitching staff, but there were positives which were in place last year. As I name these, I try not to be an apologist for anyone or anything. Inflation continues at very low levels, (food and energy being exceptions) our economy continued a slow climb from the abyss, buying an American automobile became fashionable again, and if you were in the market for a home, both real estate prices and financing rates were at favorable levels. This, obviously, is balanced by political dysfunction, energy prices, which when dropped in the last quarter made one think that gasoline was a relative “bargain.” Hardly. To continue on, fear in Europe, a continuing and unwinnable war in Afghanistan, unemployment and record low approval ratings for both the President and Congress. These only scratch the surface, but you get the idea. Continue reading
