I wish that someone would shoot straight with the American People right now

[AllentownJake]

1) Over the past 30 years we have engaged in awful economic policies as a nation. Everyone is somehow responsible in one way or another, Government, Business, Individuals. It isn't just the past 8 years although those were the worst for the bad behavior, it has been the past 30 and every past administration did some really foolish things that led us here.

2) We aren't getting out of this 30 year mess overnight. Its going to be painful. Things that have been said and accepted as doctrine over the past 30 years were absolutely wrong.

3) You are going to have to sacrifice some things. Everyone is going to have to sacrifice some things to get out of this mess.

4) Free trade has been a disaster to this nation. If we continue to insists on free trade with nations who do not accept our standards for workers and the enviroment, we will become the 3rd world nation...not the other country becoming a first world nation do to our trade. We do not help these nations or the people there by accepting their goods cheaply nor do we help ourselves.

[MikeNearMcChord]

1. Good rant, however, your #3 point.

Many Americans and small businesses are sacrificing, losing homes, in bankruptcy, etc etc

[AllentownJake]

3. Its a different type of sacrifice.

This notion, that we are going to get rich over night has to go...and the idolization of the rich needs to go as well. The sacrifice I'm talking about is long term.

[H2O Man]

2. I will.

Of course, not everyone in the country will listen to me. In fact, the majority of DUers don't listen to me. But that's okay, because most people listen to someone, and if enough people speak the truth, people will hear.

But they aren't going to hear the real truth from our "leaders." It ain't going to happen.

Were I to begin to speak on the topics at hand, however, I'd simply quote the four points from the OP. You are right on target with each one of them. And they are all important, and need to be heard.

Nominated.

[MercutioATC]

4. To keep it simple: We're fucked.

ANY sort of recovery is going to be long and painful and our lives are going to have to fundamentally change.

...and this administration's actions so far are doing nothing but attempting to restore the status quo, which WILL NOT work (in fact, it's just making things worse).

[ZombieHorde]

5. How did you come up with 30 year(s)? What happened 30 years ago?

You are going to have to sacrifice some things.

What are the things I will have to sacrifice?