Tough Economic Times and the Political Nature of Our Economy
The question that seems to be on everyone’s mind these days (or at least on mine) is, "what is going to happen to our economy, and how will this affect me?� As a research assistant, these concerns are especially poignant as I will be graduating in slightly over a year from now with a significant amount of graduate school debt, and a drive to work in the nonprofit sector. I keep wondering, how will this economic ‘slow down’ / recession / depression affect the nonprofit sector, that depends so much on donations and government grants? Initial findings from The New York Times and a Gallup poll indicate that people have already started to be more prudent in their spending habits, and people feel the job market is worsening. This I worry will lead to a bleak outlook for nonprofits in the near future. Additionally, I wonder how McCain or Obama’s new tax system will affect how nonprofits receive grants.
Thinking of the differences between the two Presidential candidates' tax systems and ways of fixing our economy led me to wonder about how any discussion of our economy appears to me to be politically polarizing. I think back on the political nature of the ‘rescue plan’ Congress passed last week, and the tone that is used in discussing the economy in the Presidential debates. In thinking of how I wanted to discuss the economy in this blog, I worried how expressing my concern and my opinion might be seen as partisan, and would that be inappropriate as the PNLC is apolitical? How have others attempted to discuss policy in an apolitical way? Is it ever truly possible to stay apolitical in the nonprofit or public field, when political decisions affect organizations in such a clear way?
Comments
There is no doubt that a lot of NGO's are having trouble making ends meet and grants and donations have really dried up. The situation is far worse internationally than in the US. Let's hope that the economy turns around soon.
Posted by: Start a Vending Business | September 2, 2009 8:54 AM
The tough economy time is just a normal phase in a cycle. No country can avoid it. What is important is to lengthen the duration of favorable phases. Thanks, really interesting to talk about the economy.
Posted by: wall art | November 4, 2009 6:50 PM
Observing the tax system is particularly interesting during the campaign period. Now that we have made choice, just be ready to bear the consequences and ups and downs.
Posted by: Web Design Company | November 19, 2009 1:46 AM
The economy is too big to be explained that way. Of course the theory helps a lot to understand the big picture. But the market often moves unexpectedly. Great discussion. Thank you.
Carrie W.
Umm Al-Qura University
Posted by: Umm Al-Qura University | November 20, 2009 3:45 AM
I do agree the fdi tax cut and rescue plan are good for time being but in the long run it will ruin the economy. The economic ministry should have some tough standard and should behave in such a way that it is healthy for both the people and also the country.
Posted by: web design compay | November 23, 2009 3:05 PM