The Bottom Line
Thoughts Following a Historic Election
Volume IV Issue X - Wednesday November 5, 2008
A monthly financial commentary for our friends, Clients and Advocates

I had a market commentary ready to send out prior this morning. But because of the events of last night, I decided to scrap it. I am going to do something that is very uncharacteristic in this commentary for me. I am going to tip my hand, and share some candid thoughts on the day after this historic election. I did not vote for Barack Obama. I do not believe that the economic philosophy that he subscribes to will achieve the ends that he would like it to achieve. I do not believe that a woman should have the right to choose to end a human life growing inside her. I do not believe that his solution to cure the healthcare dilemma is the best one. There are many things that I disagree with Barack Obama about. Nevertheless, he is my President Elect. And regardless of my opinions, democracy has spoken. I've heard that democracy is the worst form of government there is, except all the other forms in the world. Perhaps this is true. So in light of this new future we face, three timeless truths come to mind this morning:

Problems are always present in a fallen world. I am one who believes that we live in a world full of self-interest, and that each of us take our turns at being selfish. It is the sickness of mankind. And this sickness causes many problems in the world in which we live. There are times in history where we have a tremendous number of problems. There are times in history when we have a fewer number of problems, There are times in history when there are serious problems, but they are masked behind the veil of prosperity, and only come to light when times get hard. We find ourselves in a time that is replete with challenges. But the truth is that challenges will be present in our economy, our jobs, and our families from now until we reach the grave. They will vary in degree, but they will never disappear. Recognizing this fact is so important in how we live.

Secondly, we learn the most in times of crises. Look back on your life. Take a moment to remember some of the hard times. It is in those times that are muscles are strengthened the most for the race of life. It is in those times that we find our endurance tested and strengthened. It is in those times when we are most desperate that we are most teachable. We find ourselves in a crisis on many fronts. There is so much we can learn and grow from in this time. We can whine about it and cry out "why me," or we can have an attitude that wants to learn all that we can in the crisis - making us battle tested for road of life that still lies ahead.

Lastly, we cannot hang our hopes on anyone man. No matter who a President is he cannot be the savior of the world. No one man has the silver bullet. No one man has the grand idea that is the cure all for every problem. In America, we believe that we are all part of the solution. Our government is structured in such a way that leadership is ultimately in the hands of the collective wisdom of the people, not one person. But even that is not enough. But there is One who I believe is in control of all thingsr and he doesn't call Earth his residence. He is the only Savior that can truly save, He is the One in whom I hang every hope I have.

So in closing I will pray for Barack Obama. I will pray for our Country. I will pray for my brothers and sisters facing challenges of all sorts in this life. I am looking toward another Countryr but while I am a part of this one, I will love it and pray for it with every ounce of strength I have.

Chad P. Wilson,
CFP Foundation Bank - a division of McKenzie Banking Company - 731-554-2423
The above is strictly informational and does not constitute any sort of recommendation. Please consult your own financial advisor for specific tax, loan, or other investment advice.