Over the last three months I find it more and more difficult to share my opinions and suggestions – thus the latest abandonment of this blog. In addition to my writers block, business has been booming here at PRMI and I find myself simply out of time on a daily basis. I am very proud that this organization is thriving and aiding the American public in refinancing and home purchasing needs in times like this. I am happy to report that PRMI grew 36.25% last year and 2009 has begun with two months of record breaking funding.  

Regarding the short term economic possibilities, I believe the current government actions being taken are the best policies to relieve the clear and present dangers and ultimately stabilize the banking system and real estate markets. I am relatively confident that we will start to see the economy turn the corner by the end of this year. American prosperity should continue to be present in our way of life. The employment numbers are the wildcard, but we need to remember that this category of any economy is one of the last segments to show improvement. There are a lot of positives in the pipe – most of which cannot typically be seen by the general public. However, I’m afraid that the next expansion, when it does come, will not come without an unprecedented price-tag and loss of freedoms. What is to come beyond this chapter in our economic history is completely unknown and we should all be concerned for what our children will be left to deal with. Nationalized banks, massive socialistic programs, sequestered risk strategies – all of which are far from the characteristics within a free market economy and the ‘true value’ that is ultimately established and underwritten by a natural marketplace.   

As a national mortgage banker and a free markets believer, I find myself in a principle laden tug-of-war. Without these government interactions I fear tremendously for what the bottom would look like – not a pretty picture by any means. However, the idea that this nation finds itself in a position where it has no choice but to support actions that are far from the ideals in which this nation was built on is nothing less than a tragedy. It seems that we are slowly slipping further into the abyss of a world where compensation and award are being based on the needs of the disembodied masses, versus the abilities and achievements of the individual. There is something hidden under the surface that haunts us all, even if we don’t consciously understand it, in that one finds themselves in a ideological vacuum. Are we losing our ideology, our private and personal principles that drive us forward?  

Those on Capital Hill are either chastising or being chastised if one heads down any ideological pathway – and it has now become unfashionable or admittance to a lesser intellect if one holds to ‘an ideal’. Our leaders are preaching the contemporary notion that ideology is antiquated – a lesser aspect of human evolution. I am not sure when the seeds of this sentiment took root, but I refuse to ignore, or not be burdened by, my own personal hypocrisies and admit to myself that I have chosen to protect my 1,500 employees within my own organization and the wellbeing of my own family, and still hold true to the ideas embedded in my spirit that could not be abandoned even if I tried. I submit to the current and historical economic impossibilities and what needs to be done. However, in admitting these hypocrisies to myself I have also allowed myself an anchor in my ideological and philosophical principles that will continue to guide me and I will continue to instill these principles on my children or anyone I have the opportunity to positively influence.  

I would submit that ideology itself is one of the few things we have left to measure ‘real value’, and that no one should take it away or demoralize it, regardless of what steps our nation must take in these current economic challenges. Regardless of what ideals you cling to, don’t allow the world to suggest, teach or preach that it is wrong, unintelligent or an antiquated notion. We all arrived at this juncture together – we all played a role in it some way. Let’s not throw in the towel and give up on ourselves – our ability to naturally find solid ground. I for one will continue to believe in objective men, women and the next generation of gifted individuals that will make individually epic contributions of ingenuity and advancement to the human race. I applaud the brave few that dare stand and passionately sing their ideological song from the tops of all mountains, to share their ideas and take the leap of faith into wondering if their inventions will be accepted by the users. I hope that they will find enough encouragement within themselves to continue, as I believe there will be only a few in the future to pat them on the back. If you find yourself to be an individual believer among the masses that don’t even know what it means ‘to believe’ – you can call on me and I will be honored to be impressed by your enthusiasm, ingenuity and passion.