Some Perspective

As we cope with significant declines in home values and stock portfolios, it can be helpful to put financial losses in perspective.

Today, on my flight to South Florida, there was a father returning from the funeral of his son and carrying the boxed US flag honoring yet another serviceman killed in action.

Shortly before landing, the flight attendant made a brief announcement about the father's loss and suggested that we show our appreciation for the servicemen and women serving our country. There was but a sprinkling of applause...which I surmised was a combination of self-consciousness by some and confusion by others as to whether such applause would be interpreted as support for the war in Iraq.

Imagine the pain of losing your son in combat. And imagine the additional pain of watching so many seeing your son's particpation in the war as wrong (as if this soldier had a say in where he served his country).

Sure put some perspective, for me, on this economic crisis confronting us.