noun
1. A speech or writing in praise of a person or thing, esp. a set oration in honor of a deceased person.
    Dictionary.com

With the current economic state of the country, I find it disheartening that our government leaders, from the local level all the way to the White House would find it necessary to continue spending money we don’t have and can ill afford to pay back. In my city the newest budget shortfall is unusual in a time when government entities are increasingly wringing more dollars out of their unwilling subjects in a manner that would make an extortionist proud. Living in a community where the average family income is $34k per year, the amount of direct taxes and fees levied by the city for services is a huge chunk of that increasingly tight budget.

During the boom times, our government failed to imagine that at some point the gravy train would derail. Now that it has, it is time for our leaders to take a serious look at the budget and services provided. In tough economic times, families must make a choice between wants and needs and balance the two in a manner that the family as a whole can live with.

Our elected (and appointed) leaders, in an attempt to remain in good graces with a few constituents have failed to adequately represent the nation as a whole, many opting instead to increase fees for government services to cover a tax revenue shortfall. It should be obvious, that is not the proper way to handle a budget crisis, particularly when the people directly affected can ill afford to pay more and are busy cutting their own budget to the bone.

States, counties and cities across the nation have made it known many times that they have already cut the fat. Our nation, on the other hand has done no such thing. Perhaps it is time to redefine what constitutes fat and start all over again.

6 in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.

7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the LORD and shun evil.

8 This will bring health to your body
and nourishment to your bones.

9 Honor the LORD with your wealth,
with the firstfruits of all your crops;

10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing,
and your vats will brim over with new wine.

11 My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline
and do not resent his rebuke,

12 because the LORD disciplines those he loves,
as a father [b] the son he delights in.

13 Blessed is the man who finds wisdom,
the man who gains understanding,

14 for she is more profitable than silver
and yields better returns than gold.

15 She is more precious than rubies;
nothing you desire can compare with her.

16 Long life is in her right hand;
in her left hand are riches and honor.

17 Her ways are pleasant ways,
and all her paths are peace.

18 She is a tree of life to those who embrace her;
those who lay hold of her will be blessed.

19 By wisdom the LORD laid the earth’s foundations,
by understanding he set the heavens in place;

20 by his knowledge the deeps were divided,
and the clouds let drop the dew.

21 My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment,
do not let them out of your sight;

22 they will be life for you,
an ornament to grace your neck.

23 Then you will go on your way in safety,
and your foot will not stumble;

24 when you lie down, you will not be afraid;
when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.

25 Have no fear of sudden disaster
or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,

26 for the LORD will be your confidence
and will keep your foot from being snared.

27 Do not withhold good from those who deserve it,
when it is in your power to act.

28 Do not say to your neighbor,
“Come back later; I’ll give it tomorrow”-
when you now have it with you.

29 Do not plot harm against your neighbor,
who lives trustfully near you.

30 Do not accuse a man for no reason-
when he has done you no harm.

31 Do not envy a violent man
or choose any of his ways,

32 for the LORD detests a perverse man
but takes the upright into his confidence.

33 The LORD’s curse is on the house of the wicked,
but he blesses the home of the righteous.

34 He mocks proud mockers
but gives grace to the humble.

35 The wise inherit honor,
but fools he holds up to shame.

Proverbs 3 (KJV)