by Nathalia Siqueira

Created on: February 19, 2009

Is there any reason for panic?

Not only the US, but the entire world, has only one topic as its major point of discussion nowadays: the economic crisis. The verb "to save" seems to be the most important verb in everyone's vocabulary at the present time. In other words, "No matter what it takes, just stop spending and save! Save! Save!" But, think about it. What happens if nobody shops and everyone just saves their money? The result of that theory, carried out to its logical conclusion, is the death of our economy. It is exactly like saying "I am going to stop breathing in order to save my lungs!" Yes, this is a moment to act carefully, and to be thoughtful in the use of our resources. But sometimes I ask myself: does this situation really call for panic?

Being realistic, the answer might be "yes". The crisis is very serious and it has been reaching a lot of people. The times we are living in are tough and the solution will come in very slow steps. This is not going to "go away" in two or three months. If you have already been exhausted hearing the word "crisis", be patient, because you are going to hear it much more. 2009 will be a difficult year, with lots of lay-offs, bailouts and companies closing. But, though the realistic answer might be "Yes", the answer of optimism might be a resounding "no!" We should not and we must not panic!

A few weeks ago I heard a phrase that is totally appropriate for the times we are living right now: "while the pessimist cries, the optimist sells the tissues". That's exactly what I've seen in the United States. I believe you, my reader from all parts of the world, may be thinking that Uncle Sam's land is close to death, but I can tell you that just is not so. The economy here is behaving poorly right now, as it is in many parts of the world, but it is still very much alive. I truly believe that optimism will win out in the long run. So now, I ask you again: is there any reason for panic?

I am a journalist from Brazil, living in the United States, and I can tell you that, from my perspective, Optimism will win out! Do you remember that guy who is selling tissues? He has been a survivor of this turbulence, because he is making the economy spin. That's why I believe we can't generalize. In most cases, generalizations are always over simplified. This crisis is, indeed, reason to be worried, but not to be panic driven. The majority of our population will survive and survive well in this present situation if we will embrace optimism, follow our elected leaders, and use patience and common sense during the next twelve to twenty four months. As a visitor to these American shores, I feel confident about that. May God bless America.

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