Getting the timing right is the difference between success and failure in most ventures. Hesitation has been the cause of wars lost and in the commercial world bold action at the right time has often resulted in great fortunes.
We seem to be at one of life's great crossroads with the world economy. This crisis has come at the worst possible time - with an American election just weeks away the people who make decisions are refusing to do so.
The danger is that without a decision on a financial bailout the economy may pass the " point of no return " - that critical time when unfolding events take over and their momentum dictates the future.
That is precisely what happened in 1929 and there is a real danger of a rehappening now. It is said that those who fail to learn from history are destined to repeat it.
The Socialist left are baying for the introduction of harsh controls to regulate the economy. That is a seductive thought - but it should be tempered with reflections on the " command economy " of the former Communist countries and the misery that caused.
We would be wise to remember the difference between the two Germany's. Everybody in the east had a job - at wages dictated by the state. There was no choice in products offered and few goods available in the shops - and they had to build a wall and shoot people to stop the citizens from escaping this " worker's paradise ".
The capitalist system certainly has it's faults, but it has delivered the good life to those who want to work and use initiative. That initiative crossed a line with the sub-prime mortgage fiasco and we are paying a price in lost treasure for those excesses - but with a little common sense and good direction the economy will survive and continue to offer personal expansion.
All that is needed is for politicians to forget politics in an election year in the United States and create a rescue package that is credible - and to do is now !
Tomorrow might just be - a day too late !
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