Is the economy improving?

If it is, it’s certainly hard to tell.

Last week, 32 workers at Fineline Industries – East, one of the most unique businesses in the region, became the latest to find out how tough the economy is at this point.

Despite their best efforts, Fineline had to consolidate their operation into one site and, because of extenuating circumstances, that location in Merced, California.

The good news is Fineline loves eastern North Carolina and Woodland and intend to keep their essentials right here with plans for reopening when times are better.

Our nation continues to struggle and the numbers we see on television sometimes sound sad, but don’t move us. As the statistics become actual people in our neighborhoods, our churches, our families they become more real.

It seems many times the leaders of this great country spend too much time worrying about things that don’t matter. One popular discussion now is whether or not the economic implosion is the fault of the previous administration.

What difference does that really make? What matters is we’re here, now – in this moment with this set of circumstances.

It matters not what happened to cause it while we’re in the middle of the battle. We’ll have time to look over those factors once the war is over.

Our focus now should be the men, women and children who are trying desperately to figure out how to eat, live indoors and having running water.

Now is not the time to point fingers of blame, argue over semantics or even hold bi-partisan debate. It is a time to work together, find solutions and make sure we take care of our own.

It is our own – American men, women and children – who are losing their homes, their automobiles and their livelihood.