what’s happening to our country and our county?

By Joe Karl
jkarl@theheraldnewspapers.com

published: September 26 2008 11:43 AM updated:: October 02 2008 11:28 AM

Watching TV and checking the headlines and perusing the internet, it’s plain to see that the financial fundamentals are in turmoil.

But is it affecting us and if so, how?

The first and most visible signs locally were the major slow downs of residential construction.

Some say all construction has slowed.

Then the talk of increased interest homeowners were going to be faced with would cause many foreclosures.

Home sales took a nose dive, so did their values.

The price of oil went through the roof causing gas prices to jump out of site.

Truck and SUV sales came to a halt.

Then trouble started on Wall Street.

Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae hit the skids.

AIG faces bankruptcy.

The President and Senate are at odds regarding the bailout. Many have concerns about writing a blank check.

The Presidential Debate hit a snag.

The majority of car tags on the streets in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville are from Tennessee rather. Very few tourists.

The businesses in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville are now reaching out to the local markets as the gas crunch has hit home.

They figure that locals would be more willing to take a mini vacation locally rather than spending the big bucks.

Marriage licenses are down.

General income for the cities and Sevier County are also down.

What’s up is the cost of most everything we buy.

Except for vehicles and homes, for which you are going to need stellar credit.

Remember, “Cash is King”.

For the savvy investors, the time to take advantage of the bargains might be just around the corner.

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User Comments

#1 Jeff Schoenfield commented, on September 26, 2008 at 1:51 p.m.:

You couldn't be more right! There is coming soon an opportunity of a lifetime for those with the required cast iron nerves. For more information regarding our local real estate market please see our blog at www.gatlinburg.blogspot.com

#2 Well.. commented, on October 3, 2008 at 10:34 a.m.:

People like you Joe is what is happening!

#3 mr facts commented, on October 4, 2008 at 11:08 p.m.:

i read that 79% of Americans have a credit scort below 595 right now. thanks mr president

#4 to #3 commented, on October 5, 2008 at 2:14 a.m.:

It's because of people like you....that live way beyond your means. I'm glad I'm above the 79%.

If Nobama gets in, then all of "his people" will drain the economy even more. That's all Democrats do is look for a free government handout. Suck the governmental tit until it runs dry.

#5 wake up commented, on October 6, 2008 at 11:21 p.m.:

Obama has terrorists for friends, there is proof of it. He attended a Muslim church where his pastor of many years spoke bad of American people, even saying "G-D America!" in the church. Now Obama has quit attending that church, after realizing the votes that it would cost him. A Black Panther member pulled strings to get Obama into Harvard University. If everyone would do their research on this man before voting, he wouldn't stand a chance. If he goes in office the people are going to wish they never heard his name. Check out his activist friend Ayer. I have issues with Mccain too, but I'm not afraid that he will turn the country over a little at a time to terrorists after taking away our rights to bare arms in our homes for protection. People need to be on the streets using their freedom of speech on this one before it is too late. Do the research. I've watched the debates, and am amazed at the faces of his supporters with their smiles. I'm convinced more than ever of the amount of idiots in this world, or are they from another planet called naive.

#6 to #4 and 5 commented, on October 16, 2008 at 11:09 p.m.:

you two make a couple of boobs
obama will win so learn to like it. he will be a great president. republican/baptist a useless breed

#7 Yahoo a couple of boobs! commented, on October 18, 2008 at 10:48 a.m.:

Yahoo a couple of boobs!

Ah political rhetoric that we all can relate to.