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President-elect Barak Obama came out of the proverbial closet a short time ago  and publicly called himself a "mutt" during a press conference after saying that he and his family might get a dog for his children to take to the White House. Quite the statement for a man in his position to reveal to the news hungry press corps.

This revelation in and of itself did not cause the stock market to almost crash, the Dow Jones Industrial Average to plummet thousands of points in a single session nor force  the Big Three Auto Makers to face bankruptcy conditions for the first time in their business history.

The statement simply reiterated the fact that we as Americans are all mutts and should relish in the fact that our ancestors (also considered to be mutts in their homelands ) came to this newly  adopted land to fulfill their dreams, hopes and personal aspirations.

What these displaced immigrants lacked in breeding and pedigree they more than adequately compensated for with their courage, creativity, intelligence, faith, optimism and belief in themselves and their newly adopted homeland. The challenges they faced and the hardships they endured molded and shaped the American character of optimism and courage and hope.

A nation of mutts can effectively band together during the tough times and formulate plans of action to overcome any hurdle reality might throw in its path. A nation founded on "non-mutt criteria" tends to  circle the wagons too early in the game and starts seeking scape goats for their situation. Persecutions and pogroms become the order of the day.

These folks lack a common heritage from which to draw insight and strength and stamina for the challenge ahead. Mutts recognize one another immediately and instinctively band together for the common good and safety of all. United we stand ...divided we merely howl .

The current economic situation is indeed bleak. Companies' existences, employees livelihoods and national pride and optimism are taking a beating at home and abroad. The country is desperately looking for a savior to redeem it from financial ruin and social destruction. Legal and political and economic manoeuverings are valiantly trying to remedy the nation's woes. The spirit of the country is bombarded daily by doubt, despair and cynicism.

But a nation of mutts realizes in their hearts that situations have been bleak in previous eras and that belt tightening measures may be called upon by everyone to see this turmoil through. The mutt's toughness and pluck will allow it to again bite the bullet and realize that short term pain will eventually lead to long term gain. The tenacity of the mutt will overcome our short term hardships.

The lessons learned during this time of uncertainty will allow us to regulate our lifestyles, moderate our spending habits and formulate strategies to avoid such a scenario in the future. The lessons learned during this crisis will form our personl blueprints for future successes.