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The financial rescue plan that passed the Senate tonight and is headed to the House seems to have everybody talking. In Sandy, several people are worried about the financial crisis, but instead of complaining, they're showing support in hopes Congress will get the job done.
It was just a simple gesture that Ron Fields did on Monday, but he's hoping it sends a big message. He placed a dozen American flags in front of the South Towne Ranch retirement center, where he and his wife are managers.
"And what may seem like a little thing, putting up some flags, it's a big thing. Especially when a lot of people do it," he said.
When Congress failed to come through on the first financial rescue package, Fields decided the lawmakers needed a show of patriotism and moral support. "We're just going to show a unified front. We're going to join together and show that we support our United States," he said.
Just like everyone else, residents living there have been paying close attention to the financial situation playing out in Washington, D.C. Elaine Tupper is hopeful that lawmakers will come up with a good plan. "At this point in my life, there isn't much I can do. I'm anxious," she said.
Many of the residents there have their rent payments taken directly from their annuities, IRA's or other retirement accounts. Some people fear that these accounts are losing value.
Teresa Engel says a lot of her friends are concerned. "A lot of us have our money in stocks! At our age, we depend on that."
The residents say these flags give them a sense of pride, and they agree that a patriotic message to our lawmakers certainly can't hurt. "They're working hard. We gotta back them up. I know a lot of people can't see that, but I can," Engel said.
And no matter when the financial rescue deal is done, the flags will stay up. Ron Fields said a motorist stopped in to ask what the flags were all about, and when he explained, the motorist thanked him and said it's good idea.
E-mail: kmccord@ksl.com
