Happy New Year.

I’m sure all of us want 2010 to be better than 2009, seeing economic gains, higher levels of employment, continued good or better health and the ability to travel safely.

Hopefully the gains the stock market has made will hold, and most importantly continue. Although I’m a very small investor, I have never given up on the market. History proves it’s a good place to invest. My strategy has always been the same: Look for a solid company, purchase it and forget it.

Especially while the market was down, I was approached by employees, stating they need to do something with their retirement account. Since I never make suggestions on what investments to purchase, my advice is simple.

If you feel you must do something, do it. But remember, presently you only have a paper loss. Once you sell your investment(s), you have a real loss. The only time holding an investment might not be a good idea, is when you own something that will never come back.

A Little Warm in Here?

With the attempted terrorist attack, health care has been pushed to the back burner. However, it will be heating up soon. I just hope that whatever the politicians we have sent to Washington do, they will come up with something that helps rather than causes more problems, which I suspect will be the case.

Just prior to Christmas I ended up in the hospital, having to use the emergency room and then being admitted for surgery. I must say that every step along the way, the service and care I received was outstanding. In the emergency room, I never went more than ten minutes without someone checking on me. In the hospital, the nurses and other caregivers were compassionate and accommodating.

My surgeon was outstanding, spending much time explaining all my options and the consequences of my ultimate decision, which was to have my gallbladder removed before another attack.

The same was true on the day of my discharge. In great detail, the doctor reviewed what I should expect and how I would feel. I just hope this level of service will continue under the Obama Health Care Plan. I have my doubts.

With the actions taken by our Senators, I guess bribery is now an acceptable practice. In the past, I have read about business owners getting into trouble by offering to pay someone to attract new business. With the passage of health care reform by the Senate, this must no longer be a criminal activity. Some Senators were paid well to get their vote. Is it possible bribery is still a criminal activity and we have criminals in the Senate? Why isn’t our President speaking out against this kind of corruption? Or is it health care reform at any price?

Towards the end of this month I will be going on a trip, which will require flying. I wonder what kind of security measures will be in place at that time. Last year both my brother-in-law and I were singled out for a thorough search, getting the wand treatment, pat-down and having our luggage searched. The whole process was quick, painless and I consider it a part of the flying experience.

This time, if they want to do a full body scan, so be it. I have nothing to hide. Sure, it might be a little embarrassing, knowing someone is probably smiling or even having a good laugh. But it will be comforting to know that possibly there isn’t someone on the plane with a bomb or weapon.

In my opinion, our country has far too many department heads, each trying to cover their butts. If we had one person in charge of security, possibly all the “dots” would get connected. What an excuse for a breakdown, Mr. Obama. Heads should have rolled, but that could imply our President picked the wrong person(s) for the job and he would be the last to admit that, even if he has made a number of bad placements.

Life is too short to live in fear. Enjoy the year.

Mr. Hennessey may be contacted at pmhenn@sbcglobal.net