Sometimes there is just so much going on that it is impossible to focus on a single topic for this column. Spring is just around the corner, the fish will start to rise and, well, you get the picture. Always with the spring comes change and change is never in a short supply here in the Delta in regard to most anything. We learned a long time ago that in order to survive and prosper here, we have to adapt to changeÑsocially, politically, economically and in other ways. There are a number of changes currently taking place in the Delta and below are some of my thoughts and observations on them: • The general state of the U.S. economy is in drastic and sudden declineÑin my view, we can thank most of the country's media for this as they have played a big role in convincing America that we are in trouble. Chrysler, Dell Computers, and many other major corporations have announced deep layoffs to help control costs in the midst of soft sales. Others will follow suit. The Federal Reserve has taken steps to cut interest rates, but this will be too little too late. When wellhead prices of natural gas literally exploded several months ago, it had the effect of throwing cold water on an already softening economy. Suddenly, every household and business in the nation saw disposable income and profits disappear. Indications are that this will ease in the coming months, but it does show how clearly lacking we have been in terms of an energy policy for the last eight years. Congress and President Bush need to quickly move to allow and encourage domestic oil and gas production. The price of energy is at least as important as interest rates in the national economy. Manufacturing, transportation, agriculture, every aspect of the world we live in is impacted by the cost of energy. • Nissan supplier companies are beginning to hover above Mississippi and, thus far, seem interested in being as close to the mothership in Madison as possible. Interestingly, none of the supplier companies has actually announced where in the State they will locate. My best guess is that Nissan is working them over pretty good before they sign long term contracts. Once this takes place, these companies will be on the ground and ready to make deals. Be prepared. • Have you noticed that almost every state and local government in the nation is having a hard time making ends meet while the federal government is looking at massive surpluses? I don't think that it has anything to do with efficiency or the lack thereof. Instead, it seems clear to me that by overtaxing at the federal level, disposable income is drained out of local economies and sales tax collections dry up. A large, front-loaded federal income tax cut would not only stimulate a slowing economy but also boost sales tax collections. Just DO IT. • We have a federal Empowerment Zone. They can't count their money! One week they say they are broke and the next minute they have $10 million left to spend. WE have a new Administration, we have a new State Director of Rural Development coming on board and we might have money left for projects. The new Director of Rural Development, Nick Walters, should take a strong role in the operation of this program that has had its ups and downs. It's time to do something. Far too many negatives have come with this program and there should be no negatives associated with it at all. It is supposed to be a Delta builder, so let's get on with it or do away with it. In my column last month, I wrote about the cuts in education, particularly in workforce training. I appreciate all of you who called or dropped me a note thanking me for that column. We at the DBJ always appreciate your compliments. DBJ Scott Coopwood Publisher