Let the Rampant Spending Begin

First, this is NOT an attack on Obama. This IS an attack on democratic financial policies. As Burton Simmons says "social liberal, fiscal conservative." That's me. When it comes to money, I side with Republicans.

States are supposedly receiving their first installments of the bail out money which is about to set off some of the most rampant spending in US history. I don't think this is a good idea. Spending a ton of money and printing more money is not going to help...in fact, it has the potential to put us in a worse situation than we are in now. Inflation is going to go up and the value of the dollar will go down. Not a winning combination. We need to lower taxes and have more tax breaks for the wealthy and upper-middle class. On a dollar-by-dollar basis, these are the people that invest the most money/assets in the stock market and other investments that keep our economy going. Adding a lousy $13 to our paycheck isn't exactly going to stimulate consumer spending. I, for one, won't exactly have that feeling of "found money" with this extra $13. Better than nothing? Yes, but not really.

I applaud the state governors who will NOT be taking the bail out money or who will, at least, accept a reduced amount. The stipulations that go into taking it are going to drive this country further into the poor house. States will have to change their unemployment laws and essentially pay more and more people for unemployment. Sounds good. Problem is that as soon as the money runs out the states have to continue to fund these new unemployment laws. Result? Raise taxes or go broke. Ahhh, nothing like big government at its finest.

Finally, some of the items in this stimulus bill (now law) are ridicululous. Improving internet connection/speeds; a light rail between LA and Vegas; aid to Phillipino veterans who may or may not even live in the US. Seriously? Hey, might as well finish up that good ol' "Bridge to Nowhere" that began a few years ago. And don't forget we, the taxpayers, now have to bail out the people who lost their homes because, in their infinite wisdom, they purchased a home that was entirely beyond their means. Your fiscal irresponsibility now becomes my responsibility. Awesome.

And, with that, let the spending begin. Get ready for that extra $13 coming your way...don't spend it all in one place.