The bank bailout was serious stuff... it could have meant the collapse of everything as we know it. That is not an exaggeration, but they could have been smarter about how it was handled.
The new economic stimulus bill is virtually the government printing money for special interests and redistribution of wealth. Wisconsin Gov. Doyle envisions getting a piece so that he can balance the shortfall currently faced by the state. Never mind the fact that he refuses to cut spending. The stimulus package will also be distributed to groups that "Someone-In-Charge" will designate as "needy." It becomes a legal misuse of power where money will be taken from you and given to those who will support the current administration.
You can argue the same thing about Cheney and Haliburton contracts but it was money used to buy products and services, not pay off political groups to enhance your own power.
As for the economy, there are those who will say the simple thing to do is to cut unneeded government services and reduce taxes so people will have a bigger paycheck. The money will start to flow back into the economy. But we can't do that because it's consider "Trickle Down Economics." Why the hell should the government let you keep your own money? The problem with that is people who have no jobs or make very little money will see little benefit since the difference won't be that great. That's the argument against it but those who spout that rhetoric think those who are more well off should pay the the way for the rest.
Included in the economic stimulus bill will be programs to build some roads and bridges and other infrastructure which will create jobs but it also creates more government and waste. When FDR did as such, it greatly benefited the people who had jobs, but it really did virtually nothing for improving the economy; unemployment rates didn't turn around that much because of government policy or intervention. But we will hear great things about the people who are working and never mind the overall facts of where the rest of the money went because most of it will not be going to create jobs.
Yes, there are people out there hurting right now, but unemployment is running around, I believe 7-8%. During WWII the unemployment rate was 5% and everyone was hiring due to lack of bodies. So, it it really that bad out there overall to where we need to give the government a blank check? The masses will cluck their tongues when big shot execs take their bonuses, but they will look the other way when the government misuses it, especially when it's earmarked for political entities. I have a very big hunch much of the money will go toward labor unions rather than assisting free enterprise.
Obama is God. Shut up and stand behind him, we voted for Change, let's have no more of this partisan bickering. Do not question His authority.
I bet you all love a good rant. 😛