Jan 27 2009
Bailout:Stimulus or Pork?
The greatest danger common to most public officials is the fact that they are dealing with other people’s money. I am one, so I know. Other people’s money is always easier to spend, always. Even if President Obama and his team have the the best of intentions, waving $800 billion in front of politicians is like waving a red flag in front of a bull. Historically, it been more dangerous in front of Democratic elected officials but lately, it’s been in front of members of both parties. This situation does not bode well for those of us who are paying the bill.
What good do we derive, in our current economic situation, from bridge building projects that will not even be started for two years? The answer is none but I bet it will make good talking points for Democratic Congressmen in their home Districts right about the time the next House elections come up but its not going to help to kick-start the economy any time soon. These projects are in the stimulus package. How about a dog run in a park? How about condoms? They are both in there too along with billions of dollars of other spending that is unrelated to recovery but related to pork projects throughout the country, pet projects of the Democratic majority. This is not the change that you promised President Obama, it is the way it has been for a long time. Unless the American electorate says enough is enough, it is the way is going to continue to be. The problem is the electorate needs to pay attention and very few do. Don’t have the time. Can’t trust anyone we elect anyway. Whatever the excuse, it’s not a good enough one for this country to go further and further in debt for no good reason other than to pad individual districts with the money to keep someone in office.
The real problem is that companies/lobbyists don’t give money to politicians unless they are going to give something back. That tends to motivate them to do something in return, either through a favorable vote or a favorable project. I don’t know the solution but somehow we have to find one, or the system will never change and taxpayers will continue to pay for things we don’t need.
In the short term, the stimulus package is definitely not the answer to the problem, definitely not the answer. President Obama, you have a great opportunity to do something historic with your “historic” election. Do you have what it takes? A least one of us is really watching and really hoping that you do. I pray many of us are watching and we hold everyone to account, if they don’t do the right thing. I will never stop hoping and praying for that end.
