Pit Bulls and Billions
I admit it! I am obsessed with the bailout as proposed by the Bush administration and the nonsense around this presidential campaign. I just don’t understand why people are not absolutely outraged by it all. How and when did these private business/government conversations take place, and why is our first exposure to “the financial crisis” in the form of a public burden? And I am sorry, but the rhetoric isn’t working for me.
Here is how I see it. The financial sector creates a derivative scheme (yes, I use the word deliberately). The money supply is artificially expanded in hopes that appreciation will protect their speculation. The plan fails, they are left holding paper that has no value and no one left to buy it. The Bush administration says, “I know, let’s get the tax payers to buy it! And let’s not just bail out our own financial sector, let’s help out the world’s other banks that are involved. Let’s make the public burden $700 BILLION!”
So, our budget is 3 TRILLION. We now add another TRILLION. But wait! There is no increase in productivity and the Republicans promise not to raise taxes. Hmmm, I think I am missing something. Doesn’t this make the ‘bad Democrat’s tax increase’ pretty much pale in comparison? Can’t you boys and pit bulls find something more believable to run against?
Ah yes, let’s talk about the conservative way. It’s all about the constitution, free market and civil liberties. Freedom, prosperity, smaller government. Excuse me, but I just blew a giant bubble out my nose! Are you kidding me?! Ever heard of the Patriot Act, the new and bloated Homeland Security Agency, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and now $700 BILLION Bailout? Let’s not forget seizure of Telco customer records, the discussion of what type of torture is acceptable, and lying to the Congress and the American people about the Iraq War.
What is it going to take for people to get it?! Maybe a new reality TV show that exposes its viewers to the REALITY of this party. I don’t mean to sound cynical, but these are cynical times. We have got to look beyond the rhetoric and find the facts.
Please, wake up America!
