Well, America, yesterday (1/28/2009) was a horrible day. Our House of Representatives passed a stimulus package in excess of $800 billion that has no hope of stimulating this economy. What was so horrid was that both sides of the aisle wanted to spend. The Republicrats were hard at work postering, but the fact is that both would not own up and do what is really necessary for our nation. President Obama called this a great victory, but the truth is that he was caught in his first lie. The following articles illustrate what President Obama said about Pork in bills (That he would forbid it):
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28525113/
http://www.newsobserver.com/business/story/1357260.html
http://www.news-leader.com/article/20090107/NEWS07/901070414/1090/ARCHIVES
http://www.barackobama.com/issues/ethics/
http://money.cnn.com/2008/12/08/news/economy/obama_econ/index.htm?postversion=2008120806
However, the President did nothing of the sort. This stimulus package is nearly 30% pork. Do you think $200 million to rehab the National Mall will help? How about $276 million to work on the I.T. systems at the State Department? What about $50 million for the National Endowment for the Arts? There’s more–lots more– read the whole bill: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/D?c111:1:./temp/~c111VrmicF::
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/01/26/MNU515G2DD.DTL
Mr. President: You lied to me and to your fellow Americans. You promised no more pork. You lied and it seems you are only paying your friends off. You are trying to saddle my son and his children with more debt. Is this the skin you said we’d all have to put in?
Now, it is up to the Senate who seems less up to the task of actually getting us out of the recession. Personally, I like Mr. Pethokoukis’ opinions in 10 Reasons to Whack Obama’s Stimulus Plan. Don’t just nix the plan, whack it into oblivion.
I know what you are thinking: If this package is horrible, then what do YOU suggest we do?
Well, there are some very smart people out there who have been predicting this situation and they have the solution. Give a gander at these:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOyyRhJRsy8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Od6OHpdJGI
So, when will we listen? When will our government listen? I’ll hold my breath for the answer.