Welcome to Brave New World, And It's Already Broke

Apparently, Citigroup is still too big to fail, but not so savvy, as to actually be able to conduct business. This is reminding me of the old saying, "The bigger they are, the harder they fall." And we the people get to catch them! So, the government is aiming for what 35 or 40 percent ownership. That's getting just a bit too invested for my taste. Not to mention, we the people are supposed to be the ones that determine what the government is doing. Isn't it great that the republicans a few years ago, harped and harangued about the difference between a republic and a democracy and the US is a republic, which is a representative form of government. That means the people in a republic elect people to make the decisions. In a democracy, the decisions are made by the majority of the people. Which is not referred to as "mob rule." See how the insistence to nitpick and split hairs has worked out now! So now that we tax payers are part owner of Citigroup, what gives? It's about to hit the value of dollar stock anyway. I would really like our government to stop investing in losing propositions, and there have been a list of them.
I like this latest Pontius Pilate President. He says no mileage tax, but Congress, his own party, is going to go ahead and draw up some sort of proposal. Are you ready for this big idea and the reason behind it? With vehicles with better gas mileage as required from the Big Three, the fuel tax being collected is not as large a sum as is needed, so now it's time to tax the drivers by the mile, or that's the latest brain storm out of Washington. We all would have GPS technology installed in our vehicles and then simply be taxed for our mileage. This concept isn't even thinly veiled, it's in our face, containment and tracking. Enough, all ready. The US government actually appears to now be openly aspiring to the full title of Big Brother. Track our money, track our miles, and record our Walmart purchases.
So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; which taketh away the life of the owners thereof. a Proverb

Fairness Doctrine

I've decided I would truly enjoy and appreciate the Fairness doctrine. The reasons are simple. First, there is Dr. Dean Edell, then there are all those talking heads on both sides of the aisle and the prosperity preachers. The Fairness Doctrine would open the air waves to someone like me to have pretty much a 12 hour show 7 days a week. Of course, there are more than just myself that disagree with the above listed, so, in all fairness, I would be happy to share that time with them. The fairness doctrine offers something that I don't think too many folks have considered. Oh, I know the right wing extremists are worried that they will lose some of their precious Rush and Sean time, but clearly in this capitalistic society, these two guys would not have the big, big contracts they recently signed if the powers that be, were going to make them share. Besides, speaking of fairness, Sean doesn't have Alan Colmes any more, so in all fairness, Sean's opinion is still broadcast for the same period of time, without any opposing view . . . After all these years of both sides, how fair is that? See, if there was a fairness doctrine, then those of us who are telling people to give up their dependence, on both sides of the aisle would be guaranteed some air time, also. There are non-socialist, non-capitalistic people out here in this world, and we deserve a voice, also. And these prosperity Christian ministers would have to move over and give the simple itinerant Bible believers equal time. And as for Dr. Dean Edell. I think, most anything he is promoting, I'm against, and anything he argues, I whole heartedly believe in. Wouldn't life be great in my world, if I and the people that believe what I believe, got equal time with these guys?
Why does it seem that the biggest opponents of the Fairness Doctrine simply sound as if they value editorialized information, calling it news, and cannot abide a challenging perspective?
He who pleads his cause first seems right; Until another comes and questions him.

I Just Don't Understand . . .

Political cartoons are outrageous. We are a nation of absolutely no respect for our leaders or a nation with leaders lacking respectability. There have been some pretty questionable comments and cartoons, as of late, and of course Al Sharpton says an apology is not enough. But then, is anything ever enough for Al? He absolutely exemplifies the very thing he claims to be standing against. How many years have we heard that a reference that lumps all blacks in the same mindset is racist, and I whole-heartedly agree with that sentiment. Yet Al Sharpton just continues to speak for all the people of color, with a single voice of so called oneness. I don't think all people of color are the same, why does he? Considering most Americans now believe in evolution, although I don't, the monkey reference would pretty much be a nonracial statement, but offensive, rather, to those that believe in creation. Isn't it about time to realize evolution is a racial slur against the human race? Now, back to the cartoons and commentary in poor taste, and they undoubtedly, are. But I recall a few pictures that went around the internet referencing the previous administration. Where was Al, when this went on? Where was the outrage?

And G~D said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion . . . Torah of Holy Scripture

First National Bank to First Nationalized Bank???

As we debate the economy and the solution, I'd like to point out the fact that the United States government should be the last entity to straighten out the banking industry. Our government has not been solvent in, well, ever. Historically, everytime the leader in the government decided more money was needed, taxes were raised. The problem with this plan now is, even if taxes are increased, with the current unemployment situation, there are fewer pay checks being written, thus limiting the sum total for withholding tax. And as someone that has lived frugally within my means since my twenties, I don't really feel as generous as our government appears to. I have no desire to offer a bailout or even have concern for that matter, if a bank or the CEO is failing. I would, however; be happy to teach him how to live more modestly, and I would be willing to do that at no charge, even for the Wall Street types. And I don't really have a great deal of compassion for people who refuse to live within their means and always have an excuse or a request. I, also would be happy to teach them how to live within more modest means. Whether it's begging at the bank, the government, the church, or the local food kitchen, it kind of boils down to the same thing on all levels. People want to live more extravagantly than they can support, and when they finally exhaust all their options, they seem to think the rest of us should take care of them. I don't mind helping, but from the looks of things, throwing more money at the problem isn't helping. A government that is taxing the wage earners, and then promising more than is coming in, clearly indicates printing more money doesn't work and has not worked twice, now. Bankers that were unable to stay solvent, and cannot account for $350B dollars, certainly do not need more money to lose or mishandle. And for those that borrowed more than they could repay and used their homes as collateral for more debt, really don't place the same value that I do, for a roof over their heads, so why is our government going to insist that the rest of us pick up their mortgage debt?
Teaching people from Washington DC to Wall Street to the food pantry how to better manage money and not count on other's money would be the place we really need to start.
If our banks cannot rally, rather than nationalize them, perhaps it just time to find a new system for our commerce and a different way to exchange products and service.
And G~D said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself . . . History contained in Holy Scripture

Finishing a Project

I'm just a little concerned about all this infrastructure remodeling, which is slated to both rebuild the roads and provide jobs for millions of Americans. I'm also a bit unsettled about the fact that, not even 100 days after inauguration, this is already referred to as President Obama's first term. He has big plans for 2013. From what I've seen of his political career, he always has big plans. I read at one site, when he was a little boy in Indonesia, the children were to write a paper about what they wanted to be when they grew up, and amidst "doctor, pilot, etc." Mr. Obama was reported to have written, he wanted to be president. I have no idea if Indonesia had a president as their country's leader, but if he did write it, I find it interesting, since up to that point, he'd spent virtually no time on the mainland of America.
On to the real point of this blog, today, though. As I read his bio, I noticed the odd lengths of time for his terms served and did a bit more digging. First, he served seven years in the Illinois State Senate, resigning to serve in the US Senate, then of course, he resigned from the US Senate to move to the White House. In the middle of one of his state senate terms, he made an unsuccessful bid for the US House of Representatives. I realize he's ambitious, but he also quits before the term is up.
What happens when all the bridges are under construction, and the roads are barreled, our economy tanks, and he gets a better offer somewhere? Who knows, if there is a better position to hold, than President of the US, but if an offer comes along, will he just resign here too? With all this globalization, the North American Pac, and he did campaign in Europe??? Maybe there will be an offer for President of the North American Continent, or even the world. And what will happen? I can see it. Unfinished Bridges, suspended in mid air, half completed, going nowhere. Roads barricaded, blocked, and heavy equipment sitting on what was supposed to be the new shoulder. I realize ambition is a wonderful trait, but so is finishing what you begin, and so far, his bio doesn't indicate that to be one of his many outstanding qualities.
and since that time even until now hath it been in building, and yet it is not finished. a Prophet of Holy Scripture

Wall Street to Main Street

This is yet another short blog. Although we have chosen to define the "Great Depression" by men jumping out of windows on Wall Street. Have we considered the number of men that have "shot up" Main Street, over job loss and foreclosures? If our government hadn't opted to bailout Wall Street a few months ago, and now this last stimulus to bail out those that are poverty stricken, is anyone paying any attention to the general working class, formerly known as the middle class? The only way to adjoin the GREED of Wall Street with the never ending NEED of those that want to be on Main Street is to combine them in one of two ways, which I believe is defined as a stimulus bill. One for the Wall Street by a republican president and one for those scrambling to get up to Main Street by a democrat president. Unfortunately, for the working middle class, both bills landed on them, and the working middle class is shrinking. Meanwhile, the men that have been working for the American dream, day in and day out, are making the headlines regularly as they lose their jobs, get served foreclosure notices, and take a gun to their family and themselves. They aren't jumping out of the windows on Wall Street, the government will take care of them, and those on assistance will be tended to, but if we pay attention, we would realize, the working class is, in fact, already experiencing the Great Depression. Losing a job and house today, is really basically the same as losing the farm in 1933.
Better is a little with righteousness, than great wealth with wrongdoing. a Proverb of Holy Scripture

Mandatory Volunteerism

I knew we would have this interesting dichotomy in the Obama administration, but I had no idea where it would first be introduced. And by first be introduced, I have no doubt, much more mandatory volunteerism will be enacted and legislated. Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack has stated that we need country of origin label on the meat. Okay, I think that makes sense, considering how many countries are mad at us and considering the various safety standards set forth in food preparation and preservation. We've watched for how many years as Japan has expected America to jump through hoops to sell beef? I say let the Americans buy beef from American ranchers. Then they wouldn't have to get NAIS and all that mess, but then, perhaps there is just as much pressure here at home for the rancher to have to jump through hoops.
But that is another rant, back to Tom. He says he would like the meat packing industry to comply voluntarily, so he doesn't have to make it mandatory. That sounds mandatory, either way, or simply more businesses on their way out, here in America. If the meat packers don't comply, then there is legislation. When there is legislation, there is expense, and when there is expense, there are some businesses that cannot meet that expense and others that meet that expense, by eliminating some of the payroll. We don't need to import beef, we've got the best ranch land on the planet and if someone in another country would like some beef, they can ask nicely and quit making so many demands. And if we don't meet their requirements and there are no international requests, then we'll just raise beef according to American demand and knock off all this regulatory nonsense. It's all this regulation that's just about got me ready to give up on beef, certainly not the rancher and the meat packers. Wouldn't it be so much simpler to just stop the importing and exporting and eat home grown beef here at home? And maybe if we could just begin by taking care of our own responsibilities, there wouldn't be so much need for mandatory volunteerism. Wow! Imagine, the opportunity to just do the right thing because a person wanted to just do the right thing . . .
And Abraham ran unto the herd, and fetched a calf tender and good, and gave it unto a young man; and he hasted to dress it. Torah of Holy Scripture

More Economic Stimuli !!!

Well we have yet another stimulus bill. I realize those on the red side of the aisle will always remember this day in history as the day President Obama ruined the American economy and crushed the middle class. Well, I remember just five short months ago, President Bush signed a very similar bill, only it made the Wall Street Executives, welfare recipients. What no one seems to understand, is the fact that America is combining the worst of Fascism and Socialism in less than 5 months, and there will be no recovery from that! We are literally sealing our fate with money "hot off the presses." Making paper that resembles a gold or silver certificate of days gone by, does not strengthen the economy, it actually weakens it. As I read the headlines, I have to say. The USA Patriot Act did not make me feel more safe, and the two recent Economic Stimulus Bills have certainly not made me feel financially secure. I'm just sorry for all the people that bought into the HOPE and CHANGE mantra of the Obama campaign. Turns out, it was simply more of the same.
What was the reason for the signing of this bill in Denver? Was there any reason, other than Air Force One is "one spiffy ride?"
He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want. a Proverb of Holy Scripture

Some Interesting Similarities

I must say this CHANGE seems so familiar. It's almost deja vu. I seem to remember nearly 9 years ago, that the president at that time truly rallied the base against him, and that animosity propelled the other party into the White House. Fast forward to, well, the campaign was much longer and completely more expensive, but the dissatisfaction with the administration also gave way to the recent election of the other party, and with that we now have many of the same faces back in leadership, that were there over 8 years ago. I think what is really standing out to me, is the base of constituents of both of these men. I mean the die hard, forever faithful base that believe whatever either of these men do, is nearly hallowed. Of course, it's a different group of people for each of these men, but the loyalty is amazingly similar. And the ease and style in which these men reached for the acquisition of total power, bears many of the same characteristics. Three weeks after President Obama took office, he began his tough scare tactics to bully Congress into signing his blank check . . . and it worked. Remember three weeks after 9/11 and the USAPatriot Act? We're all still living with the myriad of complications written in that mess, not to mention the continual erosion of our rights and privacy. I just can't help but wonder what all is wrapped neatly in the economic stimulus bill that is to be signed this week, and how long we will continue to be discovering the actual far reaching consequences. Realizing between Directive 51, HR 645, and some Military Commission Act of 2006, all of which can and will be enforced at the whim and power of FEMA. FEMA, the Federal Execution of Martial law & Acquisition. Another gift of the USA Patriot Act, that will continue to give and will take over at any time. I'm not sure it's a good idea that any leader in our country can make decisions of such long lasting consequences while they are obviously overwrought with the fear they are espousing, that is if they actually believe what they are telling us. Whether it's terrorists or economic collapse, I think our leaders just like fearful followers. Perhaps fear inspires blind faith . . .
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. New Testament

Big Government and Bankruptcy

Now, as our economy gets more political and the greed defies explanation, we can clearly see it's a downward spiral and the landing will be a thud. There are a couple of key issues I read about today, that were apparent before the change of command. First, the BailOut a.k.a. TARP, was a ruse, and for the most part everyone but the faithful few, could see that. It was nothing more than a bunch of executives getting bonuses to have done a lousy job. Then they attempted to explain away our lack of understand of the term bonus, as more of a commission. Well if someone earned a $22M commission, I would think that company would be sitting pretty, especially since these guys are only selling; paper, air, and ideas . . . There is no wholesale investment, but I digress. On to the banks, who took their money and sat on it, or spent it to acquire another bank, but when they got their taxpayer loan, the last thing they were going to do was loan anything to we the common taxpayer. Then there were the car guys, who have never in all the years of car making, made a substantial profit from January through March. People don't, as a rule, enjoy car shopping in the snow and cold, and money is tight after the holidays and before tax refunds, so . . . When these CEOs agreed to pay back an outrageous sum of money in 90 days from December-something, I knew that had all the earmarks of bankruptcy. What I didn't think about, was that the government was now a stockholder and therefore could actually push the plan of bankruptcy, then turn around and have their TARP buddies, the first in line to collect. Remember when supposedly somebody was watching out for the taxpayers interest? Now we're just watching them throw monopoly money back and forth. And now there are even bigger plans in the works. Now that the Secretary of the Treasury knows he can just print kajillions of dollars and because he's the government, it's legal, there's no end to the potential plans. So there are plans for the private sector, [a.k.a. the big boys that are too big to fail], to invest, with some government backing, in the bad debt of the banks, along with, of course, we the foreclosed upon taxpayers, a.k.a. public sector. I'm not an accountant, but I think I have this straight. Congress, got their raise in January and the lobbyists are still doing well. The biggest banks that got the biggest portion of the TARP will now get a half trillion dollar "investment" by the private sector, plus the rest of the government bailout TARP, to clear their books of the bad loans. Anyway, you figure this, if the government backs any part of this, it's at the taxpayers expense. They don't have to account for all the money they've already received or why they are not loaning any money. They can just clear the bad debt, that they have been collecting on, until they foreclosed, and hey, they can have some more money, too! And if that's not enough, there's always the "public sector" a.k.a. taxes. My grandson is not yet seven, and this won't be paid off in his lifetime, that is, if there is even an American currency by the time he's an adult.
I have an idea. I think it's time to treat government like any other business that is failing and having money management problems. We need to realize, the American government is in the business of manufacturing expenses! Certainly not a product needed at a time like this! It's time to start handing out pink slips and cutting costs. This is a recession, after all!
But the people took of the spoil . . . History in Holy Scripture

Clearly Time and Money Mean Nothing

And some say "time is money!" I've been reading about the Spendulus Bill, as this one is called by Republicans. Funny, it wasn't called that when President Bush implemented a similar amount to go to the big boys on Wall Street and the banks. As you know, I am no great fan of President Bush, except, I want him to entertain at my next barbecue. But his punctuality is admirable, to a point. I think his punctuality was fraught with a bit of pressure, but that's just my opinion. I think anyone's timing that puts pressure on others is just a little stressful, but I do have more respect for someone that is punctual than someone that is perpetually late. And I have about the same opinion for someone who is generous with other people's money, or men that throw money around, while their wife just stands there, completely disregarded. Which brings me to our current President. Someone that is perpetually late has an issue. I know, because in some areas, I qualify for this label, and in the areas I don't qualify, I married someone that does. Perpetually late means one of three things. 1. Lack of organization. 2. The appointment is not a priority or commitment. 3. Arrogance. We all know someone that thinks the world is waiting on them and nothing can happen until they arrive. Whether it is a date or a President . . . I think those of us that do respect other's time should be headed out the door, as they are finally making their entrance. My times of being late were a clear indication that the particular obligation was not a priority in my life. It bordered on procrastination, which is truly not my style, and ultimately resulted in putting in an appearance. It was not acceptable behavior on my part, and is clearly not acceptable for the President of the United States. And so for those committees and civil gatherings that I dreaded and truly did not care about, I respectfully resigned from participation. Public service is not mandatory at this time, although I hear our President is leaning toward something in that direction. I hope he realizes the rest of us will be keeping Obama time for our volunteer hours. I have watched a number of men throw money at situations and think they are investing in respect. Well, I've seen it get none from the receiver, and quite grand disrespect from the joint account holder. It would be terribly inappropriate to declare aloud, "What an idiot!" I could think it, however; and did, on several occasions throughout my life. I really was hoping for more in our President, than a man that would put in a casual appearance when he got around to it, and to scare us into giving more money to our government, which will ultimately give Activist Administrators and Infrastructure Contractors the same cushion or parachute, President Bush gave the Wall Street CEOs.
Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded . . . New Testament

More Scare Tactics

Just more NO change. I do not like being told we have everything to fear, all the time from our leader in Washington. Clearly it makes no difference which side of the aisle or how hopeful the former candidate is, it would appear that whomever wins the office is going to use fear tactics to push through an agenda. I don't like it, not one little bit. I know, if someone doesn't vote, they aren't supposed to complain, but honestly if there had been a viable choice, perhaps I would have. At any rate, after writing in for the past several elections, I still complained and I shall again. I will not let this slide, now, not after complaining about all of the fear tactics the previous administration used, to get "we the people" to knuckle under. I do have two thoughts for all the politicians. If the economic problem is so bad that it takes two nearly trillion dollar stimulus plans within 4 months, it's clearly sinking faster than the US mint's printing press can run. Which brings me to the other point. If printing former President's faces and famous statesman on paper actually provides the solution, it really isn't much of a problem, now is it . . . Either way, if we're going down for the count, printing extra paper won't help, and if the powers that be are simply trying to push an agenda of ruthless power, then the help that's being forced upon us, isn't really help.
Ye shall not therefore oppress one another; but thou shalt fear thy G~D: for I am YHVH your G~D. Torah of Holy Scripture

Sibling Business

I find it rather curious that George Obama's arrest in Kenya is supposed to somehow be tied to President Obama. Clearly both men are of legal age, not to mention on entirely different continents. Family dirt has become a real source of mud to sling through political campaigns and I just don't understand it. All right, if it's the politician's kids that are pulling shenanigans, that's a different matter, because the kids are a product of their parent's instruction and example, but siblings, cousins, aunts and uncles . . . get real. People make their own choices. Besides, I think legislating a plant created by our Creator, is just pretty arrogant on the part of any lawmaker. Usurping authority over our Creator . . . I wouldn't want to be in their shoes, come Judgment Day. I also find it odd that it's a big deal that George had pot in Kenya, and Barrack wrote in his book about doing cocaine, which is clearly illegal. Looks to me like George is just in the wrong country. I understand now how American is the land of opportunity.
Busted with pot in Kenya can get you in the headlines. Writing about doing cocaine in America can get you in the White House.
He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man . . . a Psalm of Holy Scripture

Beyond Chutzpah!

Aren't you getting just a little bit tired of all the special events, we the people are funding and reading about? I know I am. And what about all these would be appointments for government positions that can't manage to pay their taxes? Can you imagine telling a governmental bureaucrat from the IRS, "Oops, it was an oversight." It looks like President Obama has as thorough a vetting team for Cabinet Posts as John McCain had for VP. The government has access to my Google Searches, come on, don't tell me, they can't find out who paid their taxes and who doesn't know the difference between gifts and favors and income. But then, on the other hand, as long as it's the favored party of choice, the people will rally, anyway. The far right still loves Sarah, and the President hasn't hurt himself with his loyal followers.
And let's talk about these banks and mortgage lenders, partying on our money. I think it's always amazing that when they get caught partying, that the party money was not part of the BailOut. You know, if you've got the money set aside to party, you grow up and pay your bills, before or instead of the party. One of them actually had the audacity to say they had to do this for their investors. Hey folks, I didn't get an invitation, and thanks to the TARP, I am now an investor. I heard the most outrageous excuse the other morning. It was explained by some Wall Street Muckity-muck that the bonuses weren't really what we understand a bonus to be, they were actually more like commissions. Well Mr. Wall Street Muckity-muck, if you have employees selling enough of whatever you sell to earn a several million dollar commission, which is only a percentage of the actual sale, why in the world do you need a BailOut? Now you guys are doing just what VP Cheney used to do. Pour a bucket of water on our heads and tell us it's raining. Back up! Can you imagine if we average citizens tried all these con jobs, somewhere, anywhere? Didn't Martha go to jail for a lot less? These high rollers, compare in my mind, to somebody calling the phone company and said, I just can't pay all the 900 numbers I dialed this month, but when I get back from my Mediterranean cruise, I'll give you a call and we'll set up some sort of installment plan. I think we all know what would happen to the phone service, and I'm sure they would be seeing someone in court. This is an outrage! We need to fire all the politicians, there should be no career politicians and the ones that promise change are just making me tired. I'm tired of change and mavericks and blah, blah, blah, you betcha. If the banks can't do any better than this, go back to the barter system. With the barter system, we can all live like politicians and not have to worry about those pesky taxes.
He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor. a Proverb of Holy Scripture

It Really Just Depends Upon Who Gets the Money . . .

I received some "Bible vote" e-mails from a religious insurance agent, before the National Election. I had a real problem with his messages for three reasons. One, I don't know where elections are mentioned in Scripture. Two, I don't know where insurance and faith are compatible, other than what is legally required, and the third problem I had was the huge AIG banner at the close of his correspondence. I sent him a reply and mentioned something about our hard earned money going to AIG BailOut/Retreat/Bonuses; and I like to think I influenced the removal of the banner. I don't know, though. At any rate, I also informed him that his attempt to politically influence me, by claiming religious authority was unappreciated and unnecessary. The correspondence stopped for awhile, but yesterday one appeared again. I've decided to go ahead and post just a bit of a previous one and the recent one. I was tempted to use his full name and give his business info, but I thought better of that idea. So Mark, I'm getting that information passed along, just like you asked in your e-mails!
Obviously, this is one of several that came prior to the National Election.
Topic Vote the Bible!!
We are not talking as the Democratic Party, The Republican Party, Green Party, Independent Party, or the Pity Party. Wake Up and Know that: . . .
Be Certain to Vote, but be sure to “Vote The Bible”!















Now Yesterday, I received this from the same guy.

Billions of your tax dollars in possible subsidies for ACORN? $50 million for the National Endowment of the Arts? Billions of dollars more for other liberal pet projects?
What exactly are our elected leaders doing? On Wednesday, the House of Representatives voted largely along party lines to pass the so-called "Obama stimulus bill."
But the only thing the bill will stimulate is BIG GOVERNMENT. It does very little to accomplish its stated purpose, which is to create jobs and stimulate the struggling economy . . .
And what exactly is in this so-called stimulus bill?
$1.1 billion for Amtrak;
$50 million for the National Endowment for the Arts;
$400 million for NASA to conduct climate change research;
$300 million for Americorps;
$1 billion for the Census;
$400 million for localities to buy “green” buses;
$650 million for the Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Program;
$600 million for the acquisition of “green” cars;
$7.7 billion for the Federal Buildings Fund; . . .

Rather than attempting to grow government, this RSC sponsored legislation attempts to remove government from the equation and give the free market a much needed boost.
Some of the provisions of the RSC legislation include:
A 5% across the board reduction in individual income taxes.
Increasing the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $5,000 per year.
Making permanent the 15% tax rate on capital gains and dividends.
Repealing the Alternative Minimum Tax on individuals.
Making all withdrawals from IRAs tax- and penalty-free during 2009.
Increasing tax deductions for student loans and other education expenses.

My question is two fold. I realize there is more on the agenda than mentioned above, but the list presented for the proposed spending according to my calculations is only a fraction of what was given to the banking industry and big business such as AIG. My other observation. Why didn't "the right guys" offer the solution listed above, just a few months ago, rather than give banking and big business over $700B, to spend as they pleased?

Maybe it's time for the truly discerning to see that true concern for the taxpaying citizens doesn't rest on either side of the aisle, and above all, perhaps we should stop throwing G~D's Word around for political influence. Our government is an out of control, insatiable beast.
. . . insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. New Testament