Who do we blame? They’re all equally guilty!

Last year I paid nearly $25,000 in federal and state taxes, yet I made too much money to receive any part of the “economic stimulus”.  You know, these were the checks that even welfare recepients were receiving. I couldn’t even receive my children’s portion of the stimulus package. However a family member, who works minimum wage jobs by choice, received nearly $8,000 dollars back on his 2008 tax return.

In 2009, our nation will spend well over nineteen BILLION dollars on pork barrel projects.  For those of you who haven’t yet had a senator or representative call you to explain what a pork barrel project is, here’s a brief explanation.  According to Wikipedia, “The term pork barrel politics usually refers to spending that is intended to benefit constituents of a politician in return for their political support, either in the form of campaign contributions or votes.” Please take time to visit Citizens Against Government Waste to learn more about pork barrel spending.

In 2009, our government will have spent, and will continue to spend, more money to “save” mismanaged and poorly run business than we have ever spent as a nation for any program, package, venture or war.  Washington almost seems happy that they think they see the proverbial “light at the end of the tunnel”.  My fellow Americans, don’t get your hopes up.  Pump a few TRILLION dollars into any economy and you better see a light coming from somewhere.  I personally think the light they’re seeing is God looking down from above with utter disdain for the complete lack of accountability for our hard-earned tax dollars.

Regardless of who may be for or against the bailout, what happens when it comes time to pay this money back?  Go buy $50,000 worth of anything you want and charge it to several credit cards.  I’m sure your perceived quality of life will be much better for about three months.  Then you realize that you can’t make your monthly payments and the credit card company decides it’s time to take your house in lieu of payment.  So, before you take my advice and spend $50,000 you don’t have, just say “NO”.  Debt must be repaid.  It’s simple economics and just because you may think you’re in charge or you’re creating debt for the right reason, it won’t go away!

The government, neither Republicans or Democrats, care much about the individual taxpayer or our struggle to provide for ourselves and our families.  Although I tend to believe that the Republicans typically have a better program, they’re just as guilty as the democrats.  We can raise our voices in unison and protest outside the highest offices in the land, but who’s listening?  And, how long before this right is taken from us.  Does a Socialist Government permit freedom of expression? Will we still have the right to assemble?  I’ve rather enjoyed all my years under a democratic government.  Please Mr. President, don’t change the rules.

Until our government realizes that it is in fact a business and must operate accordingly, the citizens of this great nation will continue to suffer.  As a business, our government must decrease spending, reduce the size of the government, eliminate pork barrel spending, re-evaluate foreign aid, restructure the welfare system and return part of my $25,000 I gave them last year so I can spend it.

Please read these posts for more about Gator’s recommendations for economic growth.

www.nakedgator.com/politics-politicians/government-bailout/

www.nakedgator.com/politics-politicians/2012-election/

Love you all, stay safe and never give up hope!