Why is the government thinking about bailing people out of their subprime mortgages? Yeah, I understand the financial implications to the economy if we foreclose on a million homes. But is bailing people out for making bad decisions going to help us in the future?
The more I think about our tax code the more I realize the government wants us to spend all our money. The proposed rebate or whatever it's being called to stimulate the economy aptly illustrates the point. The government is willing to give us back our own money, well thaaank yoooouuuuu (sarcasm_off), in hopes that we'll promptly turn around and spend it to bolster a flagging economy. It's also why I believe a consumption tax, also called a fair tax, will never be implemented. I think it's a great idea, but it would encourage people to save as you would only be taxed on the money you spend. If people actually saved instead of spending, the short term effect would likely hurt the economy in a big way. On the other, long term people would have even more money to spend. But with our short term focus in this country (can we even look past tomorrow?) it isn't likely to happen.
Why do we waste so much money on elections? The various candidates and parties have raised well over half a billion dollars to spend campaigning!!! And that money is helping anyone how? What a total waste of money and resources. Mitt Romney alone has raised nearly $100M, roughly ten times the amount of money raised by Mike Huckabee, yet he has only 50% more delegates than Huckabee. And all of this is just for the primaries. I can't imagine how much more we're going to waste once we get down to a real election. That much money could substantially improve the quality of life for millions of people in the poorest parts of the world. Which brings me to my close. A little bit of humor from a friend of mine:
One day a florist goes to a barber for a haircut. After the cut he asked about his bill and the barber replies, "I cannot accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week." The florist was pleased and left the shop.
When the barber goes to open his shop the next morning there is a 'thank you' card and a dozen roses waiting for him at his door.
Later, a cop comes in for a haircut, and when he tries to pay his bill, the barber again replies, "I cannot accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week." The cop is happy and leaves the shop. The next morning when the barber goes to open up there is a 'thank you' card and a dozen donuts waiting for him at his door.
Later that day, a college professor comes in for a haircut, and when he tries to pay his bill, the barber again replies, "I cannot accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week." The professor is very happy and leaves the shop.
The next morning when the barber opens his shop, there is a 'thank you' card and a dozen different books, such as "How to Improve Your Business" and "Becoming More Successful".
"Then, a Congressman comes in for a haircut, and when he goes to pay his bill the barber again replies, "I cannot accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week." The Congressman is very happy and leaves the shop.
The next morning when the barber goes to open up, there are a dozen Congressmen lined up waiting for a free haircut.
And that, my friends, illustrates the fundamental difference between the citizens of our country and the members of our Congress.
