Saturdays Simperings

Some people prefer not to discuss politics, and I've been one of them...up until recently. I finally grew tired of keeping my head buried in the sand because there was nothing I could do to change things as only one person. Now, I'm taking a new stance... Saturdays are going to be my day to bitch, complain, alert, discuss, cuss, and rue our administration. Just a warning to steer clear if political discussions aren't your bag. The rest of the week, I'll devote to more pleasant topics. :) But for Saturdays...my new emblem concerning political discussion is:

What the heck is going on? I realize the majority voted and elected our President, but I don't recall giving him permission to speak on my behalf in an insulting apology to Europe. I never disregarded them or thought badly of any specific country, and I resent him inferring that I did.

Some of the recent decisions made by the new administration puzzle me. For instance: Recently 1.5 Billion per year has been ear-marked for Pakistan for the five years, and 900 Million has been pledged to the Palestinians to help rebuild Gaza. While I consider these humanitarian deeds and appropriate for more flourishing times, I question why when the following statistics were just announced:

Jobs lost in March 2009 - (Note...under Obama's administration, not Bush's - 694,000
This added to the already 13.2 million unemployed, making the national unemployment rate the highest it's been in 25 years...8.5% Do you realize this doesn't represent those 'underemployed' because their hours have been cut back to save their employers money?

Yes, some people were given emergency extensions for thirteen weeks, but what then? The whopping $25.00 per week increase will eventually cease and many people will still be without jobs, and then without any income. What then? Well, the news is reflecting that. People snap and start killing others. Why not take 900 million dollars and split it among the tax payers rather than supporting people in other countries. Sorry it that sounds uncaring, but I'm all for "charity begins at home."

I know I was so touched by the $66.00 more I received on this month's paycheck as part of the stimulus, but I'm just torn on what I can actually do with that to enhance the economy. I think $250,000 would have gone a lot further to me paying off my debt, buying a new car, maybe even having a down payment on a house I couldn't afford without paying off the added expense. I could have helped both the auto and housing industry as I'm sure others could have, too.

So...I guess my question to those who care to answer...If we fix the auto industry and they keep pumping out cars, who can afford to buy them? An add on to that question...Why do we value saving the jobs of auto works over the millions of other trades in America. Aren't we all created equal? Right!

Redistribtuion of Wealth

While I try not to discuss politics on my blog because of the varied opinions, I couldn't resist passing along this email I received. I can't attest to the validity of the claim, but the concept seemed very appropriate. It seems both candidates are 'writing checks their asses can't cash.' If I had worked long and hard, had the good fortune to amass a large sum of money and finally reached a stage in my life where I could enjoy the fruit of my labors...I have to tell you, I would be sorely pissed if I reached in my pocket and found the government's hand freely doling out my hard-earned dollars to those who make welfare their livelihood. And yes, aside from the unfortunate souls who find themselves needing assistance, there are millions who sit idle and let the tax-payers foot the bill. But...if we reduce taxes to all those who make less then $250,000 yearly, I guess the money will have to come from somewhere. I guess the saying about politicians is true..."If their lips are moving, they're lying." But, I digress...AGAIN. On to the email I wanted to share:

Conceptual Test launch on redistribution of wealth:

Today at lunch I passed a homeless guy with a sign that read "Vote Obama, I need the money." I laughed.

In the restaurant my server had on a "Obama 08" tie. Again I laughed as he had given away his political preference--just imagine the coincidence.

When the bill came I decided not to tip the server and explained to him that I was exploring the Obama redistribution of wealth concept. He stood there in disbelief while I told him that I was going to redistribute his tip to someone who I deemed more in need--the homeless guy outside. The server angrily stormed from my sight.

I went outside, gave the homeless guy $10 and told him to thank the server inside as I've decided he could use the money more. The homeless guy was grateful.

At the end of my rather unscientific redistribution experiment I realized the homeless guy was grateful for the money he did not earn, but the waiter was pretty angry that I gave away the money he did earn even though the actual recipient needed the money more.

I guess redistribution of wealth is an easier thing to swallow in concept than in practical application.