To explore this on another level, I made an informal inquiry of people at different stores, acquaintances, neighbors. I asked them, "Without giving me any personal information, if the government gave you $2,000 right now, what would you do with it?
85% said they would go on a little shopping spree and buy something extravagant (a lot of HDTV's and iPods). One woman said she'd go to the casino and see if she could triple it. Another person said he'd do some repairs to his house. Another one said he'd hire an attorney to get his kid back. Only one person said he'd pay down his debts.
My conclusion: As above, so below. And"perhaps more importantly, as below, so above. It's not the fault of politicians. It's ours.
What is occurring with our CEO's, the self-indulgence, the entitlement, and magical thinking (which in their cases has paid off handsomely) is also occurring at every level of society "from the states to the local governments to individuals.
No one seems to be thinking about where they're going to get their next clean glass of water. No one seems to be looking at the mud where the Rio Grande used to flow large and unencumbered. No one has the foresight or self-discipline "not our CEO's and not ourselves "to be the little pig who builds the brick house.
Posturing, Yes, But Still The Right Idea
With the possible exception of Governor Mark Sanford from South Carolina, who requested that his state allocate a percentage of federal stimulus funds to pay off their $700 million state debt instead of spending it on state services. The government rejected his proposal and a vocal group from the DNC called his offer grandstanding and political posturing. But the question persists: Is there anyone left (besides psychotherapists and priests) who truly believes that carrying around a debt is unhealthy fiscally, socially, and spiritually?
The voting (as it appeared on StimulusWatch.org) substantiates the view that America still has no fear about debt despite the massive wave of foreclosures and portfolio losses over the last four years.
When New Mexicans voted on the stimulus projects over 166 people voted "Aye on the events arena, but only 22 voted "Aye on the water projects. On one plan for a historical community center that serves the least vocal or successful of our population, a measly $350,000 was requested for necessary renovations. Over 34 votes were cast "Nay.
Roads That Lead Nowhere
My interest in this grew out of watching the road leading to my home repaved for absolutely no reason. The road they paved over was perfectly good. I do not exaggerate. In addition, the powers-that-be are widening the nearby interstate from two to three lanes. Why? I don't know. There are never any traffic jams because of traffic. Drunk driving accidents, yes. Traffic, no.
Now, after all the work they did on repaving the two lane local road in our area, what do you think they're going to spend money on next?
Did I hear someone say, "tearing it up on another construction project?
There are many people who are delighted about the stimulus money. But I'm about as stimulated by this cash flow as I was about the corporate bailout. And I don't think they're that different, after all.
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