Bailout Mania Continued

Time for one more installment of my rantings on this bailout insanity.

So how has the government been spending the first half of the TARP
funds? Not good, see for yourself.

“Whenever I discussed the current bailout situation with people, I find they have a hard time comprehending the actual numbers involved. That became a problem while doing the research for the Bailout Nation book. I needed some way to put this into proper historical perspective.”  Proceed with caution.

If that didn’t help try this visual rending of the comparative size of
bailouts in US History.

Just what would the Federal Government’s credit score look like?

If all this has made you say, “Hey I could do a better job at handling
this bailout than those lobotomized mouth-breathing idiots in
Washington!” Well here’s your chance, I give you the Bailout Game!

So what does the Bailout Fiasco have in common with the Battle of the
Somme.  If at first you don’t succeed, try failing bigger?

So there, I’m done. No more bailout soap box. Because this “Stimulus
Package” is going to put it all to shame.

Is Stimulis Right For You?

Find out here.

WARNING:
Please consult Lobbyist Groups before proceeding.
Stimulis is not intended for immediate results.
Stimulis is not for those who support libertarian or lazier-fare
policies.
Taking Stimulis repeatedly may result in Milton Friedman rolling over in
his grave.
Side Affects May Include: Worsening periods of Recession/Depression,
Increased Unemployment, Record Budget Deficits, and Driving Your Nation
into Bankruptcy.

H/T  Reason.com

Time for my New Years post

Yes, I know I’m quite late, but better than never.  My favorite thing about a new year is that Dave Barry has again summed up the past year as only he can.  Go ahead and read it.  No really, read it now!

If 2008 taught us anything, I believe it was that experts don’t know jack.  Between politics, climate, gas prices, and the economy, most ‘experts’ don’t have a freaking clue how to forecast events.  My prediction for 2009 is that all predictions will be wrong.  Ruminate on that for awhile.

Now for 2009 resolutions.  What, January’s almost over, why should I bother making resolutions now?  The year is only about 6% over so there’s plenty of time to make progress.  More importantly, this is the time where most people have begun to abandon their resolutions.  So you see, my procrastination and laziness shall prove to be the tortoise that triumphs over the hare.  At least that’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

Get In Shape: Yes, it’s cliché, but by no means unnecessary.  I’ll begin with training for 100 push-ups and 200 sit-ups (thanks BullMoose for the idea) and tracking my nutrition on My Food Pyramid site.  We see where that takes me.  I’ll update any progress.

Read More Books: It’s one of life’s simplest and greatest pleasures, yet I don’t recall finishing a single book last year.  This year I’ll try to tackle a book every month.  I’ll give a brief before and after each one.

PS – Here’s the NYT list of 2008 buzzwords, so you can stay in the know.

For Auld Lang Syne…

A belated Merry Christmas to all and a Happy New Year. This being New Year’s Eve you will probably hear or sing the song “Auld Lang Syne.” It’s words are based on the poem by the same name by Robert Burns, Scotland’s most noted poet. He often wrote in a heavy Scottish folk dialect, so some of his words have to be translated to our modern English. Here’s the original poem at the official Robert Burns website which helps one navigate Burns’ unique diction.

PS – Another site fordeciphering Auld Lang Syne.

Global Warming Fail

The above is a screen shot my friend sent me of the news  last Friday morning.  If that doesn’t make you go hmmmm, try the irony of this story of the British Parliment debating a Climate Bill while London is covered in unexpected snow.  It was the first October snow in London in over 70 years.

And Now For Something Completely Different…

A speeding Muppet!

Bailout Bonanza

Will the madness ever end?  It’s bad enough that our government decided to mortgage our children in a moment of panic stricken idiocy.  (I hope they don’t get foreclosed on, they’re cute and I’ll miss them.)  Apparently giving taxpayer money to ‘businessmen’ who made retarded decisions was not a moral dilemma for our elected officials.  Now the formally big ‘Big Three’ came to Washington, in private jets, to ask for a little wealth spreading.  Public opinion is decidedly against this and hopefully our politicians are listening.

But it’s not stopping there.  Now state and local governments are asking for their handout rescue.  Even non-profits need some help these days.  At least someone is saying no to this debacle.  Then here’s some refreshing honesty from the LA Times: 

“Too many Americans have overextended themselves with regard to credit and debt, and too many have been following the bad example of the government,” Walker said. “It is imperative that we recognize that this country has been living beyond its means and that we face large and growing structural deficits even after we turn the economy around.”

Walker said he understands the need to attack the financial crisis. But the spending only adds to the looming problems of unfunded Social Security and Medicare commitments as baby boomers begin to retire.

Ya think?

With the taxpayers’ tab beginning to be estimated in the trillions, Reason.com is asking, “When is ‘Not an option’ not an option?’”

If you’re brave you can check out – bailoutsleuth.com

Depression on our minds?

In my last installment of the Mystery Quote, we visited the times of America’s Great Depression.  It seems to be a hot topic (just goes to show you how my finger’s on the pulse of what’s going on).

Mrs. Mills mentioned the book The Forgotten Man, in the comments section.  Here’s an interview with the author, and another article about her book and the Great Depression.  More Great Depression talk from the NY Times, and the inspirational story of the Schechter brothers.

Finally, someone reminds us of the best way to get a chicken in your pot is the old fashioned way, earn it yourself!

Happy Thanksgiving

Have a blessed Thanksgiving everyone.  Here’s some links for you to chew on:

Thanksgiving is coming — a time to participate in the great American tradition of maligning and abusing our ancestors.

The pilgrims and the triumph on private property.

Test your civic knowledge, if you dare…

My friends Mrs. Mills has posted to a great quiz to test your knowledge on civics. Give it a try.  I got 31 out of 33, but I’m a nerd.