Relax - They're Just "Investing" Your Hard Earned Tax Dollars
In the ‘true confession’ category, I was getting a little bit nervous with what was happening in Washington D.C. First, there was a stimulus package with a $778 Billion price tag. Then there was a supplemental appropriation bill with a price tag over $400 Billion. And then the President announced a budget that will carry a $3.4 Trillion price tag. Factor in the extra couple of billion here or there, and pretty soon you’re talking about real money.
For those who are wondering: “How will this country pay for all of this spending?” I have great news. According to our President and politicians, this country isn’t going to be spending any money; it will be “investing” your dollars in important programs. For those who are silly enough to believe that you have a better understanding of what is important and where your money should be spent, here is some practical advice: “Get with the program! You need to relax, shut your eyes, click the heels on those magical slippers, and you’ll be off to Fantasy Land, where money is no object and fiscal restraint has been banished.”
In Fantasy Land, we don’t spend, we invest. After all, during the President’s news conference last week, he told us 18 times that we were investing – not spending - in the future. And the little Munchkins, Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid have also reassured us that the government is investing in our future. There now, don’t you feel better?
For those who foolishly believed in the old rules where you only spend money on things that you could reasonably afford, I ask: “Are you crazy?” Here is practical advice on understanding the new rules. Buy a house you can’t afford, run up credit card balances that you can never repay, and then tell everyone that you are “investing” in the future of this country. Who knows, you may win the bailout lottery if only you start believing in some “hope and change” – as in, you better hope your creditors don’t catch up to you until you have enough change.
For those who believe that the deficits this country will be running up for the next ten years are a grave threat to the future welfare of this nation, rejoice in the fact that you are as the bumper sticker suggests, “spending your kids’ inheritance.” And we are doing so well enacting this philosophy that every newborn child in this country already owes thousands of dollars in debt. Is this right or fair? Who cares - we’re investing!
Back here in Reality Land, we know that many of these new government expenditures are not good investments. When people or companies make an investment they do so with the expectation that there will be a dividend, or return on their investment in the future. Politicians spend our money because they know that the best way to get reelected is by giving goodies to people, or currying favor with special interest groups, even if we can’t afford it. Forget about them making choices for the long term benefit of the country. They are more interested in their party affiliation than making the right choices for America.
So, for those of you who are interested, here are some practical tips. First, get informed and pay attention to what is happening in Washington and your home state. The reason these politicians tell you their spending is an investment is because they think you’re too stupid to know the difference. With the Internet, the newspapers, and other media outlets, there is no excuse for ignorance.
Second, get rid of your victim mentality. Living in a big world makes it tempting to believe that we are powerless. But history teaches us about the power of individuals who believed they could make a difference. For example, our family is passionate about building houses in Mexico because one individual, Sean Lambert, built a house for a poor family, decided to dedicate his life to this task, and today over 2000 families have houses.
Third, get involved and make your voice heard. One of the great things about our democracy is that you can pick up the phone and call your Congress person and Senator to voice your views on a particular issue. I know that it may not make a big difference on an individual basis, but remember, collectively there is power in numbers.
If we want to avoid Fantasy Land then we need to step up to the plate and resolve to make our voices heard. Let your elected officials know that you understand the difference between an investment and wasteful spending!
Rich M commented: