| | |  Editorials | Opinions | February 2009 
Alan Burkhart: Money? What Money?
 Alan Burkhart - PVNN
I've been reading this morning that frugal Americans are hurting the economic recovery efforts by saving our money instead of spending it. Last time I checked, Americans were holding the line on spending because we don't have nearly as much (if any) discretionary spending ability as before. Money is tight and times are hard.
What are we supposed to do? Shall I take the cash I'm holding for my next house payment and buy a new Nintendo? Shall I skip the water bill in favor of a couple of 12-packs of Miller Lite?
Here's an idea: If the government and the various economic "experts" around the country think I need to go blow some money on consumer goods, then take that so-called stimulus money - from $800 to $900 billion depending on who you listen to - and send us all a nice tidy check. That'd get things rolling again a lot faster than spending $150 million on honeybee insurance or $650 million on government employees' cars or $650 million for TV converter boxes.
According to what I've seen, just slightly over ten percent of the stimulus plan would actually have the potential of boosting the economy. The rest is nothing more than pet projects and pork. Is this the fiscal responsibility promised by Barack Obama? Is this the Change We Can Believe In? I was under the impression that Barack Obama was against wasteful spending and huge government debt. Oh, wait... I heard that in a campaign speech. I keep forgetting that campaign promises don't count after the election. You'd think that after all these years I would know better.
Mister President, if you want me to go out and spend some money then send me some. Divide that $900 billion dollars by 330 million and send us each a tidy little check for about $2700 bucks. THEN I will go spend some money.
Unlike the U.S. government, I am unable to spend money I don't have. Unlike the U.S. government it is illegal for me to print new money at will. I have to actually earn my way through life. If I borrow money, I have to pay it back. If I skip a payment on something, I have to make it up the following month or risk getting a big hickey on my credit rating.
The economy will grow when everyday people have money in their pockets to spend. Dumping money on the pet projects of politicians and funding The National Endowment for the Arts does little for the average consumer.
Mister President, it was government's tampering with the economy that got us into this mess. If you feel you must continue the long and hallowed tradition of meddling in matters for which your qualifications are at best questionable, at least do something sensible.
You want me to spend some money? Send me a check. And since it's my money anyway, don't expect me to include it when I file my taxes.
Alan Burkhart is a cross-country trucker and occasional writer who resides in Southern Mississippi. You can find him at AlanBurkhart.com. |
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