Perspective

While idiots on both ends of the political spectrum 'debate' the stimulus plan likely to pass Congress, I can't help but be amused by Republican efforts of late.

It seems that not only have Republicans in office recently got religion about spending, they also seem to suffer from an amazing case of amnesia.

In an effort to provide some perspective on our current economic woes, a little math lesson seems to be in order.

Cost of Bush tax cuts to the wealthy: 1.6 trillion dollars

Cost of Iraq war he lied about: 1.0 trillion dollars

Cost of his de-regulation of banking
and the resulting mess 700 billion dollars

Total cost of the fiasco that was the Bush years: 3.3 trillioin dollars

Allow me to say that first and foremost I wish there was not a need to borrow 800 billion dollars in an attempt to stimulate our economy. It may work and it may not. We are simply out of options.

I've taught history for 11 years. I know a few things about economics. This is the worst it has been in 75 years. I don't care if you don't believe me. Some things are true whether you choose to believe them or not.

My point, and I do have one is this, we are at this junction as a result of the mismanagement and mollesting of our economic instiutions for the last eight years. Republicans easily forget how their policies were shoved down the throat of the Congress for years. Democrats flailed about in useless impotence and the American public cowered in fear of terrorists around every corner and by doing so abdicated their civic responsibility to question their leadership. This ultimately led to abuses of power not seen for some time.

We are here and something, whether it works or not must be tried. I dare the Republicans in Congress to fillibuster a plan, that by no means perfect, is much more balanced than any legislation George W. Bush ever endorsed.

If we do survive this it will be because we came to our senses, not because of political posturing.

Be well.