Spending Our Way Into Oblivion

[Terri]

By Harris R. Sherline
October 20, 2008

How much longer can the United States continue to spend more money than it takes in, and how much longer can we continue our spendthrift ways before something literally gives? The numbers are getting so big that they are beyond comprehension.

For example, billions and trillions of dollars are almost impossible to understand. Generally, we seem to know what a million dollars can buy. We see the number in the prices of real estate and homes, or perhaps the statistics about various businesses. But, we rarely see big numbers illustrated in terms that are easier to visualize. For example, a billion dollars is 1,000 times one million, and a trillion is a 1000 times one billion.

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[jack virtus]

We shouldn't have passed the bail out bill, we should have let the weak companies fannie may and freddie mac included FAIL. It no doubt would have raised havoc on the economy for a while but no where near as bad as the TRAIN WRECK we'll be experiancing in the next few years after the greatest spending spree in history. I fear it will make the great depression seem like a minor event. I hope I'm wrong!

[Jack Reacher]

Mr. Sherline hits the nail squarely on the head with his article.

It is certainly no surprise. The United States has for all practical purposes already been turned into a third world country with lax enforcement of immigration laws, political correctness run amok, out-of-control spending and politicians that no longer answer to their constituents nor their conscience.

With the potential/probable election of an unknown, ultra-liberal candidate as President I can see the future of the United States is about to vastly change.

So, keep an eye on your neighbor and whether or not they are allowing chickens to roam their property. That's usually a good sign that we've hit bottom. And for the love of Pete, do not mistake all the forthcoming foot washing devices as urinals! We would never hear the end of that.

I believe it is time for the people in the United States to begin thinking about dividing this country in half. North & South United States, (or East & West). I really do not wish to continue to be governed by the likes of Nancy Pelosi, Barney Frank and God forbid, Barrack Obama.

JR

[antiliberalism]

Government creates the environment for said problem (and encourages it along the way); then, when things get really bad, it swoops in to save the day! Call me a skeptic, but I don't have a lot of faith that those who created the problem have any real interest or know-how in solving it. It will get worse, and sets us up for EXACTLY the same thing down the road.

Anyone skim the bailout bill? If so, you couldn't help but notice that there's an energy bill planted right in the middle of it. We're talking well over 100 pages of completely unrelated bill inside the bailout bill. There is also pork for other things that aren't even remotely related to liquidity in the markets. And this was sold as a "must have emergency bill"? Give me a break. I can't even take it seriously, knowing what all was slipped into this bill. Note that the $700 billion is JUST for the bailout, there's a lot more spending that ups the ante.

It is this sort of shameless behavior that makes Americans distrust their government. And the extra spending is only a part of the problem with the bill. The real issue is the socialization of mortgages and banks. This is scary stuff.

If McCain was a real maverick, and really cared about cutting spending, he could have won this election outright by voting against the bailout, then explaining in detail that he did this because he couldn't take the bill seriously as it was written, and then name names of those who added pork and stupidity to it.

Maybe it will take an Obama presidency to wake up the American people, though I have little hope that the attention span and desire to know what goes on in DC is strong enough in the majority to motivate enough voters to start throwing out the worthless suits.

[mikemo]

I have little hope for the EE.UU.
All I can do is vote against all incumbents and lawyers and position my assets to avoid paying US income taxes (legally).
Sure hope all the DIMS get what they are seeking when the give their votes "The One".

[Nicholas]

Mr. Sherline, you have it exactly right.

J Reacher, I've been thinking about dividing up the country, too. But one part would have to be "flyover country" and the other part would have to be a combination of the West Coast, New England, New York City and all of its suburbs (presently divided up between NY, CT, MA, NJ, and PA), and most of the area around Washington, DC. These are the places where the liberal "virus" is the most virulent. (Liberalism IS a disease, you know. Mike Savage said it first, as far as I know, and I agree with him on this.)

[AlanB]

I am astounded to find such a truthful commentary posted on the website of the party which caused the problem. The current administration has spent more money for more immoral and unethical programs than anyone in the history of the universe. If something does not happen soon to stop such insanity this country will cease to exist and will be annexed to China or divided between them and Saudi Arabia.

[Terri]

Really?

Well, we've been here complaining about lack of vetoes and spending bills for a good many years now.

But let me tell you, we haven't seen anything yet.

Just wait until we have Obama, Pelosi, and Reid with a filibuster proof Senate.

Will you be so honest about the spending that your side is about to implement?

[AlanB]

Pelosi and Reid are a waste of protoplasm and I wish they both would be impeached. I am an Independent and take the side of rationality. Republicans have been in control for nearly eight years and have done nearly irreparable damage to this country. The national debt is astounding. The Democrats might make it worse but the Republicans will certainly do so. McCain shows symptoms of senility and Palin is a bad joke so there is little choice but to give the Democrats a chance.

[Terri]

Obviously, you are not an independent.

Do us the courtesy of being upfront or move on.

I cannot make it anymore clear to you than that. We will debate with liberals and Democrats but not unless they are honest enough to own their politics.