I'm Going With Ben Stein, Even If It Ain't His Money

Ben Stein is conservative. Sure he's not all ideological neo Bush-like conservative. But he's actually an economist, so he gets that ideology doesn't work. But he's conservative alright. Watch some episodes of Larry King from during the election. You'll hear what I'm saying.

To hear Ben Stein talk about the bailouts. To hear him contextualize it within the framework of a possible depression. To hear him vociferously support pumping money into our ailing economy. That's enough for me. I'm going with Ben Stein.

I don't know what I think about the bailouts really. I'm torn. But the stakes are so high, that the points to make and the ideologies to spout should all sound a bit petty at this point.

I'm trying to forget that the bank bailout seems to be a blooper of old boys club proportions. To hell with transparency. F*** ethics.

So on to the car bailout. Far less money. Far more transparency, or at least attention. Unfortunately, way too political. Now to save the business UAW needs to make concessions. But they are, aren't they? Still the southern Republicans point their fingers. And worse, they have seen the light: exploit the dire situation the ideological end. Unions, be thee gone!

Aren't we in enough of a mess becauase of Republicans? Let's say it out loud. Point fingers where you might, but this mess has Republican written all over it. This, friends, is why Republicans win elections. They have no shame.

And even though they need to shut up, some of what they have to say isn't so ridiculous.

I especially like the whole insuring private investment logic... But still, forteen billion is a pennies. Let's choose the battle, guys, and save some jobs.

I think...

Joe the Plumber: Not Just Your Average American Skinhead

In an interview on December 10th with Glenn Beck, "Joe the Plumber" aka Samuel J. Wurzelbacher, went all Machiavelli on McCain and asserted the following:

--John McCain: "dirty" and "appalling"
--Sarah Palin: "the real deal"
--Hillary Clinton, Secretary of State: appointment "unconstitutional." (sited Sean Hannity as his source following Glenn Beck's correction)
--Barack Obama: Links Obama with Adolph Hitler via socialism viz a viz gun control.

Is Joe the Plumber really a key player in the future Republican party? Will PALIN & THE PLUMBER be the next stroke of Rovian campaign madness/genius? Will Obama's economic policy be sound enough to return our country to a point of complacency wherein voters elect gimmicks over Governers?

For a transcript of Joe the Plumber's interview, go to: http://www.glennbeck.com/content/articles/article/198/19055/

For Your Consideration: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_the_Plumber

Joe the Plumber's Political Ambitions, Courtesy of Wikipedia:

Draft campaign for Ohio's 9th congressional district

Since his meeting with Barack Obama, a campaign to draft Wurzelbacher to run for the United States House of Representatives in the 2010 election started with the website joewurzelbacher2010.com.[39] The Washington Times and the Boston Herald have reported that this campaign's goal is to draft Wurzelbacher to run against Rep. Marcy Kaptur of Ohio's 9th congressional district.[40][41] The website was created by Trevor Lair (presently the chairman of the Massachusetts College Republicans),[42] Derek Khanna,[43] and The Massachusetts Alliance of College Republicans.[44] The website encourages visitors to sign an online petition that supports Wurzelbacher’s run for office.[45][42] Laura Ingraham asked Wurzelbacher, on October 24, 2008, if he would run against Rep. Marcy Kaptur. Wurzelbacher responded that he had considered the run and would be "up for it".[46]

Opinions on taxation and welfare

In an October interview, Wurzelbacher said, "You know a lot of the stuff that our government is doing right now is all about taxation without representation and you know the last time that happened a couple guys got together and threw the Brits out."[47]
Wurzelbacher opposes the existing American Social Security program. He told CNN, "Social Security is a joke. I have parents; I don't need another set of parents called the government. You know, let me take my money and invest it how I please. Social Security I've never believed in, don't like it. I hate that it's forced on me."[48]

ABC News reported on October 16 that there is a judgment lien against Wurzelbacher for non-payment of $1,182 in Ohio state income taxes dating to January 2007, but "no action has been taken against him outside of filing the lien." Barb Losie, deputy clerk of the Lucas County Court of Common Pleas, said that "there is a 99 percent chance [Wurzelbacher] doesn't know about the lien, unless he did a credit report or was ready to pay his taxes."[49] While on Hannity & Colmes, Wurzelbacher stated that he was unaware of the tax lien prior to it being reported in the press, and felt he was being attacked because of his question of Obama.[50]

Wurzelbacher has also acknowledged that his parents were on welfare twice while he was growing up. Asked by Alan Colmes whether that constituted "taking somebody else's money and giving it to you", Wurzelbacher responded that he had "paid into welfare. It's something to be used, not abused, as it often is, Alan."[51]

Is the Bailout a Bust?

It may well be too early to call the bailout a best. But it sure does reek of the same "hoard the wealth" policies perpetuated as "free market" by the most despicable administration I hope I'll ever see.

The bailout packages for each recipient should be transparent. They are not. Rumors of million dollar packages and bonuses for failed CEO's run rampant.

I've overheard more than a few times frustrated everyday Americans deliberate out loud: What if I don't pay my taxes. Tax money that rewards failure may give creedance to this notion.

In order to make sure that this bailout doesn't just bail out failed executives, the Government should require the following and make it public domain. The public, after all, just became shareholders in lots of failed businesses.

TRANSPARENCY IS NECESSARY! All shareholder documents, detailed executive compensation packages, and accounting for each penny of each bailout package should be public domain and available online.