What a complete mess

What a mess the economy is. You know, this bailout business is something I am really really torn over. I guess now is the time when I wish I would have done better in Econ 101 than a C. It never really 'clicked' with me. So when you have these 'experts' stating we really need to do this, I don't know what to say.

So I tried to find data to show actuals of what WOULD happen if we did nothing. Well, there is nothing out there. I suppose 'they' figure the American public would be freaked out by the results. Guess what? I can imagine the worst, and if that is what will happen, bring it on. If 'they' aren't going to SAY what the real deal is, then why should I believe them?

You know - this is the 'boy cried wolf' scenario, only this time it is 'Bush cried wolf' scenario. We've had the WMD issue that led us into a big ole nasty war that has no foreseeable end in sight. It's always 'they are doing this, we MUST do that.' Well you know what? The American public is pissed, and now the answer is "NO WAY". You've gone down that road too many times.

This Paulsen guy - who does he think he is anyway? Oh, give me $700 billion and I'll fix it. No oversight, just hand it over. Yeah right. Bend the public over so your croanies on Wall Street can be even fatter cats before Bush leaves office. What country does he think he works for?

Where does this $700 billion number come from? I cannot find support for it anywhere. If anyone out there knows - please pass it on. I'd really like to see it backed up somehow.

Bottom line - people don't like having to bail out companies who's execs who make millions and millions year after year when they have difficulty paying their monthly bills that end up being pocket change in comparison. Even when these banks go belly up, those execs get a fat check. 1 example was a CEO brought in 4 mos. prior to bankruptcy - he made $20 million. Yes, $20 million in 4 mos and the co. doesn't exist. Pardon me, but that dude shouldn't have gotten ANYTHING. Nobody should if the company goes belly up. Where is this rationale from? Again, if you know, please explain it to me because I will keep thinking this is complete crap.

I was discussing this with H a few minutes ago. His idea for getting out of this mess, I think, is brilliant. Each person 18+ should get a check. Split the $700 billion and each adult would receive $40,000 some-odd dollars. Now THAT would kick start the economy. People could make their mortgage payments for a good 2 years on that (at least). During that 2 years, you rehab the banking industry and get it figured out the right way, not the seat of your pants way. And if anyone would like a bailout in the meantime - too bad. They'll just have to go belly up like any other 'normal' business is this country. I love this idea - go H!!