Congress unveils economic stimulus deal
Oh, that stimulus package. So stimulating. R U stim u l8ed?
I don't think I am. It says here on the packaging:
The full rebate would be limited to individuals earning $75,000 or less and couples with incomes of $150,000 or less, but a partial rebate would go to individuals earning up to $87,000 and couples earning up to $174,000.
If it's based on the tax year just finished in which I was massively underemployed, then I'm eligible. I'll take it for sure, but there's no reason to believe it's going to help the economy.
The very fact that I have to have a pretty unproductive year in order to qualify for a government rebate check is the only evidence needed to show that it's nothing more than taking money out of one pocket and putting it into another. Basic economics right there.
The economy is only stimulated when people and businesses can count on keeping more money in their check each week over the long haul. What's that? You think a $600 lump sum is gonna get someone to start a business? You couldn't even start an illegal business with that.
I'm going to spend it if I get it, and so will everyone else, but since everything costs more and the dollar is worth less, what's the point? You'd do better if you just filled a few Army transport planes with $150 billion in cash and dropped it over random cities and towns. At least then, the successful people could take their money back by rolling a few lucky crackheads.
In the past several years, I've been offered several jobs. NONE of them came from people earning less than $75,000 a year.
Wait, that's wrong. Three years ago I was approached by a schlepper for an internet radio venture. I agreed to meet for lunch to discuss and was met by two guys of college age, one of whom wore an Army surplus jacket to the event (he was the CEO of the venture), and the other with a nice business ski cap on.
Contract?
"We don't believe in them."
Sales staff?
"Not yet."
Studios?
"Not yet, but a friend is helping us with the equipment which we're getting."
Looks promising. Capital?
"An associate has promised $5 million dollars."
Salary?
"Whatever you need."
When does this start?
"About a month from now."
After some haggling, I got a free hamburger and the chance to leave. Pretty good deal, however no wealth was created on that day.
Abstract economic lesson made concrete. People without a pot to piss in cannot give you a job. People with capital (i.e. wealthy guys with cars and clothes and girls), give them to you so you can go out and one day buy cars and clothes and girls of your own. Show no love to producers of these jobs at your political peril. That's how it works.
Period. End page. Bibliography. New book.
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