The Economic Stimulus Plan - Are Middle and Lower Class Americans Stupid?
I wish I could remember which conservative radio personality said this, but I cannot. The phrase was basically:
"This new economic stimulus plan is being given to the people who don't make a lot of money because they will not save it or put it toward their existing debts. They will instead buy new TVs or other items that will push the economy forward."
I hate to hear that philosophy. It's tough enough to get a "freebie" from the government when there is so much more that they could do with that money. Social security, affordable health care, and paying down the national debt are just a few possibilities.
But no, this "stimulus plan" is being set forth because we, as lower and middle class Americans, are viewed as frivolous spenders that cannot manage our finances properly. We will wastefully spend any money we receive from the government according to this radio personality's philosophy.
I suppose with that philosophy, you can't honestly believe that we should push forward any form of privatized health care because the majority of us are too busy watching "Hee-Haw" to properly manage our own money. Wouldn't that go against some of the prominent conservatives' philosophies and platforms?
Now before you go attacking me because I am taking the liberal side of this issue, remember that this was endorsed in landslide fashion in the House and Senate. Both sides of the isle believe that this will help our economy. I say that again in different terms - Both the Democrats and Republicans believe that lower and middle class Americans are stupid and will spend any extra money they receive and not sensibly manage their household finances.
Let us take this chance to prove our government wrong. Take the money use it for your kid's schooling, bills, credit card debt, retirement or whatever (but spend it wisely). We seem to manage our specific household budgets and we would like our government to adhere to the same principles.
By the way, where are they coming up with this money that will afford most lower and middle class tax payers $600-$1200 dollars? I'll give you a hint if you need one.
I'd love to hear some other takes on this issue.
Jason Tangen, GRI - Real Estate Broker Associate with Edina Realty St Cloud, MN
www.StCloudEdina.com - REAL ANSWERS for REAL ESTATE in St Cloud MN
(and I guess some political commentary as well:)
