My Thoughts On Tax Rebates

What should Congress do about the perceived recession? First, stop promoting a recession. It's a hoax the Repubs have perpetrated by the Federal Reserve to push the Democratic Congress into accepting a drastic action. The Democratic leadership, also wanting a easy way out and knowing little about the American economy, have believed it.

Together they fed it to the press, who now perpetuates it almost daily. What a person believes in their heart they will become. So too a nation. When people believe there's a recession then, in fact, a recession will be the result.

Times are tough, but not desperate, except for a few. My wife and I could certainly use the money, even though we're both still employed. However, I don't believe rebates is the answer to improving our economy.

I would instead recommend as a first measure to use the proposed rebates to extend unemployment benefits and support retraining programs for those who have lost their jobs from shut-downs and out-sourcing, and are actively seeking employment.

Then, if it's rebates Congress wants, let them give rebates to people who are implementing low-cost and capital improvements in their dwellings to conserve energy. Such programs were implemented by Carter and working quite well. However, Reagan all but abolished them, publicly claiming it was for "government cost cutting". I suspect in reality it was because large energy corporations were losing too much of their precious god - money.

An imbecile could have seen six years ago that these issues would eventually take center stage in our economy. However, Congressional and Executive branch officials and their friends were getting filthy rich, so why should they care? More money gives them even more power over others.

Had Congress focused as much on countering our job outsourcing problem and developing viable energy policies and programs as they have focused on playing "politics as usual" families would be much better off financially than they will be even if they receive the maximum $1200 rebate. That would require Congressional leadership that was more concerned about America than they were about their own pocketbooks and political futures.

We didn't have such leadership six years ago, and we certainly don't have it from either party today.