As I seem to begin more and more often lately, there are some things you couldn't make up because they're just too far out to even dream of. And then, Congress comes along and outdoes the ridiculous.
I mentioned yesterday, the House was called back from vacation to vote on a $26 billion education bill. They claim the funds are already on hand and will not raise taxes, saying it's just a reallocation of how the money's spent. But, aside from the fact that Congress always raises taxes, it's amazing (or politically brilliant) who they're going to short-change to free up the funds -a cut to food stamps benefits and a tax increase on some multinational companies based in the United States.
The last time I looked, very few folks on food stamps voted at all, and foreign nationals can't vote period (unless they become Senators and then President of the U.S.) In the meantime, this is being done at a time when fiscal restraint is being touted in most political campaigns.
So, why would responsible representatives of the people play this economic shell game at a time of financial crisis like this? Well, let's look at who benefits. According to Education Secretary Arne Duncan, "This bill will help keep 160,000 teachers around the country in the classroom as we start school the next couple weeks rather than on the unemployment line."
Now, we all know teachers can't teach worth a hoot, but they all do tend to vote.
In summary then, in this bill congress will spend $26 billion dollars of taxpayer's money to insure 160,000 likely Democrat votes. If my calculator's right that's $162,500 per vote and seems about right. Teachers probably do average $162,500 a year for baby-sitting six to eight hours a day, nine months a year. During the other three months, students are free to go elsewhere, camp, study-groups, travel, or simply staying at home where they'll likely actually learn something.
All in all though, at this point it looks like it's going to take more than buying 160,000 votes to save these Congressfolks. But, although they'll still be outvoted in landslides around the country, losing an election doesn't seem to be enough. There should be some sort of real penalty for the gross misuse of their offices, much less taxpayers funds. Then again, maybe Charlie Rangel and Blagojevich are just the first steps, and perhaps we'll see droves of them locked up. But, if that actually happens, I pity whoever winds up sharing a cell with Pelosi.
That's it for today folks.
Adios
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