A New Insidious Form of Highway Robbery?

By John Kubicek

Highway robbery? I'll say! We're looking at a deal where it's "Heads - They win, Tails - We lose." The government seems to have us from either side of the coin. You'll see what I'm talking about in the two videos that I'll provide below.

On the one side of the coin, we have the various state governments desperate for financing needed work on the infrastructure, especially when it comes to transportation needs. The roads need maintenance, whether it is filling pot-holes or plowing snow and salting the streets. And yet, states are asking the Federal government for financial assistance, but not for the needs of maintainence of our existing roads or building new ones.

But wait, what about all the money they are collecting from us in the present gas taxes? Not enough? We all pay a federal gas tax, and then the states collect their cut, too, in varying amounts. Apparently, it is no longer enough, even for just normal road maintenance.

So, then, what about the fact that President-(S)elect Obama wanted to spend a lot of money on improving our infrastructure? Did he somehow forget to mention that the money for that would have to come out of our pockets, in the way of higher gas taxes? In addition to the income taxes and all the other taxes we pay?

I can easily illustrate the point I'm trying to make by providing the following video clip for you to view:

And then, there's the other side of the coin.

There may be a reason that the government is no longer getting the needed funds from us in the way of gas taxes. That's right: They have been wanting us to drive more fuel efficient vehicles, both because of trying to decrease energy usage and carbon emmisions. However, because of the very high fuel prices we paid at the pump last summer, people did cut down on driving when possible, we bought less gas, and because gas taxes were tied to the number of gallons, the gas tax revenues went down, down, down.

Wouldn't you think that the government could afford an economist that would have figured that out? I digress.

So, because gas tax revenues fluctuate, and are most likely still falling just because the economy is down, the government needed to find another way to get their sticky fingers on our money. Would a smart idea occur to them, as in charging a percentage of the sale price - like sales taxes - or, would they come up with something very lame? If you guessed the latter, you would probably be right. Here is the latest ingenious idea from the people we pay to represent us:

Oregon looks at taxing mileage instead of gasoline

Associated Press, January 2, 2009

PORTLAND, Ore. – Oregon is among a growing number of states exploring ways to tax drivers based on the number of miles they drive instead of how much gas they use, even going so far as to install GPS monitoring devices in 300 vehicles. The idea first emerged nearly 10 years ago as Oregon lawmakers worried that fuel-efficient cars such as gas-electric hybrids could pose a threat to road upkeep, which is paid for largely with gasoline taxes.

"I'm glad we're taking a look at it before the potholes get so big that we can't even get out of them," said Leroy Younglove, a Portland driver who participated in a recent pilot program. [Continue reading]

Oh, definitely, I can tell you about these "pilot programs," but it'll have to wait. The following video explains a lot more about what they have come up with now:

If you ask me, I'm thinking that being tracked where ever we go will not be something to make Americans a bunch of happy campers. It's pretty insidious, as Rick pointed out. Oh, what's he know? He's just the weather guy...

Of course, we would never think that the government would ever have a need to invade our privacy by accessing the GPS data that is collected in measuring our driving distances, right? And I just can't help wondering how they will bill you for those taxes, what happens if you cross state lines, or if the government officials that came up with this "brilliant" idea even asked any of the questions most of us want to ask? I have a lot of questions!

Now that you know about this ridiculous idea, don't you have to just wonder, "What are they thinking?" Or, maybe we should be wondering, "Is this a plot - sorry, I mean a pilot program - to erode our rights even further?"

Further highway robbery by the government may be just the least of our concerns.

A Happy New Year for my friends at digg.com!

By John Kubicek

More than anything that I've learned since joining digg.com back in April of 2007. I've learned the importance of the people that I correspond with, the importance of being committed to great friendships. I dedicate this post to all those on digg.ocm that have added so much to my life. (Hey, and some aren't even my "mutual friends" - some are people that I could argue with all day, but I love them, too!)

I was just getting my feet wet on digg for the first 8 months in 2007. It was when I started taking it seriously in 2008 that I saw how much it helps to even have some moral support. Stuff happened in 2008 that I hope I'd never have to experience again. The very difficult winter last year, my dog Moochie taking off for an unannounced vacation from her castle in February, a problem with excess water in Cedar Rapids last June, losing my job in June and getting it back in September, and of course the ongoing theme: wondering if what I am doing is going to help anyone... Oh, wait, I forgot - for a moment - about that election thing and the financial blow-out...

And so, am I saying that 2009 will be any easier? Uh, no. In fact.... Okay, I'm not going to go there, but I do believe that all of us together can help each other, just the way I was helped through my storm in 2008.

There's another point that I want to get to today, too. This Happy New Year's message also goes out to people that have not been exactly my fans. But, many of those that do not agree with me, well - I see a lot of good in many of them, too! For me, that has been easy to accept them as friends (to a point). I have personal experience with loving people in my family regardless of their point of view.

In fact, just yesterday I pointed out in a comment I wrote that I will no longer digg down comments unless they are so offensive that I am compelled to report it to digg.com as violations of the Terms of Service. That goes for anyone I know on either side of the aisle. I do believe in tolerance, but I will draw a line in the sand.

With that being said, let me reiterate the fact that my experience on digg.com has brought me in contact with many great people, who I only wish the best for in this next year. It may be difficult, but we can pull together regardless of our personal opinions. Kind of like we were right after 9/11. Know what I'm saying?

Out-of-Control Snowballs

By John Kubicek

In much of America, at this time of year, the Northern half of this great country sees the wintry weather, and there are always the conditions somewhere during the season where making snowballs, and better yet - the good old snowman - is a common past-time. Well, that was when I was a kid. The perfect time to accomplish such feats is when the temperature is just right, hovering a little below the freezing point. The snow packs very easily. The snow flakes, being big, stick together with little effort. A small snowball can certainly be rolled up into a ball big enough to produce that really weird looking thing out on a front lawn with a carrot for a nose, hunks of coal for the eyes.... Oh wait, that was even before MY time! Okay... almost before my time.

There was a common metaphor I noticed when reading Glenn Beck's book, "The Christmas Sweater" last night. There was the theme of the Christmas like weather, the "White Christmas" as many of us seem to wish for. And yet, in a way of countering that theme, Glenn told about how things seemed to be like an out of control snowball in his young, innocent life. (Don't worry, I won't tell you how the story ends, because I haven't gotten there yet!)

So, this morning, while contemplating the wisdom I've soaked in so far from that book, I realized how much it related to the way things are going in this country. Just as event after event for "Eddie" in "The Christmas Sweater" was increasing in intensity, the way things are going in the U.S. and in the global economy, there seems to be an uncontrollable snowball effect. Yes, the snowball seems to grow exponentially if it is rolling down hill. Who's going to be able to stop it? Funny, but I feel the way Congress is handling the situation, they are sending our kids and grandchildren out to try to lay down in front of the massive, rolling snowball.

So, if there is a way from stopping the growing snowball, rolling down hill, out-of-control, it needs to be us that still have enough strength - we hope - to block it's destructive path. Hopefully, that snowball hasn't gotten beyond our abilities to keep it from crushing our future generations.

The ACORN Connection (that few know about)

By John Kubicek

To my friends within the "blogosphere", the mention of ACORN has been widespread for quite some time now. And to those of us "news junkies" that watch such networks as the Fox News Channel, we've been hearing about ACORN, literally on a daily basis, and much of the news is alarming. First, it was ACORN's influence on the economic crisis where mortgage loans had gone into affirmative action mode. And now, the emphasis has been on the ACORN effort to register new voters in ways that may taint the integrity of the election of our next President this year. I'll be offering evidence of that effort later in this column, but first, allow me to explain what ACORN is.

Everybody has heard of ACORN, right? Wrong! In my own independent poll, when asking my friends and family if they know about it, the answer has usually been a blank stare or silence on a phone call. Will you forgive me if I say what the normal reaction is? Many of the people I have asked have no clue what ACORN is!

I need to digress for a moment. In recent days, the McCain/Palin campaign has been mentioning the connection that Barack Hussein Obama has (oh, sorry, I mean that he "had") with the "domestic terrorists" - William "Bill" Ayers and his wife, Bernardine Dohrn. (And if you don't know about that part of this story, you've been living in a cave!) What many people don't know at this time, as is apparent from my personal interviews, is that the Bill Ayers connection is just the tip of the iceberg.

Now we know why the McCain/Palin campaign hasn't been talking about the ACORN connection with Barack Obama. Not enough people watch Fox News, or listen to Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh, or many other radio talk show hosts, and they don't read the blogs. Simply said, the SHEEPLE are clueless.

So, what is ACORN? Allow me to have Hal Lindsey explain it as he did so well in a recent column:

The most underreported story of this election season is the Association of Community Organizers For Reform Now, known by its acronym, ACORN.

ACORN grew out of what wins the prize hands-down for one of the silliest and most destructive advocacy groups America has ever known – the National Welfare Rights Organization.

Founded by George Wiley, the NWRO became an army of single minority mothers whom he sent out to disrupt welfare offices through sit-ins and demonstrations demanding an end to oppressive eligibility restrictions. His aim was to so flood welfare offices as to cause the system to burst, creating a crisis he hoped would correct America's "unjust capitalist society." From 1965 to 1974, the nation's welfare rolls more than doubled to 10.3 million during generally good economic times. Clearly, it was a winning tactic.

One of ACORN's later tactics was to flood banks and mortgage companies the same way, insisting that they do away with those pesky mortgage eligibility requirements. ACORN was among those most responsible for the failure of the mortgage market and, astonishingly, until some sharp-eyed lawmaker noticed and stripped them out, ACORN was among those named as bailout recipients.

So, what does ACORN have to do with Barack Obama? I'll have Henry Lamb, from a column he wrote, "The 'change' Obama brings," jump in here to explain:

The centerpiece of Barack Obama's campaign is "change." His primary qualification for the office he seeks is his experience as a "community organizer," a state senator for eight years, and a U.S. senator since 2004. To see just what changes Obama wants to bring to the country it is reasonable to look at the values he has demonstrated and the causes he has pursued during his professional career.

Obama's community organizing experience began in 1985 in Chicago. He chose to work for ACORN (Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now). A review of ACORN's Peoples Platform reveals much about Obama's ideology. The ACORN platform is remarkably similar to the Socialist Party USA platform. Obama's work as a community organizer has won him endorsements from ACORN, from socialists and from communists.

Henry Lamb, weekly columnist for WorldNetDaily.com, continues in the column mentioned above:

Obama's Chicago community organizing efforts took him from the housing projects to the churches. He obviously liked the Rev. Jeremiah Wright's brand of "Liberation Theology," which casts minorities as victims that must be liberated. This ideology squared perfectly with ACORN's vision of the poor. For more than 20 years, Obama worshiped at the feet of the preacher whose most famous sermons called on God to "damn" America.

Obama's path to government also led him through various foundations, such as the Woods Fund, where he served along with Bill Ayers. Together, they were able to funnel significant funding to ACORN, to Jeremiah Wright's church and other similar groups. Between 1992 and 1995, ACORN received $1,493,000 from the Campaign for Human Development, a Catholic charities organization, according to a report for Catholic bishops prepared by the Wanderer Forum Foundation.

For further information, I recommend that you check out the video on youtube.com that Henry Lamb refers to, which was longer than I wanted to use for this piece: Obama, Acorn, And Election Fraud (9:26)

In the last five days, I added four videos to my youtube channel that discuss allegations of voter fraud, and guess who is at the center of the storm: ACORN. Now, here is the latest one that I added, where John Kasich, former Congressman from Ohio, joins Bill O'Reilly (Oct. 13, 2008):

Obama's ACORN connection is a vastly under-reported story in the mainstream media. Even though some news sources have now begun discussing the voter fraud allegations concerning ACORN, you will find any mention of Barack Obama's connection to ACORN to be very scarce. This may be the reason why the McCain/Palin campaign isn't talking about it at the rallies. Sure, they mention Bill Ayers and the fact that Ayers was a domestic terrorist, and is still unrepentant. However, to try to explain all of the evidence of Obama's association with ACORN has been off the table, and there are some obvious reasons for that, one being that very few people even know what ACORN is (until now).

Now, in the McCain campaign, Obama's ACORN connection has slipped completely under the radar, and there are some reasons that are not clearly self explanatory. So, let me just wrap this up with what columnist James Simpson says in the American Thinker on September 28, 2008:

Yet, no one to my knowledge has yet connected all the dots between Barack Obama and the Radical Left. When seen together, the influences on Obama's life comprise a who's who of the radical leftist movement, and it becomes painfully apparent that not only is Obama a willing participant in that movement, he has spent most of his adult life deeply immersed in it.

References and related stories:
ACORN seldom falls far from the tree - by Hal Lindsey
The 'change' Obama brings - by Henry Lamb
Barack Obama and the Strategy of Manufactured Crisis - by James Simpson
The ACORN Scandal - Vote Now, Vote Often - video, 3:16
Voter Fraud - It is a big issue that will grow - video, 3:31
Voter Fraud - ACCORN isn't non-partison, either! - video, 3:21
More Evidence of ACORN Voter Fraud - video, 5:26
Obama, ACORN, And Election Fraud - video, 9:26

The Perfect October Surprise

By John Kubicek

Shouldn't we have all known that there would be an "October Surprise"?

Had it been a terrorist attack, either bigger or smaller than September 11, 2001, do you have any doubt who would be winning in the polls? Would there not have been a gigantic John McCain landslide? No doubt.

But now, we have this economic collapse. All the people that have been working hard, saving, doing what needed to be done in order to have a comfortable retirement, will soon be toast.

There is something very strange about what has happened that is giving me nightmares - you know, like my "Discombobulated Dreams". What is so sad is that the very politicians that caused the financial havoc beyond anything we have seen since the Great Depression in the 1930's, are going to be the politicians that will benefit the most in the polls 27 days from now.

Of course, I'll be accused of utilizing the "fear factor" in my support for the GOP candidate, John McCain. But, I think I've figured this whole thing out, and I need to share these thoughts with you today.

While we watch the economy crumble around us, we will get that helpless feeling. In many cases, it will be the people that worked their whole lives to make it to retirement, to get their kids through college, giving their hard-earned dollars to help out the poor, their own kids, the people that live in countries that live horribly cruddy lives in poverty, the tithing to their churches to help out the various missions... Well, you know, those of us that cling to our Bibles, our guns, and most importantly, for many of us - Our God - will be the ones that are going to be hurt the most. And meanwhile, those that sit around playing on their PlayStations, or AIG executives that go to Vegas and get their manicures on government bailout monies, they will have their savior, the government.

So, what a perfect time to create the situation where only the government can assist them in the times of trouble. The annointed one, the Obamessiah; they will have their candidate that will come to the rescue. It seems to me that Obama and the Democrats have their perfect October Surprise. It was what got Franklin D. Roosevelt elected in 1932. Nothing like extreme economic hardship to get people to accept whatever has to be done. Nothing like a promise of "Change" and "Hope" in these times. If you can't make it on your own, if you aren't perseverent enough to make it through hard times, you have the government there for you. They'll bail you out, right?

Well, no, they won't.... but they don't want you to know that. They will use the children - those indoctrinated by the various liberal groups out there - to keep you feeling guilty if you have made it on your own. While the really wealthy people keep on getting their backs scratched in those wonderful Vegas spas, all will be well as long as you don't expect anything but the crumbs that are left over.

A week ago, Mark DeRosa of the Chicago Cubs got the series rolling with a homerun, giving the Cubs a two-run lead over the Dodgers in the first game of the NLDS. That equates to the great choice of John McCain getting Sarah Palin to be his running mate. From there, the Cubs squandered opportunity after opportunity with baserunners in scoring position. And, John McCain must not make the same mistake. Take a swing or two, McCain! Our FREEDOM is depending on you to at least take a hack or two. McCain needs to quit watching the hanging curve balls that could be hit out of the park.

Strike one, strike two... Hey, same feeling I had last Saturday night. Bottom of the ninth... two outs, no balls and two strikes. McCain, you have runners in scoring position. Sarah Palin is waiting on third base, ready to make a run for the plate. You have guys and gals out here filling the other bases, too, trying to make a difference. We're the fans. We're the ones that know that it's all coming down to crunch time. Make a real effort, give them the October Surprise that keeps us in the game, at least for four more years!

(Last updated October 10, 2008)

Related Story:
October, Surprise! - by Melanie Morgan

One Step Further ... (on the Road to Socialism)

By John Kubicek

I think that we just need to ask two questions about the Wall Street bailout. First, I want to ask who the people that we elect want to help; and second, do they even care who elected them?

I believe that you will find the answers to those questions in the following video that includes George W. Bush's weekly Radio Address to the nation on September 27, 2008. Watch the video and then you decide:

Henry Lamb, a weekly commentary writer for WorldNetDaily.com had some things to say about the financial industry bailout in his column on September 27, 2008, "Soviet-style Collapse in America's future?" (see link below):

The piper must be paid. The question is whether to do it now – and let the chips fall where they may, or, to kick the can down the road and pay the piper later. The answer, of course, is to kick the can into the next generation, with another leap toward socialism. The bailout plan – whatever the particulars – is nothing short of a government takeover of the financial industry. The next president will have to sort it out and build the road toward future recovery or final disaster.

Barack Obama's incessant drumbeat about the failure of the economic policies of the last eight years is either gross ignorance or, more likely, political blame shifting. The cause of the current meltdown is clearly the Democrat's insistence upon giving federally guaranteed mortgages to people who could not afford them. Even now, Democrats insist, not on the minimum government involvement possible, but on adding all sorts of give-away ornaments on the bailout Christmas tree. Obama is also promising to take over the energy industry, the health industry, and to give tax credits and even refunds to some people with money he shamelessly takes from others. This is redistribution of wealth – pure socialism.

But Joseph Farah, in one short paragraph from his column, "Fascism on ascendacy", reveals what this bailout is really all about:

The international bailouts of the banking class are a hint of what is coming soon – a new monetary system, an end to national sovereignty, the rule of law replaced by the rule of men and the will of the people simply a matter of manipulation.

So, now you will understand just why the bailout package will come together, on the weekend - in the dead of night. They think that nobody will be watching.

Just keep the powder dry, if you know what I mean.

Related Stories and References:
Soviet-style collapse in America's future? - By Henry Lamb
Fascism on ascendancy - By Joseph Farah

Bush’s Address to the Nation

By T. L. Farlow

~ Guest Columnist ~

Mr. and Mrs. American Citizen are about to get shafted by the very corrupt government that is supposed to be working for them. Instead, the government is doing their best to work against the citizens of this country. Although that is not unusual, it is significantly important now because of the vast burden that is presently being placed onto the backs of every citizen.

The President of the United States came on television and informed everyone about the importance and gravity of financial circumstances that now face our nation. Normally, during political speeches, my mind wanders a bit and I tend to filter much of what is being said. Below is what I heard our President say and my thoughts that occurred at the same time.

Bush’s Address to the Nation on September 24, 2008

Good evening. (“Good Evening Comrades.”) This is an extraordinary period for America ’s economy. (“Washington has failed miserably and we are getting ready to really stick it to you again. But be assured that this will not be the last time.”)

Over the past few weeks, many Americans have felt anxiety about their finances and their future. I understand their worry and their frustration. ("Yes, we are worried that you politicians will take everything we have.")

We’ve seen triple-digit swings in the stock market. Major financial institutions have teetered on the edge of collapse, and some have failed. As uncertainty has grown, many banks have restricted lending, credit markets have frozen, and families and businesses have found it harder to borrow money. ("And whose fault is that? Certainly not Mr. and Mrs. American Citizen!")

We’re in the midst of a serious financial crisis, and the federal government is responding with decisive action. (“Our Wall Street banking buddies are in a pickle right now, and the federal government is gonna mess it up more by taxing all citizens to pay for this mess.”)

We boosted confidence in money market mutual funds and acted to prevent major investors from intentionally driving down stocks for their own personal gain. (“We keep trying to buy our way out of this and it ain’t working.”)

Most importantly, my administration is working with Congress to address the root cause behind much of the instability in our markets. (“Most importantly, my administration is working with Congress to put the final nail in the coffin for America.”)

Financial assets related to home mortgages have lost value during the house decline, and the banks holding these assets have restricted credit. As a result, our entire economy is in danger. (“Even though the banks made some extremely bad decisions, we still like our Wall Street banking buddies more than we like you regular tax paying citizens and we are going to do whatever we can to save them, even though it is really their fault.”)

So I propose that the federal government reduce the risk posed by these troubled assets and supply urgently needed money so banks and other financial institutions can avoid collapse and resume lending. (“So, I propose that the federal government take every single penny that each of you citizens have and give it to our Wall Street banking buddies.”)

This rescue effort is not aimed at preserving any individual company or industry. It is aimed at preserving America’s overall economy. (“This illegal rescue effort is aimed at completely enslaving American citizens.”)

It will help American consumers and businesses get credit to meet their daily needs and create jobs. And it will help send a signal to markets around the world that America’s financial system is back on track. (“We are confident that we can bluff the rest of the world while really screwing up our own economy.”)

I know many Americans have questions tonight: How did we reach this point in our economy? How will the solution I propose work? And what does this mean for your financial future? ("Yeah…. Americans want to know how they will be screwed again by Washington.")

These are good questions, and they deserve clear answers. ("You bet you they do!")

First, how did our economy reach this point? ("Could it be that government policies, over the last several decades, got us into this mess?") Well, most economists agree that the problems we’re witnessing today developed over a long period of time. ("Your economists, not mine!") For more than a decade, a massive amount of money flowed into the United States from investors abroad because our country is an attractive and secure place to do business. ("Yep, for awhile investors around the world were really taken in. ")

This large influx of money to U.S. banks and financial institutions, along with low interest rates, made it easier for Americans to get credit. ("Artificially, lowered interest rates.") These developments allowed more families to borrow money for cars, and homes, and college tuition, some for the first time. (“This allowed more families to create unnatural conditions of enormous debt.”) They allowed more entrepreneurs to get loans to start new businesses and create jobs.

Unfortunately, there were also some serious negative consequences, particularly in the housing market. (“Unfortunately, the house of cards came crumbling down, particularly the bogus fiduciary tools created by Wall Street with the blessings of corrupt politicians.”) Easy credit, combined with the faulty assumption that home values would continue to rise, led to excesses and bad decisions. (“$@!+ happens!”)

Many mortgage lenders approved loans for borrowers without carefully examining their ability to pay. ("Federal government rules, crafted by greedy and corrupt politicians and bureaucrats, paved the way for these people to get unobstructed access to money.") Many borrowers took out loans larger than they could afford, assuming that they could sell or refinance their homes at a higher price later on. (“They were encouraged to borrow more money, because everyone just knew that the housing bubble would never burst.”)

Optimism about housing values also led to a boom in home construction. Eventually, the number of new houses exceeded the number of people willing to buy them. ("Here again, erroneous investments were made with no thoughts of ‘what if?’") And with supply exceeding demand, housing prices fell, and this created a problem.

Borrowers with adjustable-rate mortgages, who had been planning to sell or refinance their homes at a higher price, were stuck with homes worth less than expected, along with mortgage payments they could not afford. ("Could it be that they made a bad investment decision?")

As a result, many mortgage-holders began to default. These widespread defaults had effects far beyond the housing market. ("Oh, what a surprise!")

See, in today’s mortgage industry, home loans are often packaged together and converted into financial products called mortgage-backed securities. These securities were sold to investors around the world. ("What ever happened to buy American, invest in America?")

Many investors assumed these securities were trustworthy and asked few questions about their actual value. ("And because of their poor decisions to invest in these this affects how and why?") Two of the leading purchasers of mortgage-backed securities were Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. ("Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac consistently purchased politicians to ensure that events happening today will keep their necks off the chopping block if the house of cards they created ever came crumbling down.")

Because these companies were chartered by Congress, many believed they were guaranteed by the federal government. ("Did they read the fine print?") This allowed them to borrow enormous sums of money, fuel the market for questionable investments, and put our financial system at risk. (“So the scam worked really well.”)

The decline in the housing market set off a domino effect across our economy. When home values declined, borrowers defaulted on their mortgages, and investors holding mortgage-backed securities began to incur serious losses. ("So they pulled out their ‘ace in the hole’ and now politicians are again turning tricks for their banking buddies.")

Before long, these securities became so unreliable that they were not being bought or sold. Investment banks, such as Bear Stearns and Lehman Brothers, found themselves saddled with large amounts of assets they could not sell. ("If I make a bad decision, there is no one there to pick up the pieces. If an entrepreneur purchases, with no guarantees, some bad products that do not sell, he has the responsibility of losses, since he was the one taking the risk. So, why should I have to pick up the pieces for those who have practiced thievery their entire lives?") They ran out of money needed to meet their immediate obligations, and they faced imminent collapse. ("Tough Luck ….. get over it!")

Other banks found themselves in severe financial trouble. These banks began holding on to their money, and lending dried up, and the gears of the American financial system began grinding to a halt. ("Which is what happens when those greedy little ba$tards stop trusting anyone!")

With the situation becoming more precarious by the day, I faced a choice, to step in with dramatic government action or to stand back and allow the irresponsible actions of some to undermine the financial security of all.

I’m a strong believer in free enterprise, ("Liar…if so then you would not have taken such a grossly socialistic move of nationalizing financial institutions and saddling the people with the responsibility of paying for others mistakes"). so my natural instinct is to oppose government intervention. I believe companies that make bad decisions should be allowed to go out of business. ("So, why didn’t you let nature take its natural course?")

Under normal circumstances, I would have followed this course. But these are not normal circumstances. ("No they are not. Your banking buddies got into deep doodoo and now you are trying to pull their butts out of the ditch.") The market is not functioning properly. ("Never does when greed is so widespread and rampant.) There has been a widespread loss of confidence, and major sectors of America’s financial system are at risk of shutting down. ("Not my problem. I have prepared myself and my family for these contingencies. The problem is never solved by government intervention.")

The government’s top economic experts warn that, without immediate action by Congress, America could slip into a financial panic and a distressing scenario would unfold. ("First of all, I don’t believe a single word that a government economic expert has to say. Their words are always cleverly crafted to screw someone out of something.")

More banks could fail, including some in your community. The stock market would drop even more, which would reduce the value of your retirement account. ("Let it come! Not for one moment did I believe that government could actually manage some of my money, especially the vast amounts of money that was placed into Social Security accounts that I would eventually need to draw upon. Not once was I deceived into thinking that I could rely upon the generosity of government, funded and government, managed programs so that I could retire in peace. I knew long ago that I was never going to see one red cent of that money that you guys in government squandered so frivolously.") The value of your home could plummet. Foreclosures would rise dramatically. ("Easy come… easy go.")

And if you own a business or a farm, you would find it harder and more expensive to get credit. More businesses would close their doors, and millions of Americans could lose their jobs. ("Then perhaps the 50 million illegal aliens will go home????? Please, please promise me that this will happen. Americans will be much stronger after weathering such a financial storm of tremendous proportion. Perhaps, they will again have a renewed skepticism of governments and banking.")

Even if you have good credit history, it would be more difficult for you to get the loans you need to buy a car or send your children to college. ("Perhaps now, the prices will come down from their bloated and exorbitant levels to levels where the common folk can afford.") And, ultimately, our country could experience a long and painful recession.

Fellow citizens, we must not let this happen. I appreciate the work of leaders from both parties in both houses of Congress to address this problem and to make improvements to the proposal my administration sent to them. (Editor’s thought: “What? We have leaders in Congress? You mean like those Senators that lead in who received the most political contributions from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac?”)

There is a spirit of cooperation between Democrats and Republicans and between Congress and this administration. (“In other words, all government entities have banded together to rape and pillage the common citizens in massive proportions.”) In that spirit, I’ve invited Senators McCain and Obama to join congressional leaders of both parties at the White House tomorrow to help speed our discussions toward a bipartisan bill. ("...that will take about 5 full generations to be paid off.")

I know that an economic rescue package will present a tough vote for many members of Congress. It is difficult to pass a bill that commits so much of the taxpayers’ hard-earned money. ("Surprise… surprise… You may think there is more money left over out here in middle America . You are sooooo wrong, Mr. Bush. There is nothing left. You have taken it all. Now if you want to take our homes, our cars, our retirement accounts, our savings accounts, then say so. At least that would be honest of you.")

I also understand the frustration of responsible Americans who pay their mortgages on time, file their tax returns every April 15th, and are reluctant to pay the cost of excesses on Wall Street. ("Frustration? Not the right word. How about rage? How about total disgust at this impossible condition that you are trying to hang around our necks? How about displaying leadership here pal? How about you, Mr. President and all other politicians and your government bureaucrats take all of your salaries that are currently draining the hard-earned monies that have been illegally stolen from the tax-payers and you guys give everything you have and then come back to us and see if that makes a difference? How about you stop all other spending on unnecessary government programs and use that to stem the tide of this tidal wave of retribution from decades of abusive governmental waste and idiotic governmental policies?")

But given the situation we are facing, not passing a bill now would cost these Americans much more later. ("Awww… you’re just saying that to scare us into believing your lies.")

Many Americans are asking, how would a rescue plan work? ("No we are not. We are saying that it won’t work. There is no way that the government can pull this one out of the hat… It is the government after all.") After much discussion, there’s now widespread agreement on the principles such a plan would include. ("Widespread agreement among politicians, government bureaucrats and bankers who found themselves in a bind! Did you actually go out and ask how the common man feels about having his income reduced just because of your stupid banking friends made some really dumb mistakes?")

It would remove the risk posed by the troubled assets, including mortgage-backed securities, now clogging the financial system. ("And you are throwing the risks into our laps!!!!") This would free banks to resume the flow of credit to American families and businesses. (“This will free banks up to resume the thievery, once more, of American families and businesses.”)

Any rescue plan should also be designed to ensure that taxpayers are protected. ("How can you say that? I wasn’t born yesterday. I know a tax is a tax. Just how stupid do you really think we are?") It should welcome the participation of financial institutions, large and small. It should make certain that failed executives do not receive a windfall from your tax dollars. ("Can you guarantee that? But, then again, when can the government really guarantee anything?")

It should establish a bipartisan board to oversee the plan’s implementation, and it should be enacted as soon as possible. (“Open up your wallets America ! Give us all your remaining cash!”)

In close consultation with Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson ("Former CEO of Goldman Sachs"), Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke ("criminal mastermind of the Big Heist of 2008"), and SEC Chairman Chris Cox ("willing accomplice to the Big Heist of 2008"), I announced a plan on Friday. ("It’s a good thing that you gave us advance warning to pre-position ourselves and get ready for the pain that is forthcoming.")

First, the plan is big enough to solve a serious problem. ("…and big enough to sink a nation into permanent debt.") Under our proposal, the federal government would put up to $700 billion taxpayer dollars on the line to purchase troubled assets that are clogging the financial system.

In the short term, this will free up banks to resume the flow of credit to American families and businesses, and this will help our economy grow. (“In the short term, full scale greed will resume to unimpeded levels once more.”)

Second, as markets have lost confidence in mortgage-backed securities, their prices have dropped sharply, yet the value of many of these assets will likely be higher than their current price, because the vast majority of Americans will ultimately pay off their mortgages. ("…in about 30 years, this process of paying off mortgages may begin. ")

The government is the one institution with the patience and resources to buy these assets at their current low prices and hold them until markets return to normal. (“The government is the one institution that can forcefully hijack the taxpayers’ money to fund such a boondoggle.”)

And when that happens, money will flow back to the Treasury as these assets are sold, and we expect that much, if not all, of the tax dollars we invest will be paid back. (“But don’t expect that any of the citizens will get their money back. The government will certainly re-invest any monies received from this heist to fund other governmental entitlements…. if there is any left over.”)

The final question is, what does this mean for your economic future? (“DOOM!!!!! DESTRUCTION OF THE ECONOMY!!!! RECESSION!!! DEPRESSION!!!”) Well, the primary steps — purpose of the steps I’ve outlined tonight is to safeguard the financial security of American workers, and families, and small businesses. ("Not really. This is only to ensure that the bankers can get their money and the citizens will be permanently burdened with the results of their foolish and greedy criminal activities.") The federal government also continues to enforce laws and regulations protecting your money. (“The federal government continues to fashion and enact immoral and illegal laws that amount to ‘LEGAL PLUNDER’.”)

The Treasury Department recently offered government insurance for money market mutual funds. ("And now the FDIC has come to the government food trough to consume its fair share of the plundered loot… to the tune of another $150 billion.") And through the FDIC, every savings account, checking account, and certificate of deposit is insured by the federal government for up to $100,000. ("And the FDIC will guarantee that all these accounts will be refunded as stated in the fine print….. 99 YEARS!!!")

The FDIC has been in existence for 75 years, and no one has ever lost a penny on an insured deposit, and this will not change. ("…except for those who had more than the proposed levels, even though bankers usually twisted the facts to entice many citizens to store more of their money in the bank accounts.")

Once this crisis is resolved, there will be time to update our financial regulatory structures. (“This crisis will not be solved until everyone is broke. When everyone is penniless, homeless and waiting in bread lines at the nearest government run entitlement center, then and only then will this crisis be solved. Yes!!! When all citizens are fully enslaved, then the crisis will be deemed over.”) Our 21st-century global economy remains regulated largely by outdated 20th-century laws. (“Now we need new laws to more expeditiously and efficiently strip the citizens’ of their hard earned wages.”)

Recently, we’ve seen how one company can grow so large that its failure jeopardizes the entire financial system. ("‘Too big to fail’ was their ace-in-the-hole excuse to use. I say let them fail. It will serve them right.")

Earlier this year, Secretary Paulson ("former Goldman Sachs CEO and government mafia lieutenant") proposed a blueprint that would modernize our financial regulations. (“He hatched a plan to capture all the power.”) For example, the Federal Reserve would be authorized to take a closer look at the operations of companies across the financial spectrum and ensure that their practices do not threaten overall financial stability. "Big Brother is watching!")

There are other good ideas, and members of Congress should consider them. As they do, they must ensure that efforts to regulate Wall Street do not end up hampering our economy’s ability to grow. ("Once the Fed and the Treasury Dept. started orchestrating buy-outs on their nationalizing of industries, the die was cast we started down the slippery slope.")

In the long run, Americans have good reason to be confident in our economic strength. ("In the long run, Americans have good reason to distrust anything that the government does.") Despite corrections in the marketplace and instances of abuse, democratic capitalism is the best system ever devised. ("This is not democratic capitalism. This is SOCIALISM.. PURE AND SIMPLE SOCIALISM!")

It has unleashed the talents and the productivity and entrepreneurial spirit of our citizens. ("not to mention the loosing of the banking hounds to take more risky behavior knowing that they will be rewarded if they run into trouble.") It has made this country the best place in the world to invest and do business. ("As long as bad behavior is rewarded, bad behavior will continue and flourish. And it gives our economy the flexibility and resilience to absorb shocks, adjust, and bounce back. (“And it gives our economy the ability to die more readily… to die more permanently.”)

Our economy is facing a moment of great challenge, ("you bet ya it is") but we’ve overcome tough challenges before, and we will overcome this one. ("Are you sure George? Never in our history has such a burden been placed upon our society. Never in our history has such incompetence been demonstrated. Never in our history has the challenge.")

I know that Americans sometimes get discouraged by the tone in Washington and the seemingly endless partisan struggles, yet history has shown that, in times of real trial, elected officials rise to the occasion. ("Are you saying that they are really, really patriotic? Because if you are, then why do we want to march on Washington all other times with our pitchforks and baseball bats and want to chase them out of town?")

And together we will show the world once again what kind of country America is: a nation that tackles problems head on, where leaders come together to meet great tests, and where people of every background can work hard, develop their talents, and realize their dreams. ("...a nation that keeps putting bonehead, partisan, greedy and corrupt politicians back into positions of power because they are able to promise so much to so many unfortunate fools that believe that they are really going to be helped by these idiots.")

Thank you for listening. May God bless you.
... ("May God Help Us All!")

You can see all of T. L. Farlow's columns at The Farlow Journal.