Big Bad Wolf

I overheard some people talking recently about the possible tax rebates that are being considered by the Bush administration. One person, in particular thought that it was proof that Bush is a fine president, what with giving us money and all. The other wasn’t quite as enthusiastic about Bush, but was happy to get the money. It took everything I had to keep from yelling, “Blood Money!” But then I realized that if I did, I would be a hypocrite. Because if ol’ Dumbya sends me a check for $800 or $1600 or $1800, I’ve got carpet and trim and insulation and furniture to pay for, so I won’t wait a minute before cashing it. I’d like to say that I’d donate it, or burn it on the White House lawn in protest, but 1) it’s money I’ve paid in taxes, and 2) furniture.

So I’ll take the money if it comes but I’ll be damned if it will mesmerize me into thinking that Bush is doing something right. Because first of all, they are considering this rebate because the economy is in the shitter. And whose fault would that be? Well, let’s think back. During the last administration, the economy was in better shape than it had been in years. So what’s changed since then? Oh yeah – Georgie boy! So his handing out a tax rebate and expecting us to join in on the back patting is a little like expecting your grandma to shower you with praise you for having perfectly super-glued together the 12 place settings of her grandma’s china that you used for target practice.

And it does feel like blood money. You think it’s a coincidence that this is happening in an election year? An election year following years of lies? A wilting economy? Job after job being taken from the working class and sent overseas? The environment falling apart right before our eyes while the Bush administration sits back and denies the scientific proof right in front of them? Non-existent weapons of mass destruction? Thousands of troops killed? Millions of Americans living in poverty? Our president can barely speak English! Our vice president shot someone! What a better way to go out than to leave us citizens with a big, fat check in our hands. Coincidence? I think not. I realize that Bush can’t run again (thank god), but his republican cronies are shaking in their shoes, whispering, “They hate us – quick – throw money at them!” So while I’ll skip merrily to the bank, check in hand, there’s not a chance in hell that on the way, I’ll be thinking about what a great president and all around super cool guy Bush is.

Sure – I know that my vote for a democrat is likely a vote for higher taxes. I know it and I don’t care. Because there are a lot of other things that are more important to me and they’re worth paying for. If I’m shopping for a car, I know I can get an old clunker pretty cheap. But do I really to give up safety features in exchange for a better price? Or would I rather spend more and get something that will protect my family?

I could buy my prescription drugs online and save money, but I really don’t think I want to risk mr b’s health by taking a chance on d1ovan or lip1tor? No, I think I’ll spend the extra money for the extra vowels, thank you very much.

When we started the addition, we decided it was very important to us to use the most energy efficient and environmentally friendly products we can, and we know it would cost is. Tankless water heaters and bamboo floors are not cheap. But the long term effects on the environment are worth it, as are the long term saving in energy costs. Hell, even the third little pig understood that while using brick was more time-consuming and expensive, it was a hell of a lot better than straw or sticks.

If I’m willing to pay a little more for these thing, why not for a government that works? Anyone you ask will surely say that yes, they want to end poverty and yes, they want to increase jobs and yes they want to keep the earth clean and yes they think everyone deserves a hot meal and a warm bed and good medical care. But how many of those people are still around when they find out they have to pay for it? It’s funny how so many of those people that like to say that freedom isn’t free (it isn’t), don’t seem to understand that nothing else is, either.

Sure, I’d like to have more money in my pocket, but I look at the extra expense as the same getting the safer car, the medicine that works or the earth friendly house. I see it as keeping the big, bad wolf away.