Sunday, April 12, 2009

Turning Down Stimulus Money

(photo credit: Politico)

A few governors have opposed the crazy stimulus package sent from Washington and President Obama. What most fail to recognize is that the stimulus money comes with strings attached. There really is no such thing as a free lunch! I would be interested in having someone explain to me where they think this money is coming from. It must either be generated through tax increases or printing new money which consequently would lead to inflation. These governors were elected by the people of their states to represent their best interests and that is what they would like to do without the interference of Washington. Thus, several GOP Governors have declined to accept certain parts of the package or would like to use the money to pay down their states debt. Many states are now raising their taxes to record levels because of their addiction to spending. Hmm...would it not be wise of these governors to stop wasteful spending and use the stimulus money to pay down the debt instead of raising taxes during this incredibly tough time? Furthermore, raising taxes in a recession is probably the worst thing you can do…its probably right behind spending when going down a list of what not to do! Don’t spend money you don’t have (an eight year old could tell you that).

Because these governors are trying to do what’s best for their constituents, they are being publicly scolded. Additionally, one Governor was outrageously accused of being a racist by another elected official for rejecting parts of the package (yeah that’s mature).

Unfortunately, people are having a tough time understanding why someone wouldn't just take this "free" money from the federal government…like totally. Duh! They don’t understand that this money is going to be coming out of their pockets in the future…that is…right after they soak the rich for all they have! A group called Carolinians For Reform recently announced spending $230,000 on a TV ad featuring South Carolina’s Governor Mark Sanford explaining his decision to spend stimulus money to pay down South Carolina's debt. In the ad (which is posted below), Governor Sanford explains that “the easy thing isn’t always the right thing” and goes further on to say that “there is a better way than saddling our children with massive debts”. I absolutely agree!

Responding to the ad, the DNC had the nerve to accuse the Governor of putting his political ambitions ahead of South Carolinians. Yeah that completely makes sense because the Governor is making a really popular decision…Not! Declining the money or using it towards debt may be the wisest choice but I would argue that it is not easiest nor does it have many supporters. The DNC’s claim is almost as ridiculous as the whole stimulus package…I did say “ALMOST”.

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