ok, they've gone and done it now...

The Senate backed off its earlier attempt to add more money to the stimulus bill, passed a bill and sent it back to the House where it was approved as well. As a result, the checks will start rolling out-- and the debt will start rolling up-- by mid-May.

The fiscal policy is an attempt to fix a recession that may not exist-- and even if it does, will likely be over by the time the monies flow. It increases the debt and makes the reduction of marginal tax rates less likely. Sadly, the vote-buying was quite bi-partisan-- hopefully, the last gasp of a pathetic approach to politics, but for now, more evidence of the intellectual and/or spiritual bankruptcy reigning within both major political parties. Less hopefully, Americans will fall for the scam and encourage more of the same.

Quotes from three of the culprits...

Mitch McConnell: "This is the Senate at its finest, recognizing this was an opportunity to demonstrate to the public that we could come together, do something important for the country and do it quickly." "We were able to put aside our differences not only in the Senate but with our colleagues in the House and with the administration."

Harry Reid: "It's tremendous what we've been able to accomplish."

George Bush: the amended plan "is robust, broad-based, timely, and it will be effective. This bill will help to stimulate consumer spending and accelerate needed business investment."