My conclusion was, a lot of money seem wasted. It seems that politicians invest in the great picture which could be fine on the long run… but they never stay in power long enough to accomplish the plan and the following gov’ doesn’t follow up.

I also agree that it is confusing when bills are mixed up and the media mishandles the situation. I should also point out that all riders are not bad, particularly if one of them happens to fix the AMT.

I also think we can’t have it both ways. We want lower taxes, but we oppose anything that “costs the taxpayer”. Some of those “costs” are lost tax revenue, from lowering taxes or creating tax breaks.

I think we’re bring distracted from the true problem here – this ridiculous bailout bill.

Congress won’t allow that to happen though because people would lose jobs, some companies would fold, and pension plans and retirement funds would lose a lot of money. Many people would need to put off retirement for several more years. Of course, these things are already happening, but the effects would be magnified, and they don’t want to be held responsible for that.

Allowing the market to correct naturally would be viewed by the media and many people in the public as “inaction” and public outcry would force the government to act… bringing us right back to where we started.