Government Spending - Example of how not to spend "Stimulus Money"

When things go wrong, people want help. The American people are suffering a recession that is being heard and felt around the world. I was reading in the USA Today when I noticed an article that talked about spending the $787 billion that has been issued. Stimulus money should be used to stimulate the economy, not to just spend it on projects that will not stimulate the economy.

"Most of the $2.2 billion in economic stimulus money for Army Corps of Engineers construction projects will be spent in the home districts of members of Congress who oversee the corp's funding, a USA Today analysis found." What are the odds?

The money is being used in 43 states across America on fixing or building water and sewer lines, dams, reservoirs, levees and harbors. The money has been issued but has to be used on current projects that have already been approved by Congress. The states getting the most money are California, Mississippi, Illinois, Texas and Florida. Of course, all have lawmakers serving on the committee.

Here is the kicker. MICHIGAN, one of the states not receiving any of the money, has the nation's highest unemployment. Stimulus money should be used to stimulate the economy. Here is a state that needs jobs and we leave them out? Yes, the money has to be used on current projects that have been previously voted on but why can't they make an exception? We (America) change the rules all the time, why not this time?

"North Dakota, which has the nation's lowest unemployment rate, received $47.7 million..." That's a good bit of change for a state that doesn't need much work compared to others around America.

Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-ND sated that "this is an investment in these rural communities that will creat jobs now and lay the foundation for economic growth in the future." I agree that spending the money helps, but I do believe that the money should be directed to towns and states that absolutely need the moeny - for example, Michigan (which is recieveing $0).

The interesting article came from.."Cash goest to districts of legislators direction corps funds" written by Matt Kelly (USA TODAY).

Memorial Day

I hope everyone had a great Memorial Day. This is a day that we honor the soldiers of the present and of the past for keeping our country's dream alive. Because of these men and women we get to live our lives to the fullest. These soldiers have sacrificed their lives to make sure we have the freedoms of today and tomorrow.

Yesterday was a great day to sit back and enjoy our time off. It was also a day to reflect on where we are in our lives and how we have got to this point. Many people have given their lives so we can live ours to the fullest!

If you didn't yesterday, find somebody that has served our country (past or present) and thank them for their service!

I hope you all had a safe (long) weekend!

History of Memorial Day:
http://www.usmemorialday.org/

Obama Service on Memorial Day:
http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2009/05/26/2009052600862.html