I have been getting into some heated debates with people I know and love, who THINK they know what is in the bill and what isn’t. I say, even a lot of the congressmen and senators who voted for or against it don’t even know what’s in it. The dang thing is “at least” 1580 pages and growing. So, because I have talked til I’m blue in the face and only accomplished alienating and angering people, I am supplying the link here where you can go and read it at your leisure: The Stimulus Package. I am on page 440 of it, and my eyes are crossing, but I am determined to read the whole thing. Boring!
I WANT to be knowledgeable of what is going on. I have never read a bill this large before, but I have read several bills that have interested me in the past. It has been eye-opening sometimes to read what is in these things. Like The Patriot Act for instance. Wow.
As of yet, I can report that I have NOT found the line or sentence that reads “money for young women to go to foreign countries to get their abortions” as one person dear to my heart screamed at me, and called me a very vile name, before hanging up on me. If I do find that provision in this bill, I will call that person and let them know how very right they were. Until then, though, I am not in the mood to argue with people over a bill that has already passed, that they have not read, and their only knowledge of it comes from watching C-Span night and day. That they believe is the beginning of the end of the world as we know it.
I may or may not agree with any and or all of the provisions of this bill. I may or may not benefit from it. I may or may not like any or all of the politicians who are in office now. But, I think I have the right to agree or not, I have the right to benefit or not, I have the right to like politicians or not. And I don’t think that anyone else on the face of the earth has the right to tell me I’m stupid for what I believe. Or don’t believe.
As a rule, I generally try not to talk about politics with most people. What I believe or don’t believe is my business. But sometimes it comes up in conversation, and before I can get away or hang up the phone, it gets ugly. I really don’t want that to happen. So, take the time to read the bill. If you want to talk to me about it after that, ok. Maybe I’ll have finished reading it by then, too.
Good for you! I think everyone has the right to his or her opinion, but it should be an INFORMED opinion before they start arguing it with others.
I have closely followed the stimulus package saga, and I have two opinions…the first being that I don’t think anyone will every be able to figure out exactly what is in the package, and the second being that unfortunately a lot of money is going to be wasted.
A lot of money will be wasted. But a lot of money is going to be spent into roads and bridges – and, if the Pres gets his way – green energy development. But in any case, people will go back to work and things will eventually get better and someday, they’ll actually figure out how to pay for all this stuff.
I’ll get back to you. Have bookmarked to read. I’ve only read a few bills and not usually entirely. They are truly not written to read.
Karen,
I swear I put myself on your blog as a follower a long time ago but am surprised to see I’m not there!
I have resubmitted my name and linked to The Patriot Act and The Stimulus Bill for future reading. Thank you for the links.
I have a friend who is a CNN groupie and is always baiting me with statements like you mentioned. From now on I’m going to ask, “Have you read it? Talk to me after you see it with your own eyes.” Thanks for that tip as well.
I really enjoy your blog and read it nearly every day. Your gluten free cooking is fascinating even though as far as I know, I am not. I do know that wheat and I do not get along very well so I stick to oats and rice whenever possible.
Keep on keeping on and I wish safe travels to you and yours!
My goodness! That bill is as long as a full novel! That is amazing that you are going to read the whole thing.
I think that a lot of people are having trouble staying in the middle. That is why people are hanging up on you. Either they think Obama is the devil or they think he is the savior. Neither is true. He is a man with a tough job ahead of him.
well, I know you’re certainly NOT talking about me in the blog because I refuse to talk to anyone ever again on how I feel about anything that goes on the government. One chastising is all I can handle. Your “staying out of it” Seester
Yep, I feel your pain. During election time I was having many similar encounters with people and ti just blows my mind how many don’t take the time to get the actual facts straight.
I haven’t read it and I don’t intend to waste my time reading it. Why? Because it won’t help me any…it won’t help my Son-in-law if he gets laid off again to pay his mortgage…it won’t help ANYONE I know…it won’t help those poor people who got flooded out or the tornado victims. The whole thing is one big joke…especially the black lady on the TV whom Hussain gave a house to for “show” Personally, I don’t need or want any help. I just don’t want my children to have to suffer. “They” could have taken the billions and billions of dollars doled out so far and divided it amoung 200+million Americans and we would all be fine. None of us will ever see a dime of this money and it won’t help anything. JMHO!
Thanks for the link to the bill. I’m going to make the effort to read it too as I would like a better understanding of just what it is they passed. I try to avoid political discussions too and you have every right to like or dislike any politician you want to.
I’ve been reading your blog for quite some time and enjoy sharing your adventures.
I heard something about a tax break for a new car… Yesssss
can you give us the highlights. This doesn’t let me sit that long to read the whole thing
i just don’t understand why our politicians have to play the game and stick things that have nothing to do with a bill in a bill. Does that make any sense. I’m thinking if you want to pass a bill to say fund abortions in other countries, then make a bill for that. If you want a bill for stimulus then just make it stimulus. If you want a bill to save a rainforest, just make the bill about that, don’t then throw in with the rainforest bill something like let’s say 20 million for fruit bats. That’s the part that aggravates me about the way Washington works. That’s why you end up with bills that are 1000’s of pages long.
Sorry I haven’t been around lately, , I’m busy planning my daughters party.