IRKED!

I can't believe this...my first politically-themed post and it's not a feel-good, fuzzy one. Bummer. I like to try to stay somewhat neutral and open to other points of view, but since this is my blog, I get to vent. You can stop right here and I won't be upset. If you want a lighter-toned read, check back tomorrow when the topic will be kissing and cool dates (not the kind you eat, the kind you go on with another person). However, if you don't have an open mind and you keep reading, you might be upset.
First, what are we thinking passing this (you pick a name...bailout, rescue, investment) plan?
I've heard both sides. And while I'm ususlly a very high-strung, dramatic, over-reacting type of person when it comes to these sorts of things, I can't seem to buy into the sky is falling mentality surrounding this situation.
Don't get me wrong...I realize the economy is a mess and that something has to be done. But, don't you think there is a better way to handle this?
Does it make sense to ask Americans who have been losing their homes to banks to turn around and bail out the banks? Is it so wrong to actually get a firmer handle on credit and lending? Isn't that one of the reasons how we got here in the first place - excessive lending to people who should have not been able to borrow? Heck, I can't believe we got a loan to buy our home! We are being asked to bail out PRIVATE businesses. Is there something in the US Constitution about this? The market should be allowed to correct itself. If the problem that we are facing took a long time to come to fruition, shouldn't we take a little more time to research the best LONG TERM resolution?
Someone on a mom's group wrote a piece (thank you for taking the time to do that and getting involved) that I had to debate. Many of the things she wrote were taken directly from CNN clips. I watch alot of CNN. On occasion, I, too, catch myself quoting Wolf and that hottie, Anderson Cooper. However, I think this situation is too important to only look to one source. I have been reading what ECONOMISTS have to say, as well as what folks involved in banks and banking committees are noting about this plan. It stinks! Also, while I don't support many of his stances on other issues, when it comes to the economy, Ron Paul is usually spot on. I have complete trust in his take on what needs to happen with this market. If you want some other points of view, check out James Ramsey, Noriel Roubini, Duncan Black, the CEO of BB&T Bank (yes, a banker thinks this is pitiful!), and whoever else you can find that is not always on mainstream tv.
One of the other claims made was that the markets are frozen and unless we pass the bill they won't "unfreeze." Please. If you held crappy assets that were worth almost nothing and the Secretary of the Treasury said to you...hey, there's a bailout coming, hang tight...do you think you'd let those assets go at the lower price? I hope you realized the answer is nope. The market is frozen in anticipation of the bill!
Another point made was that if we didn't do anything now, our children were going to pay for it. Wrong. Our children will be paying for an over-a-trillion-dollar-debt if this passes. Yes, the economy is worsening, but it will get worse in the long run if this bill is passed.
Also, I find it difficult to put my trust into people (PAULSON and friends) who are so connected to Wall Street. We've been hearing from this administration that everything is peachy keen - even as unemployment numbers, foreclosures, and home sales reports showed otherwise. And on another (bank) note, why did Paulson bail out AIG and not Lehman brothers? I'll enlighten you...because AIG owed Goldman Sachs $20 million dollars. Had they not been bailed out, Goldman Sachs ( Paulson's former employer) would have been out that money. The CEO of Goldman was actually present when Paulson decided to bail out AIG. Financial nepotism!!! It's sickening.
Please, even if you don't agree with my analysis, do yourself a favor and research other ideas. Step out of your comfort zone and read and listen to - with an open mind - what others are saying. I'm a Democrat, but I find myself more comforted by what Senator Shelby, a long time Republican who sits (or used to sit) on the banking committee, is saying then I do the person I'm planning on voting for in the presidential elections.

Next, Sarah Palin and Joe Biden. Are there any women out there who are insulted by the use of sexism in this campaign?
Initially, I was so irked to hear women claiming sexism when Sarah Palin's resume was being questioned. Why can't the media - or a voter, God forbid - ask her a question about an issue without it being considered an attack on her because she is a woman? Public figures have their records scrutinized. And honestly, wouldn't you want to know what her stance is on all of the issues before you say you're going to vote for her? I'm not for women voting for a woman based solely on gender.
Now, I can't believe that there is talk surrounding how Biden needs to be careful not to offend or condescend, nor should he wholeheartily defend himself and Obama, during the debates. Why? Because people might think he is being sexist toward Sarah Palin. Biden should be Biden and if people - including Palin - don't like it, then tough. Aside from talking in circles and giving little detail inher answers to questions, all I've heard from Palin are nasty, mean-spirited remarks about others. And this is supposed to be a religious woman? At a rally the other day, with McCain standing right next to her, she had the nerve to make fun of Biden's age and the length of time he's served in the Senate. Biden and McCain are long time respected friends and colleagues. So, I'm not sure what's worse, the hypocrisy, I'd guess you'd say, of the comment or that McCain allowed such a remark.
In any case, have the women of the Republican party lost their minds? Is the progress of the women's movement going to be devalued by this campaign? Shameful. Obama has done such a beatiful job of not allowing race to be an option for him in this election. Total class act.

One last thing....REGISTER TO VOTE !