RussSpencer's Blog

I talk about money hesitantly because I'm fortunate to have more than I need.

And I acknowledge that, for some Americans, $600 dollars is a lot of money.

But when politicians on both sides of the aisle in Washington agree on anything as quickly as they've agreed on this Economic Stimulus Package, it makes me suspicious.

The 150 billion dollar giveaway strikes me as bipartisan political pandering -- an incumbent protection plan. 

There's no question the economy is slowing.  And it's equally clear that the short term will be painful for some people.  But $600 or $1200 seems like small consolation to individuals and families who are suffering. 

At the same time, it seems that some of the economic problems we face as a nation, including the shrinking dollar, stem from our habit of spending beyond our means.  Given the current deficit, writing millions checks seems irresponsible.

The markets will correct themselves, eventually.  In the meantime, the pain of this slowdown will hurt some people a lot more than others. 

It's not fair, but I'm not convinced the government can make it fair -- not this way, at least.