We need to Stop the Insanity

Massachusetts received $45.4 million in stimulus money to expand broadband access in the western part of the State where some towns have virtually no high-speed Internet service. Overall, the 2009 stimulus package includes $7.2 billion to upgrade the nation’s data networks. If the Federal government can spend money such as this, and there were many “silly” programs, then surely it can extend unemployment benefits in this down economy.

There are many receiving benefits who are perfectly happy to be getting the hand-out because they simply do not want to work and will tackle the job problem right before their benefits run out. You know the type. We have all met them. But the overall majority of people who have lost their jobs are worried and they are hurting. The Stimulus plan was to jump start economic growth, and save between 900,000 - 2.3 million jobs. It has not.

If we can send money all over the world helping out this foreign country and that, we can help our own people first. The jobless rate is right around 10%. Why not encourage American corporations to hire US labor and stop the off-shoring by giving them tax incentives to do so? The government is taxing business to death. We need to spend money where it will increase productivity and get people back to work.

The Republicans have a very strong point and do, in spite of the Democratic hype, support extended unemployment benefits. "I support, and Republicans have supported, extending unemployment benefits, but we must not do so at a cost to the deficit, to the economy and to future generations. Our inability to get our fiscal house in order isn't just damaging future generations; it is wreaking havoc on jobs today," said Rep. Dave Camp, R-Michigan. Also on Thursday he called the newest extension plan "fiscal insanity" because it is not paid for and will only create future problems.

Pelosi criticized Republicans last week by saying that she's still optimistic that the bill will pass though it failed again in the Senate Wednesday night. She said that unemployment checks "created jobs."

Some people say there is no difference in the two major Political Parties because we are all fed up with the economy, the gridlock and all the other stuff not being addressed like illegal immigration but there is a difference—the Democrats are tax and spend and building up a debt that is out of control and one in which we can no longer afford. The Republicans are saying let’s have less government and come up with a plan rather than dishing out taxpayer money…spending cuts should be made in other federal programs to cover the costs for extended unemployment benefits. Which one makes the most sense?


Here in Lake Worth, City Manager, Susan Stanton, is attempting to reduce the cost of government without laying off employees. Without your help and the cooperation of the Unions that want it all, her job will be impossible.

Cut the waste; stop the Unions; take back the City that you pay for. Lake Worth needs to stop the spending. Just because it is budgeted does not mean that we have to spend it. It's not as if it is burning a hole in the pocket of government.