Crazy Talk: Bailing out AIG or the American public

Michael Bordelon

Photo by: File Photo

By: Michael Bordelon

With all the bailout talk these days it gets a person wondering. I received an e-mail the other day that I think helps to demonstrate exactly how much the government does not care about the people it is supposed to serve. Read this carefully, it would probably make you cry when you realize how far away this is from happening, even though it would be far better than the proposed bailouts.

This article was e-mailed to me regarding the AIG bailout, which was only
$85 billion compared to the proposed $700 billion bailout making the rounds now. The author’s name is printed at the end of the article. Enjoy and think about how great it would be if we lived in a country that could do this without finding a way to screw over the little guy in the end:

“Hi Pals,

“I’m against the $85,000,000,000 bailout of AIG.

“Instead, I’m in favor of giving $85,000,000,000 to America in a ‘We Deserve It Dividend.’

“To make the math simple, let’s assume there are 200,000,000 bonafide U.S. citizens 18-plus.

“Our population is about 301,000,000 (plus or minus) counting every man, woman and child. So 200,000,000 might be a fair stab at adults 18 and up.

“So divide 200 million adults 18-plus into $85 billion that equals $425,000.

“My plan is to give $425,000 to every person 18-plus as a ‘We Deserve It Dividend.’

“Of course, it would not be tax free.

“So let’s assume a tax rate of 30 percent.

“Every individual 18-plus has to pay $127,500 in taxes.

“That sends $25,500,000,000 right back to Uncle Sam.

“But it means every adult 18-plus has $297,500 in their pocket.

“A husband and wife has $595,000.

“What would you do with $297,500 to $595,000 in your family?

“Pay off your mortgage – housing crisis solved.

“Repay college loans – what a great boost to new graduates

“Put away money for college – it’ll be there

“Save in a bank – create money to loan to entrepreneurs.

“Buy a new car – create jobs

“Invest in the market – capital drives growth

“Pay for your parent’s medical insurance – health care improves

“Enable Deadbeat Dads to come clean – or else

“Remember, this is for every adult U.S. citizen 18-plus including the folks who lost their jobs at Lehman Brothers and every other company that is cutting back; and of course for those serving in our Armed Forces!

“If we’re going to re-distribute wealth let’s really do it...instead of trickling out a puny $1,000.00 ( ‘vote buy’) economic incentive that is being proposed by one of our candidates for President.

“If we’re going to do an $85 billion bailout, let’s bail out every adult U.S. citizen 18-plus.

“As for AIG – liquidate it.

“Sell off its parts.

“Let American General go back to being American General.

“Sell off the real estate.

“Let the private sector bargain hunters cut it up and clean it up.

“Here’s my rationale. We deserve it and AIG doesn’t.

“Sure it’s a crazy idea that can ‘never work.’

“But can you imagine the Coast-To-Coast Block Party!

“How do you spell economic boom?

“I trust my fellow adult Americans to know how to use the $85 billion.

“We Deserve It Dividend more than the geniuses at AIG or in Washington D.C.

“And remember, The Davis plan only really costs $59.5 Billion because
$25.5 Billion is returned instantly in taxes to Uncle Sam.

“Ahhh...I feel so much better getting that off my chest.

“Kindest personal regards,

“Art A.C. Davis, a creative guy and citizen of the republic.

“P.S. Feel free to pass this along to your pals as it’s either good for a laugh; or a tear; or a very sobering thought on how to best use $85 billion!!”

First let me point out that I know the math is wrong in this piece, but it does not change the idea that instead of giving money to help out the people when they need it, the government is attempting to give a ridiculous amount of money to banks. And these are not commercial banks, but banks for wealthy people who have enough to invest fortunes.

Just imagine for a second if the government were to give every adult between the ages of 18 and 50, which would be far less than 200,000,000 people, a check for $100,000. The economic boom would be deafening.

I really wish a plan like that could work. Unfortunately, it seems our country is run by greed, and as such, too many companies would attempt to take advantage of the consumer. Prices would skyrocket. Oil companies would jack up gas prices to $10 a gallon (if we’re lucky it would only be $10 per gallon). A compact car with power nothing would jump to a cost of $40,000. And we would quickly be thrust back into a bad situation.

It’s a shame to say it, but I guess that’s what we get for letting politicians run anything.