A trillion here, a trillion there

While Congress debates the $700 billion Wall Street bailout, I've heard nothing in the press reminding us that this is coming on the heals of a $300 billion housing bill signed by the President back on July 30th. That is a staggering $1 trillion spent on this fiasco. Add to that the nearly $1 trillion we've spent in Iraq and it is no wonder our standard of living is declining.

I currently oppose the bailout for the following reasons:

1. It is being rushed through with little discussion, debate or analysis of alternatives. This is the Bush/Paulson plan.

2. It contains no reforms and simply gives the money to the same players who created the crisis.

3. It provides not a single dime to homeowners or want to be homeowners. What would $700 billion do for the economy if we targeted this money towards the housing needs of citizens?

4. I don't trust President Bush or his administration. I hate to say it but I'm also skeptical of both McCain and Obama here as well. Both are being advised by Wall Street insiders who will benefit from this bailout.

5. The negotiations have been secretive.

I've just been reading the latest news and the House is going to debate this massive bailout for a total of 3 hours before they vote.

I would love to see our country invest $700 billion in a green economy. That type of investment would go a long ways toward creating a post-carbon economy. Instead, I'm worried that we are doing nothing but temporarily propping up a decaying system.