Don't fall for government / media doublespeak.  This consumer spending initiative is NOT a "tax rebate".  In fact, in the current version the less one paid in taxes the more money one gets.  Those who earned above a certain amount in 2007 get nothing.

This is an issuance of debt by the governmnet in order to give money to people so that they will spend more.  The tab for this additional debt will be paid by taxpayers.

It's a half baked version of "to each according to his need, from each according to his ability".

Hopefully many recipients who are really 'needy' will take this windfall and spend it on healthcare or paying down credit card debt from past overconsumption...

Why? It's tempting to spend it on frivolous things, that we'll throw away in a couple of days. But besides that, your just wasting your money on something that gives you temporary euphoria.

Of course, that's not what the rich want us to do to stimulate their economy. Conspicuous consumption makes the rich richer, everyone else poorer.

When you have enough money to spend the money on something durable and an investment in your future, then spend it.

Political parties are not without their troubles of one sort or another and we all have our complaints, but a government that will respond to problems like climate change needs leaders who have the money to pay for their message.

The reason that corporate money has such an affect in politics is because private money is so scarce in politics.   Politics needs money and good messages needs money.  That's where my check will go.

Sell them at local political events for a buck a piece.  Put the proceeds back into thousands more bumperstickers.

My favorite:  Clean energy. Green jobs.  One living planet.

http://amazngdrx.blogharbor.com/blog John Schneider, Northern Wisconsin