The Economic Stimulus Bill...or is it The Economic Stimulus Bull****?

The Economic Stimulus Bill...is that really what they're still calling it? I just read that none of the items included in the bill are expected to make any difference in the economy until late in 2009 or until 2010. Uh, don't they realize that's not going to do much to stimulate an economy that is shrinking more and more every day? What will be left to stimulate in a year or two?

The $500-per-worker credit for lower- and middle-income taxpayers that Obama outlined during his presidential campaign was scaled back to $400 during bargaining by the Democratic-controlled Congress and White House....Officials estimated it would mean about $13 a week more in people's paychecks when withholding tables are adjusted in late spring. Critics say that's unlikely to do much to boost consumption. Well, it would cover a couple of cups of coffee at Starbucks each week.

I'm all for high speed trains here in the U.S., but the $8 billion earmarked for high speed trains:

In late-stage talks, Obama and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., pressed for $8 billion to construct high-speed rail lines, quadrupling the amount in the bill that passed the Senate on Tuesday.

Reid's office issued a statement noting that a proposed Los Angeles-to-Las Vegas rail might get a big chunk of the money. Let's make sure the casinos stay in business - but in the meantime 40 and 60 year-old businesses are going under along with who knows how many small businesses that don't make the nightly news.

House Values, Jobs and the Economy

There is so much negativity in the news so I'd like to suggest you focus on what isn't negative for today. You'll sleep better.

House values have plummeted, yes, but if you aren't planning on selling your house soon, or need a home equity loan, that's somewhat irrelevant. It's the same with any asset...you only have a gain or loss when you dispose of it, so don't dwell on their value as of today if you don't need to. Deal with reality, not "what if" scenerios. You'll sleep better.

Jobs are being lost and unemployment is high, but even at 10% unemployment there are 90% who are employed. Look beyond the negative numbers. You'll sleep better.

The economy is in turmoil, but American ingenuity is amazing and the spirit of the American people has always been strong in the face of adversity. Think about all that we've faced and overcome in the past. You'll sleep better.

And if you know someone who has fallen on hard times, reach out a hand of friendship. That can make all the difference in someone's life, to know people care. And you'll sleep better.