Political Moment

So Washington has decided to send rebates to American families to help stimulate the economy. I think this is a great idea. The only issue I have with it is that a "rebate" is money that is returned to someone who has already paid money. I do not agree that people who earn a paycheck, by not enough to pay taxes, should get money back from the IRS. I know that they pay sales tax, but that is local taxes. It's only $300 (plus more if they have children), however, these people already qualify for food stamps, and free breakfasts and lunches at school. They qualify for medicaid, and many get housing allowances and help with their utilities. It's not like they aren't getting anything.

Some may say that I'm being greedy or ungrateful. I'm not. I'm simply saying that those programs are paid for by those who actually PAY TAXES. If there is money to be returned, it should be returned to the people who paid it in the first place. I mean, if you purchase a computer and I get one for free because you and others paid for it, I'm not the one who should get the rebate. You are.

Same thing, if I am helping to pay for social services that provide a lot things for free to other people, then I shouldn't have my rebate cut so that those people who are already getting things for free can be handed free money as well.

I don't mind helping other people (who truly try to improve their own life that is). I have a huge problem with the "redistribution of wealth" which is exactly what giving rebates to people who didn't pay a dime to begin with is.

From reading the article, it would appear that returning money to people who didn't pay it was the only way for the Republicans to get the Democrats to agree to any rebates at all. So being the Libertarian that I am, I have to say that in this particular matter, the Democrats have their heads up their asses.