The Greatest Show on Earth

The United States Congress looks like a freakin' three ring circus. What a bunch of clowns. You know what? I take that back...that statement is completely unfair to all of the authentic circus and rodeo clowns, who happen to be much more respectable and hard-working than the idiot ones on The Hill.

The lack of stimulus bill "transparency" has been a concern for many of us. The hasty handout of taxpayer money never made us feel at ease. But, we thought we'd give it a chance because the greatest show on Earth convinced us that if things didn't happen IMMEDIATELY, our demise was inevitable. So, one of two things happened: (1.) No one had the presence of mind to consider that bailout money would be used to pay execs' bonuses OR (2.) The clowns just hoped nobody would catch wind of what was being slipped in through the back tent. Frankly, neither of those options make me the least bit comfortable.

Chris Dodd is all over the place. Bless his heart, he doesn't know which way is up. He didn't know the "loophole language" was there. But then he did know, and he wanted it removed. But now he thinks he didn't really know after all. Confused? Yeah, so is he. There was a provision in the original stimulus legislation that would have banned the bonuses. It was removed. Wednesday, Mr. Dodd said his staff agreed to requests, made by the administration, to remove the executive pay provision.

Barney Frank is foaming at the mouth, and well, it's just not pretty. He wants the names of any AIG execs who refuse to return their bonuses. Many of these bonus recipients are already receiving more than they bargained for...death threats. It has been reported that the threats include things like: "They should be executed with piano wire around their necks."

Now, while I am completely appalled and disgusted by our tax money paying millions in bonuses, I am also appalled by this talk of piano wire executions. It's disturbing actually. And made even more so by the fact that Barney Frank fuels this dangerous fire. He is demanding the names and says it's possible their anonymity will be refused. Look, I get that this sucks. But, it also sucks when the very people responsible (for giving away our money with no provisions for its use), become so grossly cavalier. Mr. Frank, we have a justice system, and it doesn't involve piano wire. You are a strange little man, aren't you?

The bottom line is, if Congressional leaders (and I really hesitate even using that word, leaders) had paid as much attention to the bailout "language" as they plan on paying to those who don't return the bonus money, we wouldn't even be having this discussion. So, I've written a letter to the three ring circus performers on The Hill.

Dear Ringmaster Pelosi and Bunch of Idiot Clowns,
We aren't falling for your tricks. We aren't impressed by your rush to damn the
executives and their bonuses. If anything, we're a little puzzled. You gave them our money, now you want to burn them at the stake for using what you gave them? Surely you didn't believe they could be trusted to wisely use taxpayer money? I wonder...Maybe it was much more about showing them that they could trust you. We're wondering why you removed provisions that would have held them accountable for how our money was spent. But then, you rarely take the high road do you? The only thing you really care about stimulating is your power trip. You should know, the American people aren't enjoying your show. Your show stinks.
We want our money back. And no, tickets to a future show won't cut it! We want our hard-earned nickels and dimes put back into our piggy banks where they belong.
Bite Me,
Snarky

I began writing this earlier in the day, as I watched the circus show unfold. Since then, a bill has been passed to heavily tax AIG bonus money. I sincerely tried to remain bi-partisan here, but Pelosi just ruins it every time! She really had the nerve to thank Democratic leaders for "protecting the national interest". Good grief! She is thanking the very people who allowed the executive bonus "loophole language" fiasco to take place. When someone trashes my house, so sorry, but I'm not going to thank them for cleaning it up....especially when the only reason they want to clean up is so they can look like a hero.