$410 Billion More in Government Spending

3 significant things to note here: (from the short article in the title link)

#1 It seems like a pretty good deal, perhaps, if only $8 billion out of $410 billion is earmarks. To put that perspective anyone can understand, though, let's breakdown how much money $8 billion really is to us, in our lives. If you make $75,000 - good money - you would have to work for 106,667 years to make $8 billion (maybe a few years less, inflation would kick in). The numbers have gotten absurd at this point, really. 8,000 different earmarks (pet projects for specific Senators and states) are in the bill, which leads to point #2...

#2 The 62-35 vote to end debate - you need 60 Senators to bring a bill to vote, and the Democrats only have 59 seats. So, the sad part is that several Republicans crossed the aisle and had their own projects in this bill; essentially a bribe of cash to be spent in their districts in return for a yes vote. So the Republicans blew a huge chance to show that their party is different, and will be fiscally responsible. Not terribly surprising (several crossed the aisle to pass the stimulus bill also), but very disappointing.

#3 President Obama promised not to sign bills into law that contain earmarks; this was a big part of the "Change!" he was bringing to Washington. Note the comments from his administration in the end of the article, the loophole if you will. I see a couple reasonable conclusions from this behavior, either a) Mr. Obama will not do what he said he would do, or b) Mr. Obama will use every loophole he can to spend money he deems worthy, while not technically breaking a campaign promise. Either is very disappointing, even from a President whom I oppose ideologically.

All sarcasm aside - which is taking some effort - I would just like one person to explain to me how spending more money we don't have is going to solve the crisis facing America today that was caused by people spending money they did not have. Christian or otherwise, Democrat or Republican - even you Libertarians and Greens could jump in here? How can the solution to the problem be what caused problem? I am dizzy even trying to follow the logic.

Free piece of advice, from Larry Burkett (may he rest in peace). This goes for people, corporations, governments, and you really can't go wrong following it:

Spend less than you make.