Outrage Pays Off

Someone in government finally came to their senses. The executives of AIG are being asked to return millions in compensation. The money should be taken and given to the communities in which AIG operated. That would leave a lasting legacy that might help to overturn the perception of greed that has been burned into people's consciousness. Of course, the government will probably return the money to the pool being dug for the bailout of financial institutions. Which means that its possible positive effect will be negated. I understand why that statement might be questioned, but the government is allocating $700 billion for the bailout, so a few million dollars will not make a major difference to the bailout effort. The construction of a new park or a new wing on a school would probably help a lot more. The government seems to be very resistant to these kind of ideas. It represents the idea of socialism that they seem to be afraid of and that I think we need a lot more of. It would restore faith in government as a caring institution instead of this cold, faceless behemoth that is unresponsive to society's needs. The government seems to have no problem handing out tax breaks for business which they then abuse. I think its time to funnel money directly into people's hands. I don't advocate giving money away with no obligation. I think there should be some sort of education requirement to qualify for government subsidy. I don't want to use the word handout but that is exactly what it would be. The time has come for Americans to admit that everyone deserves an equal shot at a comfortable life, not having to live from paycheck to paycheck. Spreading money out this way would strengthen and widen the middle class, which has always been the backbone of American society. In previous generations, although they may not have been the intellectual leaders of the country, they were the moral leaders, providing stability order and a sense of community security. We need to return to these ideas if America is going to resume its position as a moral arbiter. The world is waiting for our example.