Everybody Wants A Piece of Your Paycheck!

Every time you turn around these days someone wants another piece of your paycheck. When will the craziness end? Of course another amazing aspect of the whole economy revolves around the fact that finally government officials and news media types are calling this what it is — We are in a recession folks! — This is a headline now? It’s about time those in office figured out what the normal people already knew. But then again, these are the same guys with bloated budgets and fat expense accounts. I guess when you’re paid with taxpayer dollars, you don’t notice a recession because it’s not your money in the first place.

So, what’s going on in the wonderful world of big money today?

• AIG Gets More Money While Execs Party!
• Auto Makers On The List for Bailout Money!
• American Express Credit Card Company Becomes A Bank!
• McDonald’s Making Money On Dollar Menu

AIG Gets More Money!

Auto insurance giant AIG is on tap to receive another $40 billion in federal bailout money. In other words, AIG is getting ready to dip into your pocketbook again. This of course is on top of the $700 billion financial bailout package approved by Congress last month to supposedly keep the company from declaring bankruptcy. I say supposedly because lets not forget that right after they received the first installment of the bailout money, the company hosted a big party for all their employees. Who paid for the party? Well we did of course!

Did AIG execs learn their lesson? Of course not! On the heels of the government buying up AIG stock, it’s been revealed that AIG executives attended a huge conference last week that cost $350,000! Once again, who paid for the party? Why we did of course! A TV station in Phoenix, Arizona reported that AIG tried to keep the junket under wraps by making sure there were no signs anywhere on the grounds of the luxury Phoenix resort saying AIG was on the grounds. An AIG spokesman said it’s all been a misunderstanding. The junket wasn’t for AIG employees, it was for independent financial advisor’s.

Yeah, sure, right. independent financial advisor’s? If that’s the case I want to know why I wasn’t invited. After all, as a result of the government bailout with taxpayer money, I’m now an adviser for AIG.

Why wasn’t I invited!?

Automakers On The List For Government Bailout Money

How many of us saw this one coming? If the government was so willing to hand out taxpayer money to other failing companies, we knew it was just a matter of time before other companies started lining up for welfare checks too. Yes, I did just call this a welfare check. When you look at what’s going on, that’s what the bailout money really amounts to. Companies are now going on welfare because they say they’re having problems making ends meet. If AIG and other financial institutions are considered key and eligible for bailout money, who can blame the automakers for looking for money too.

But here’s the rub, I’m getting tired of the politicians being free and easy with MY money. I’m also getting tired of the politicians using fear tactics every time we turn around. The same government that has no clue on how to balance it’s own budget, keeps saying — Everything will collapse if we let this happen! — That’s exactly what Nancy Pelosi and the rest of her D.C. friends are saying once again. — The sky is falling, the sky is falling we gotta throw money at the problem. — Well Speaker Pelosi, your tactics have not worked in the past, so what makes you think they will work now.

Oh, but wait, it’s not your money your throwing around. So you really don’t care anyway.

American Express Becomes A Bank

Okay, this one is just outlandish! Who in their right mind thinks it’s a good idea to allow a credit card company become a bank!? Of course what we have here is another case of a company looking for a government handout. After all, like I said above, if it worked for AIG, we really can’t blame other companies for jumping on the money-hand-out-bandwagon. But come on! What government official thought it was a good idea to allow American Express become a bank!? This is the same company that sends out pre-approved letters to everyone, and I mean everyone. Not only do people receive the pre-approved letters, but dogs, cats and even newborns get the same letters.

American Express tried to build their business by suckering in people to use their limitless credit card. Then, after they have you in their credit hole clutches, they charge huge interest rates. Can you imagine what the interest rates will be at the American Express Bank?

Would Someone Please Stop The Madness!

McDonald’s Making Money On Dollar Menu

But, in the face of economic woes, this guy is smiling as people are running to his restaurant!

While most restaurants are complaining that business is weak, McDonald’s is still going strong. The fast food giant reported whopping earnings for October as global same-store sales were up by 8.2 percent. In the U.S. sales increased an impressive 5.3 percent. McDonald’s credits new menu items for boosting business as well as sales of items on their Dollar Menu have also increased.

It seems the Hamburgler really likes the Dollar deal!

Just my two cents,
Dr. Rus