Federal TeaBagging

Yes, the title is crude. But anyway, that's besides the point.

I watched the news today and read the news and saw that lots of people unhappy with American tax policy were throwing Tea Parties across the country in protest.

I'm all for organized protest in showing discontent for screwed up federal policies. First of all, the tea parties during the 1700s were in protest of Taxation without REPRESENTATION. Last I checked, the only place in the country that is taxed without representation is Washington DC, a part of the country that has consistently vied for active representation in Congress, and has typically been shut down by the Republicans in the government.

The irony of this is that the tea parties were overwhelmingly a Republican and conservative action.

The main issue, as far as I can glean, surrounding said parties has been the bailouts of various financial institutions (and the auto industry) using taxpayer dollars. I understand that these institutions have dropped the ball regarding the money of the public and in that sense I am behind these protests. However, the initial bailouts were authorized by the greatest Reagan wannabe of all time, Mr. W. But that's not important. What is is that taxes are necessary. I have no problem paying taxes as long as they will benefit me and the people in the long run. I don't agree with my tax dollars paying for senseless wars, but I have yet to take the appropriate actions to make sure my money doesn't go towards military spending. Moving on...

Without taxes there's no money for education or roads or other worthwhile things. But, moving back towards the bailouts...

Federal funding for corporations bothers me a great deal, especially taxpayer dollars for corporations. But, at the same time, there needs to be accountability on the part of these institutions like AIG, Goldman Sachs, GM etc. GM needs to start making quality cars that are fuel efficient and actually work. If they did that they wouldn't need the bailouts. And, while the people who took bad loans for homes they could not afford share the blame, these ridiculous loans and mortgages should not have been offered from a moral standpoint. It was a clear example of exploitation. In addition, there needed to be stronger government oversight and regulation, and my hope is that the government support of these institutions will result in stronger regulation and avoid collapses like this in the future.

Yes, I'm a socialist from a practical standpoint. But I believe that in this day in age regulation is required in order to stem this profiteering bloodsucking that has plunged us into economic collapse.

Scattered, yes, but I'd like to think that my opinion and a buck fifty can get you a cup of coffee, whatever that means.

Happy tax day everyone in internetland!