This bailout is disgusting. It rewards the greedy and places another onerous burden on John Q. Public.
I just read an amazing quote from Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson which gives Democrats a huge weapon going into the fall advertising season against the GOP.
Let's milk this quote, because it shows how everything you and your loved ones have worked for your entire lives has been put at rememndous risk thanks to GOP policies and conservative theories.
The money quote - after the jump
Seeking to dispel any impression that the bailout would amount to a rescue of greedy Wall Street executives by Main Street Americans, Mr. Paulson said the program would "cost Americans far less than the alternative."
Resolving the financial problems is of paramount importance, not just for major corporations and investment banks but for people who have never set foot in the corridors of corporate and political power, Mr. Paulson said. "Their retirement savings, their home values, their ability to borrow for college" and their chance to find and keep good jobs depend on it, he said.
NY Times piece
Wait a minute! What was that he said about the svings I've been putting away for my kids to go to college? What did he say about the value of my home? What did he say about my 401k plan, my investments... my ability to find a well-paying job?!?!?!
This train has ridden that far off the rails as the GOP has ruled the executive and judicial branches, and parts of Congress for the better part of 40 years?!?!?!
So here's the action plan for any Democrat seeking to get elected this year:
- Note how freaked out Hank Paulson is about the economic "fundamentals" of this country. You think you say something like that if you believe this economy is strong?
- Note how bad things have gotten "under the last eight years under Bush and Republican governing."
- Point out how the GOP acquiesed to every corporate and lobbying interest to create "two Americas." I know it's a John Edwards signature, but this story ilustrates its inherent truth as much as anything right now. We can't get universal healthcare while the bankers get hundreds of billions of dollars?!?! Excuse me, but that's scandalous!!!
- Tie it back to the GOP candidate of choice's voting record or relationships with lobbyists. Pretty easy to do with Jorah McPalin.
- End the ad as such: "Don't get fooled again. Don't let your lifetime of hard work get flushed away by the Republican greed machine. Make a change. Vote __________ on Election Day."