Jaded Times

Hello America!  I’m back because shit just got real.  Again.

This time it’s the economic woes of these United States.  After the closure of the regional Indy Mac Bank (reopened under the Federal Reserve to the tune of 10% of the DIF), the bail outs of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac who between them hold over 50% of the mortgages in the nation (trillions promised if needed), the continually rising unemployment rate, the announcement that median family income has actually dropped by more than 1% in 2000-2006 despite reports that the economy expanded 18% in that time, to the $2 billion buyout of almost 5% of CitiBank by a Saudi prince (making him the largest single stockholder) and now the bankruptcy of Lehmans and sale of investment firm Merrill Lynch to Bank of America, the American economy is truly booming.  Just, you know, not in that good way.

Now, with the Dow falling 4% in one day and AIG receiving an 85 billion dollar bailout we, as Americans, look to our leaders for support:*

White House spokeswoman Dana Perino defended the $85bn (£48bn) emergency loan for AIG.

“While no-one would have liked to have ended up in this situation, you have a government that is willing to lead,” she said.

Leadership!  Yes, that is exactly what we need!  Surely our president will have the right words to calm us and make us feel safe and secure, a plan to stem the tide of economic disaster and renew faith in our markets, both abroad and at home:

President George W Bush has not answered questions on the economic situation and had cancelled a statement he was set to make on Tuesday.

When asked by a reporter in the Oval Office on Wednesday to comment, Mr Bush said he had not heard the question and joked: “I’m old.”

YES!  He’s…old?  Maybe he’s saying this is old news, I’ve made it this far, you will too?  Or perhaps he is implying that old men aren’t suited to hold the office?  Whatever the reason, truly shocking from the man who, just after the bailout of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, literally lept into action and proposed a bill that would classify birth control as a form of abortion. I know I felt more secure on that day, just as I feel more secure in my government’s, um, age today.

Honestly I expect more from the man who stared into the face of terrorism and didn’t blink, who acknowledged and rewarded hard work during crises, who was dilligent in preventing possible, nay, known threats to this nation from day 1…

[source 1, 2]

*–sorry, I had trouble typing that without laughing hysterically, then curling up into a little ball and hoping I can learn to love moldy bread.

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