Radio Chatter

I was listening to the radio the other day to one of the many conservative talk shows on the circuit. A caller was battling with the host about the cost of the Iraq War, now estimated at $6 billion dollars a month, and arguing that the money could go to a myriad of other uses rather than propping up a country half a world away. I've not tackled the war before now on this blog. I find that the word quagmire better fits the debate around the war than the war itself and this post will not add to that muck.

What I'm more interested in are the arguments of those opposed to the war, for at least the reason of its cost if not others. Those who are, I have noticed, are certainly no fiscal conservatives, unless they're aligned with the likes of Pat Buchanan. Most seem to feel that the money could be better spent on any number of pet projects. I've heard everything from AIDS cures to Third World Debt Relief for the international uses to education and welfare padding here stateside.

Of all I have heard, not a one is a field in which I would trust the federal government to spend the money anymore than I trust them to spend the billions they already waste in those fields. If you don't personally believe that the federal government is wise in restoring Iraq, Japan, Germany or even the former satellites of the old Soviet Union, what makes you so confident in their wisdom to spend the money on other projects? Is it because you think those that manage such programs are so much more capable and nobler? If so, go back to reading your Harry Potter or Noam Chomsky, because you are the very definition of living in a Fantasy Land.

The money the federal government collects primarily comes from the pockets of men and women who earned it. Some comes from tariffs, duties and user fees. Most comes, directly or indirectly, out of your and my pockets. It is then sent to the biggest lot of trough feeders and summer spenders the world has yet produced to go to pet projects of lobbyists and special interests who wine and dine the proper combination of porcine Congressmen and Senators. As you nod your head in approval thinking of your favorite hated Republican or Democrat, remember, your favorite party does it too, and perhaps does it more. Wake up from the little dream that all those in the Congress (or any part of the federal government) are there to help anyone but themselves. There are a few, a solitary few who are the true believers (like Ron Paul from Texas). I find them the most pitiable of all. But they have always been the exceptions rather than the rule.

So, academically speaking, assuming there was no war on, where could that $72 billion a year be better spent? Where could it be put to best use? In tax refund checks to those of us who paid income tax last year and the year before that and the year before that is where. I know how best to spend MY money as I'm sure you feel about the money you earn. The first thought of our elected officials whenever there is that extra dollar should be how can we get this back to the people without spending it ourselves. If you can admit that even though in the past you've thought education or welfare or social security or AIDS research or reparations was the best place to put extra money, then you have taken your first step of the Twelve Step Program to admitting you support Tax and Spend Government. Welcome.