Hooray for the American people, the Economic Stimulus package was passed a week ago and President Obama is pushing American business to begin adjusting payroll taxes now. Oh ok as we all know the U.S. and Global Economies are in a pretty dismal situation right now. Most of the World is in a deep, deep recession and attempting to take drastic moves to get their engines running. Fast forward to yesterday and the announcement Governor Bobby Jindal made; He stated that the State of Louisiana would not accept any government money for expanding unemployment insurance (http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/feb/21/lousiana-gov-rejects-states-stimulus-share/). In addition to this Governor, there are 4 other Governors all from fairly poor States in dire need of aid, that will follow suit.
Here is the kicker....ready?
All 5 States are Republican States where the Governor in place is planning a bid to run for President in 2012. They say they are for the people....
What is amazing to me is that the RNC is allowing these Governors to make these comments after the embarrassing loss they suffered in last year's election, the scandal marred Congress over the last few years, and the poor representative of their party that they had in power for the last 8 years. Now here in our great United States of America, we are allowing politics to control who and who doesn't get aide all because these Governors do not agree with the Stimulus package nor are they offering any counter measures that will aid all and not their wealthiest constituents.
Times may be good for them however, their constituents are going to suffer as a result of this nonsense. It is unbelievable that politicians are willing to play roulette with the well-being of individuals. Is the stimulus the best bill for this time? Not sure, there are areas that are weak and could be stronger, but its atleast a viable attempt to assist with helping the U.S. get better or establish some sort of foundation for recovery.
To the residents of Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Alaska [yep our buddy Gov. Sarah Palin], and any other State is planning on refusing aide; break out a pen and paper, jump on the net, or pick up the phone and flood the lines with requests to reverse this nonsense. The only people that will be hurt in the end are the ones who need this assistance drastically.