A simpleton's response to the bailout argument

[canetoad]

Why should I care. My wealth is non-existent, my life revolves around the goodwill garnered from co-operation with friends, relatives and neighbours.

I have what I need and little more. If I lost the little I have in reserve, it is not the end of the world. I have people to call on who think the way I do. We will share our resources. Co-operation, collaboration not competition.

Let them rot in their own particular hells. I will find strength and support in those that the 'financial markets' consider small people.

[depakid]

1. Does it bother you that your friends, relatives and neighbors may well lose their jobs?

[canetoad]

2. Are you trying to make me feel guilty?

The people I know are unlikely to be influenced by the dealings of Wall Street. Please save the guilt trip for someone who will rip their eyeballs out.

[meegbear]

3. And how are the people you know unlikely to be influenced?

Please explain in excruciatingly painful detail.

[canetoad]

5. Won't hurt a bit

I live in another country.

Every Tuesday we have a soup kitchen lunch at work. All welcome, varied people arrive; architects, ATCs, bikers, social workers... today we talked about America. Here are some of the thoughts.

Ms. Boss: No bailout. Let's hope the world turns it's back on USA
Mr. Boss: Corruption. Corruption. Corruption
Bob the Biker: Greedy bastards

So no, not one person I know will be influenced to the degree that they cannot shake it off and move on. Maybe I'm just lucky in the people I associate with, maybe I have made good choices.

[meegbear]

6. And maybe you live an another country ...

so yeah it won't affect you. You kinda left that part out of your original statement.

[canetoad]

8. Don't know who originally said this meegbear

but it was along the lines of: You cannot keep doing the same old things and expect a different outcome.

[WillowTree]

4. OK, then. Doesn't it bother you...

....that people who don't have relatives and neighbors to help them out may lose their jobs?

[canetoad]

7. Why are you trying to make me feel guilty?

This seems to be a very american trait. Lay the guilt on someone who has absolutely no influence on the situation.

It's of no consequence whether it 'bothers' me or not. Who are you judging here? Me or the greedy fukkers who caused this situation.

[summer borealis]

9. No bailout!

Fuck the greedy bastards. No bailout is necessary. Unless you want another trillion in debt and no programs at all.

[depakid]

11. It's NOT a trillion dollars in debt- that's not how its financed

and by simplisitically saying "fuck the greedy bastards" what you're going to be doing is cutting off your nose to spite your face.

[TheFriendlyAnarchist]

12. There's a difference between a call for guilt

and a call for empathy, a progressive and liberal value. We don't want you to feel guilty, there's nothing for you to feel guilty about. However, saying "Too bad, it's not gonna bother me," isn't exactly considerate. Unfortunately, this WILL affect more than the people who caused the mess. Both my parents got good jobs and through good luck live well. However, if the economy goes to shit, they're not going to be in a good position. I think myself and others just don't like being told "Fuck you" :shrug:

[WillowTree]

15. Why are you so defensive?

I just love all these people who come out with this attitude like "I doubt this will effect me too much so everyone else is on their own". Real progressive attitude, that.

[depakid]

10. Just saying that credit markets affect companies in every segment of the economy

and if short term lending dries up that can EASILY cost those people (and many, many others) their jobs. The consequences hit main street much harder than Wall Street- which is the only reason I'm behind this.

[girl gone mad]

16. the perspective of a friend of mine:

"if we don't have the bailout I will lose my job and banks will all fail?

So, in other words I can stop going to work, grow my garden, hang with my family and all the people I owe money to will become insolvent and illegitimate, thus giving free housing to not only me, but to all?

So, whats the problem here?

You expect me to vote my chains back on?"

[ThomWV]

13. All I can suggest is that reading journals or accounts from the Great Depression changes one's mind

If you read first-hand accounts from the Great Depression you won't be so glib about how bad it can get. That is my answer to anyone who believes in that idyllic bullshit you describe.

[bowens43]

14. There is no agreement

among economists as to what will happen if we don't pay wall street for wrecking our economy. It's sad to see so many readily buying into the bullshit being tossed by the bush administration. This is not something to be rushed into. The congressional Democrat's reactions to this are almost exactly like their reactions to the Patriot Act and the war in Iraq. They are spending no more time on this issue then either of those. Take bush at his word, we all know he would never lie about anything substantial.....