an economic stimulus package

A bipartisan group got together and wants to put some money in your pocket. Although it won't arrive until later this year, lawmakers hope it will motivate you to start spending right away. And guess what, people interviewed on the evening news were all too eager to do their patriotic duty and consume more. Only one person, no doubt found after interviewing dozens of candidates, said they would save the money. Go figure.

Surprisingly enough, the package is mostly aimed at the middle classes. And that is right because they are large in number and numbers is what we need to get spending going. But don't hold your breath. Before this becomes law, the rich and superrich will make sure they get their "fair" share and then some. It is all part of a kinder capitalism.

Already the Journal of Greed has published calls to extend the largesse to those who least need it. Because they are the ones "who create the jobs." Just how naive do these guys think we are ? Most jobs in America are created by small and mid-size businesses run by thrifty entrepreneurs. If anything the superrich lay off workers to jack up their earnings per share and line their pockets even more.

In another provision that is sure to delight many, lawmakers want to extend the conforming loan limit to over $700,000 from the current $300,000 or so. While it is aimed at staving off foreclosures -we doubt it will have any effect- it is yet another indicator that the government is serious about supporting oversized and hugely overpriced housing. Whatever it takes to extend the unsustainable patterns for a few more years.

It has been said that humans are problem solvers. That our brains are good at solving complex issues. And that therefore we should not worry about things like climate change, pollution, threats to the food supply, etc. In due time, we will "solve" all these problems. Our intelligence and technology will bail us out.

I have no doubt that humans are extremely good at solving puzzles. I have no doubt that many of us could solve the big problems that are looming ahead. But I sincerely doubt that we will. A close look at history shows that people don't. What happens over and over again is that powerful societies run headlong into the wall and collapse.

Because greed is many times stronger than rational thought or intelligence. Instead of keeping energy prices high, politicians and economists will go out of their way to reduce prices and stimulate excess waste. Instead of facilitating a return to a normal economy -one of necessities- lawmakers dole out money to spend on unnecessary items. Up to 70% of our economy is now dependent on unnecessary spending. If you think this will keep going, think again. No country no matter how rich can keep this up for very long. But the longer they do, the harder they crash.