First, it is vaguely shameful that we are even having one.  Oh, I know . . . we NEED the holiday sales, blah blah.  Just like we NEED people to be able to get loans to buy brand new cars.  We may be depressed but, hey, at least we don’t drive Used.  Six long years at war with no end in sight and teetering on the brink of economic collapse, million of Americans thrown onto the street, millions more out of work, God forbid that we shouldn’t bring maximum resources and energy to bear on decorations, gifts and assorted festivities.  

Let the Whiners eat Christmas cookies.  Let the Spoil Sports drink egg nog.

I am of the considered opinion that the American economy is in substantially worse shape than Leaders (I use the word generously) and Newsmakers (I use the word contemptuously) are reporting.  Moreover, logically presuming that President Elect Barack Obama — PEBO, within the constellation of Alphabet Assignees — is not withholding his best ideas for last,  I am of the considered opinion that the bailout and relief efforts, as well as the looming stimulus efforts, are misguided in large measure and unprincipled in even larger measure.  Additionally, because the hodgepodge of plots and plans emanate from the same Players and Pawns who got us into this mess, we can anticipate further mismanagement mayhem.  

I don’t know about anyone else but I have lots and lots of ideas for progressive prosperity.  Plus, I’m an idea person, not an execution person.  My ideas will be free for the taking . . . RUN with them.  Make us all proud!  Make us all prosperous!  The more good ideas that are set into motion, the better chance I have of running into one of them to the enhancement of my life experience.  But I’m waiting to see whether we’re gonna get rid of the Bad Guys or not.

So is the rest of the world — in particular, so are the Major Investors — waiting to see whether we signal profoundest Change by getting rid of our OWN Bad Guys instead of making Bogey Men out of everyone else’s.  Made In America, these bastards are, smelted in the hallowed halls of some of our most respected institutions of higher learning.  Our bailouts have announced to the world and the next generation that crime pays in America.  

Remember when Hank the Bank HAD to have $700 “by Friday,” to circumvent the collapse of the entire financial sector?  BY FRIDAY.  Listen to him, now that he’s got $350 billion yet in his hot hand . . . “We have time,” he says casually of the auto industry.  We have time to see Henry Paulson’s portfolio, that’s for sure.

All this scrambling and spending to “cushion the fall”?  Bullshit.  Cushion the fall for THEM.  The Big Boys are losing money now.  Most of us have already BEEN bushwhacked.  If capital-G-and-growing Government DOES manage to cushion the blow, you know what will happen?  Nothing.  People don’t learn lessons for which they have been spared the consequences.  Anyone who’s raised a kid knows that.

‘Course what do the Big Boys know about raising kids?  They have servants for that.  

The pampered families and extravagant households of the Big Boys and Elected Officials, that’s apparently what we’re gonna have to put on the kitchen table next, in order to establish a reality base for everyone.

Let the private investigations begin.  Rigorous prosecutions with an eye on equality before the law — conscienceless Robber Barons pick up court costs and legal fees, PLUS we’ll seize assets.  That’s not just economic stimulus, that’s Spiritual Stimulus.  Abject humiliation and financial ruination of Kingpins, THAT’S the formula for cleaning up THIS toxic waste.  

Let’s clear the game board of Assholes, so we can get back to the business of DOING business instead of the business of POLICING businessmen.

All I want for Christmas is the death penalty for Traitors.