I'm Pete du Pont with the National Center for Policy Analysis. A number of news reports have noted the sorriness of politics as usual when it comes to squeezing money out of the government. The squeeze being companies who don't need it, but figure they can grab some anyway.
The federal stimulus package of about $100 billion was set upon by lobbyists like sharks on fresh meat. The American Bus Association asked for subsidized loans and fuel tax relief – I'm not making this up – to offset depressed demand for fall foliage tours out of new york.
Lobbyists for GM and IBM, two desperately needy companies, are out to repeal the alternative minimum tax, contending it would get cash back into the economy.
The American Federation of State, county and municipal employees wants to pour federal money into state coffers for local infrastructure improvements — and boost government jobs.
Representatives of the ailing restaurant, car rental and travel agency want theirs, and even peanut growers want $3.5 billion – for the war effort.
So, if our guys fight with peanuts, they'll be ready.
Those are my ideas, and at the NCPA we know ideas can change the world. I'm Pete du Pont. Next time, a good read.