"Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both." -- Benjamin Franklin

We are there. We are that society. We have given up our liberties in exchange for security and to be frank with you it started with George W. Bush. 

The War on Terror changed this country. We had phone taps, we had the Patriot Act. The American people through their elected individuals gave up their liberties in exchange for security from those who wished us harm. People immediately came out against it. The populous pointed fingers, they demanded the repeal of the act and that the government back off. However no one really appealed to their Congressional representatives or their Senators. I guess it was simply easier to blame the President, even though he has nothing to do with legislation other then signing it into law.

That was an example of our physical security...however what about financial security. What about economic security...that's on everyone's mind right now.

First, let me explain to people who surpluses and recessions work. You do not enter into either of them over night. For example, William Jefferson Clinton did not get a surplus do to HIS actions, rather the actions of Regan and George H. W. Bush lead to a good and booming economy. Conversely, the actions towards the end of the Clinton administration and the acts of 9/11, as well as some sloppy George W. Bush policy lead to a recession. It takes more then one man to sink this economy of ours and it will take more then one man to bring it out of the rut.

We have now given up economic liberties to get economic security with this Stimulus Package. And quite frankly I don't think we deserve either and I think that we may lose both. Take a look around....the pork spending in this bill alone is enough to sink the Titanic. So why is everyone all about it?

Is there something that I missed?

I'm white. I'm middle class. I doubt any breaks apply to me or mine...I could be wrong but I doubt it.

We have given up everything to protect ourselves on all fronts and what have we been left with, a score of problems that the younger generations will have to figure out.

Oh well, I guess that's part of the hope and change.