**OUCH**

Yes - that is the sound of me filing my taxes. While it may seem like pennies to some, I owed the government $1300. Which I just paid. I am seriously wondering how I am going to eat until payday...

On February 13th, 2008, our glorious government passed an economic stimulus package to 'stimulate' the economy. I believe the exact words were 'to give it a shot in the arm'. Does that metaphor sound odd to anyone else? As if the people passing it have a frightening familiarity with intravenous substances? Anyway, I filed my taxes today and found out that lo and behold! (all rise Hoyt Axton fans!) I qualify for the full $600 rebate provided in this package.

The point of this stimulus package is to give people 'free money' that's not taxable that they will go out and spend, therefore boosting the economy. I get why it's a cash rebate, and not a tax credit. BUT - what if the fact that I just practically cleared out my checking account to pay the taxes makes me unable to pay for food and therefore starve to death before I get that check? OR what if I have to go in to debt to survive until I get the check and I end up relying on the government for help in the meantime? Wouldn't have just made more sense (and be cheaper, too) to give a break on taxes? If I didn't have to pay so much in taxes, I'd be much freer to go out and spend money and **gasp!** boost the economy!

Somehow I know Bush is to blame....

oh yeah - I'm getting taxed to pay for the war in Iraq, and not basic government provided services. That then mean there are a lot more people unable to get what they need, and the become reliant on what few government services are still available to them. Which then means that I pay more in taxes to support them. which means......

And thus I have become one of those ranting people.

And wait! Don't my taxes pay for he economic stimulus package? Or did they get private investors for that?

I have not posted in almost a year

It's very sad. I have not posted in almost a year. and so much has happened! Most importantly - my Doggie!! All hail the cuteness!!

And no, thaht is not my house that is trashed - it's a construction site :)

And the out at Fort Funston: