Two Interesting Quotes

While perusing The Christian Century today in the Union County (Lewisburg, PA) Public Library, I came across two quotes that struck a nerve in my old liberal self.  The first is from Ellen Goodman (The Boston Globe March 21, 2008) and concerns our current fiscal and economic crisis.  While the Federal Government refuses to "bail out" homeowners facing disclosure, it is more than willing to spend billions of dollars (upwards of 50 billion, I believe) to save the failed Bear Stearns investment bank.  The current administration is all for welfare, as long as it goes to corporations, but turns a blind eye to the suffering of it’s citizens.  The second quote, from Joseph E Stiglitz and Linda Blimes (authors of  the Three Trillion Dollar War:  The True Costs of the Iraq Conflict) needs no explanation.

"Ronald Reagan . . . used to say, ‘The nine most terrifying words in English language are:  "I’m from the government and I’m here to help."’ . . . Reagan’s line always got a belly laugh.  Well, folks, not in this Bear (Stearns) market."

"President Bush talked about the enormous financial problems facing Social Security, saying that drastic reforms — even privatization — were needed.  Well, for one-sixth of the cost of an Iraq war, one could put Social Security on firm financial footing for at least the next 50 to 75 years."

There you have it . . . some food (albeit liberal) for thought.