Government Waste

“ARPA-E, yet another liberal joke which nobody finds funny.”
-Written by Perankhscribe, Aug 29, 2009


      Liberals like to claim that they are the driving force behind new innovative technologies like those of "green" energy.  Frequently they campaign on the pulpit of developing our energy infrastructure in a "sustainable way" and promise to stop global warming.

       Certainly, liberals are known for talking up a great story.  They make a big deal out of efforts like the ARPA-E Recovery Act.   Just follow this link and read some of it, everything written sounds fantastic.  They want to fund "transformational" technologies and create great opportunities for scientists and inventors alike. 

Title: Recovery Act - ARPA-E
Reference Number: DE-FOA-0000065
 

      The truth is however, that all of this was just a facade.  Just more grandiose liberal promises without any real backing.  On July 28, 2009, the Department of Energy sent out over 3,000 official letters of discouragement.  These advised over 98% of ARPA-E applicants not to submit proposals for their research and development concepts.  They cited that this was due to the lack of available government funds.

EXAMPLE REJECTION LETTER


      Now the average conservative might say good,  the government should not invest in every crack pot scheme.  While this is a fair point,  I would like to go further with my analysis.

     As I said, of over 3000 applicants, only 2% will receive funding.  This works out to about 60 groups.  Just who are the groups receiving this money?  Are they innovative new researchers proposing "transformational projects."  No,  thus far many of the groups are just some of the same tiresome advocates of liberal perpetual motion machines. 

     I suppose it really doesn't matter too much though.  Want to know how much money was set aside for a plan that was supposed to:

"(1) Enhance the economic and energy security of the United States through the development of energy technologies that result in-
a. reductions of imports of energy from foreign sources;
b. reductions of energy-related emissions, including greenhouse gases; and
c. improvement in the energy efficiency of all economic sectors; and
(2) Ensure that the United States maintains a technological lead in developing and deploying advanced energy technologies."

        How much was put forth to deal with these important missions? 150 million. WOW.... The "stimulus" bill spent more than twice that on handing out condoms in schools. We spent over ten times that to trash old rust bucket cars in the "cash for clunkers" program. Glad to see you liberals have your priorities straight. My problem with this plan is not that the government doesn't spend enough money. On the contrary, I am disgusted at how awful our priorities are. The government just pisses away trillions on F.U.B.A.R. health plans but neglects to actually take of the sorts of things that most Americans would be happy to finance.

       I am for the government investing in certain areas of strategic research, my problem is that compared to other plans like corporate bailouts or condoms, these plans are not emphasized by liberals. They talk a big talk, but when the time for action arises they give away money to their friends and invest in meaningless projects like "global warming research." Seriously, how much money do you need to set up some thermometers and chart global temperatures? Don't even try to tell me its more complicated than that, I know physicists modeling in Non-Euclidean geometry who get by with less. When liberals in government tax people, I think less money actually goes to innovative research then when we do nothing.
       Here is where I want to go above and beyond. Everyone can complain about how bad the priorities in government are. However, few actually offer alternatives. Well I think I have a better idea that you liberals have not considered. I say that when the voters pay their taxes, they get to choose where that money will go. Let the government tax people a small amount to manage in a discretionary way. After that, let our citizens choose where their tax money will go. Our legislators can put before the people the plans they think ought to be financed. These plans can appear on your income tax return and then you, the tax paying citizen can decide where you want your money to go. Yes, you will still be required to spend a set percentage of your income,  but at least now the special interests will have to appeal their case to the American people. I much rather see these interests spend money on advertisement than see them line the pockets of elitists pigs in Washington.
         I dare you liberals, just let people decide where ten to twenty percent of their income will go. All of a sudden I bet the programs that really deserve money will start to get funding. People will stop wanting to WASTE money on USELESS liberal programs and vote to spend money on the programs that actually do the community some good. True, some programs might not get funded, you know, your entitlement programs used to enslave the poor. I think however that the tax payer can do better. Liberals will never do this though. They want to be the ones on whom the decisions fall, they believe they know better than you how to spend your money.
         Well you know what government? The case above proves that you are TOO STUPID to manage our money. I can buy my own condoms thank you. Why don't you actually manage the stuff we really need taken care of!
-If you like my idea pass it on; Perankhscribe of Fortscribe