Okay, so I must be spending too much time staring at my computer screen because this post was originally about how Obama could send every American citizen a check for $1,000,000 and still have over $849.6 billion left. Well it turns out that my math was totally messed up (it would actually cost $305 trillion to give us all a million dollars. That’s what happens when you accidentally drop a zero -or three- out of your equation). Anyway, my point still stands (and I’m leaving the title cuz it’s so catchy, ha): $850 billion is a lot of money. Do you think a $1 million dollar stimulus rebate check would trigger you to do some spending? I’m thinking it would! We’d all have enough to pay off our debts, fill up our savings accounts, and still buy new cars and plasma TVs. The recession would be over in no time.

Did you realize that Obama’s plan includes something like $600 million for new government vehicles? Now of course I’m no economic expert so I’m sure there are plenty of problems with the idea of sending everybody huge rebate checks (like everybody quitting their jobs, for one), but it gives some perspective on just how much money $850 billion really is and makes me wonder why so much of it is being spent on something lame and non-stimulating like new government vehicles? Obama, forget $300 or $600 stimulus checks, send us all a couple thousand and you’ll still have several hundred billion left to spend on other stuff (is my math right on that one???). Come on, Mr President, send us something that will really make a difference — don’t forget it’s our money you’re spending, after all.

(And thanks to the uber-friendly first commenter, Tony, for pointing out my math error).

(Photo courtesy of zzzack on Flickr)