I have decided I need more money.
I think in the current economic climate, if everyone was like me, there wouldn't be a problem. I have a wishlist that I have been working on since just after Christmas, full of lovely little things that I would love to spoil myself with. The current tally is:
- More ram for PC = $79ish
- New Graphics Card for PC
(1GB GTX280/ASUS) = $599ish
- Wii = $400 approx.
- Crumpler laptop case = $75
- Dawn of War 2 = $110
- Starcraft 2 = ????
= $1,263ish (+ SC2)
My current job brings in about $325/week after tax, however take out of this general expenses, such as food at work (I really should start taking a packed dinner), petrol (fortnightly), metrotickets (every few weeks or so), treats, current debts ($500), random acts of kindness... It all adds up.
PLUS I am trying to start saving for a trip... somewhere. I'm not sure exactly, but it will be fantastic.
Don't forget the drinking either.
Now, in my current position, you can see that a 'gift' of $950 from the government would be very welcome, to say the least. However this time I am reading the fine print that comes with it. Mr Downer wrote a formidable piece in today's Advertiser (I know it's a crock of shit, but he has a decent opinion, despite his occasional faux pas), which I will not repeat, mainly because I don't have a copy.
The general gist of it is that Rudd's $42 billion hand-out is the worst idea since the League of Nations' appeasement policy prior to World War 2. Not only will it result in an astronomical amount of national debt, which we really don't need, but the idea itself is flawed. I was forwarded this e-mail, which I think adequately describes the situation:
"Important Information on the Stimulus Payment
"This year, taxpayers will receive an Economic Stimulus Payment. This is a very exciting new program that I will explain using the Q and A format:
"Q. What is an Economic Stimulus Payment?
"A. It is money that the federal government will send to Taxpayers.
"Q. Where will the government get this money?
"A. From taxpayers.
"Q. So the government is giving me back my own money?
"A. Only a smidgen.
"Q. What is the purpose of this payment?
"A. The plan is that you will use the money to purchase a high-definition TV set, thus stimulating the economy.
"Q. But isn't that stimulating the economy of China?
"A. Shut up."
_____________________________________________
Below is some helpful advice on how to best help the Economy by spending your stimulus check wisely:
If you spend that money at K-Mart, all the money will go to China.
If you spend it on petrol it will go to the Arabs.
If you purchase a computer it will go to India.
If you purchase fruit and vegetables it will go to South East Asia or New Zealand (unless you buy organic).
If you buy a car it will go to Japan.
If you purchase useless crap it will go to Taiwan.
And none of it will help the economy.
We need to keep that money here. You can keep the money here by spending it at garage sales, going to a football game, or spending it on prostitutes, beer or tattoos, since those are the only businesses still here."
Read the second part again.
There is very little that the Australian consumer can do to specifically stimulate the Australian economy. Buying Australian Owned & Made products is one - but in all honesty, who can be bothered? Following the advice of the above email is another, however on things like beer there is now a ridiculously high tax, so the government gets a lot of the money back anyway.
I know where mine will mainly be going - if indeed we get it: Uni Books! Not necessarily the store, however. With an estimated $450 needed for 1st Semester alone, I relish the opportunity to not have to fork out myself - although it is a little ironic, because it is our taxes that will be paying off the debt - at least 10 times over, it is estimated.
In other news, I have opened an e-Bay account to try and raise funds for my wishlist, so please, look at my wares! (Mainly PC games and crap music).
Until next time, amigos.
~Coops
Tuesday 10 February 2009
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