AIG, Fannie, Freddie, Airlines, welfare and the American Dream

So we live in the land of opportunity, where anyone with vision can start a successful business.

The American Dream.

But what happens when anyone with a dream becomes anyone with a failed business?

Most people either keep trying or give up and get a job. Unless you are a billion dollar giant corporation defined as crucial to the economy. Or a marginalized, impoverished person defined as irrelevant to society. Then you get bailed out by the government and tax payers.

No worries, small businesses will just keep the tax revenue base going, with zero safety net and families on the line. It's our reward for success.

And people wonder why small business owners hate big government and bureaucracy. I used to be pretty neutral. But now I see that all the idealism is just what you say when you run for office, not what you do once you're there. And either way the outcome is the same. Pay. Maybe someday my company will be giant and worth billions — so I can finally qualify for some assistance from tax payers. Or fail miserably and I can go on welfare and qualify for assistance from taxpayers.

UPDATE 9-29-08: Guess some in Congress are thinking the same thing:

"I don't think the American people should have a financial gun put to their head," said Ted Poe , R- Texas . "If a mom and pop makes a bad financial decision, they go out of business."

"Every American who has played it safe and smart to avoid debt is being asked to spend the rest of his or her life paying off the debts of Washington and Wall Street ," added Rep. Michele Bachmann , R- Minn.

Source of their comments is this article.