I'm mad. Speaking as a taxpayer, I'm rightfully mad... and as a business owner, I'm EXTREMELY ticked off. You may be asking yourself "why should you be so mad?" It's all because the United States government decided to bail some banks out, and now, when the government asked the banks "how have you spent the money?", the banks have given the government (and in essence all taxpayers) the middle finger.

 

 

As a taxpayer, I have every right to be ticked off. These banks have taken MY money, and used it not to get themselves back on solid ground, but instead opted to give several employees $100,000+ RAISES! "Oh, congrats on messing things up and ensuring our company continues to lose money... here's a raise." WHAT THE F@%#?!?! The banks literally took BILLIONS of dollars for bailouts.. billions of TAXPAYER dollars, and they STILL are losing money left and right. Now, as a business owner, I'm even more angry. As far as I know, if my business was failing and I asked for some money to help bail me out and keep my company afloat until I could turn a profit again, I would be scoffed at and naturally my company would go out of business. I've seen more bigger business around my area that have "Going Out Of Business Sale" banners hanging above their doors than I care to count, and yet, none of US got a single penny from any bailout. When I've chatted with these businesses, they all have virtually the same exact response... "we asked and were told we can either declare bankruptcy or just close immediately". Mind you, some of these companies have been doing business over 50 years, so they obviously aren't new to the business world, yet their requests for any bailout money (not even requesting millions or billions of dollars) have been met with the previous sentiment. Real f 'n nice.

 

 

I don't know about you, but frankly, I think the government should give the banks the middle finger and say "Pay us back NOW! You say you can't afford it? It will make you go bankrupt and you'll have to close? Tough S@#%! Pay us!" I don't care what business you're in, or what it could mean if your business is forced to close. If your business isn't sustainable and/or profitable, then I guess it's time to end said business. If are you fortunate enough to get a bailout, don't be surprised if you have to face accountability. What's fair is fair. Oh, and can you spare a million? Eh, worth a shot...

By the way... can I get back my share of my tax money you gave these banks? That would be nice!

 

 

This rant written by Joe Rosendorf Jr.  This is merely an opinion based on personal experiences, and is intended to inform based on those experiences.