'Free' Money

If there is only ONE thing you can be sure of and bet your life on, it's this:

THERE IS NO FREE LUNCH.

That's right. EVERYTHING has a cost associated with it. Even stuff that is 'free' to you has a cost, even though you may not have had to pay anything for it.

If I buy you a newspaper, it still cost something. Namely, 50 cents out of my pocket.
If you're going to read it, it's going to cost you something as well. Namely, not watching the tv for the next 20 minutes.

THERE IS NO FREE LUNCH.

Moving on...

Just passed in Washington D.C. was the much-hyped 'Economic Stimulus' package. In an attempt to 'jump start' the 'slowing' economy, our lovely politicians have decided to send most people in this country 3oo or 600 dollars. Free and clear!

Except there's a problem: THERE IS NO FREE LUNCH.

Where does the government 'get' the money it's going to send you?

There are 3 ways that happens.

First, government could simply print more money! But that leads to inflation.
(Simple explanation)

Government can tax us. Of course, raising taxes means that the money comes from someone and then given to another. If your long, lost uncle left you and your brother each $50,000 dollars, it is ridiculous to think that your brother would actually only get $10,000 dollars more than you if it were divided 60/40.

Finally, the government can borrow the money. Going back to the long, lost uncle analogy, imagine the same uncle borrowing $600 dollars from the bank, giving it to you and then dying... leaving you to pay back the $600 (with interest) to the bank.

Don't get too excited about the 'free' money you'll get in May. Sure, it's nice. But it's far from free.

Bias in the press, anyone?

The 'hospital wars' are still going on. But here's something new: The CEO of Crestwood is leaving in May for a job in Florida.

The Huntsville Times reports (link):
'Brad Jones, the fast-growing hospital's CEO since December 2001, said Monday that he is resigning to become vice president of operations for Health Management Associates Inc., a for-profit hospital chain based in Naples, Fla.'

Did you catch that? Mr. Jones is going to work for ANOTHER hospital... that makes money.

Here's my question to you: What difference does it make that the hospital where Mr. Jones will soon work is for-profit or not?

Here's the answer: NONE.

Even mentioning that the hospital is 'for-profit' adds NOTHING to the story... except to influence the reader that Mr. Jones only works for hospitals that turn a profit.

How many times have you ever heard about a coach leaving a team to go work for another team that's 'for profit?'

Bias, anyone?