Federal Rebate

I have mixed feelings regarding the federal rebate program. As a way to "jump-start" the economy, I feel that it might cost us all money, since it will add to the national debt, and the American tax payers are ultimately responsible for paying that off. Will tax payers be required to claim the rebate as income on their 2008 tax returns?

Of course it will be nice to receive a check, but instead of paying for a huge program to figure out who gets how much, and then cut checks for everyone, wouldn't a tax break be more financially responsible?

Unemployment benefits are not going to be extended, and too many people are out of work. Thanks to Reaganomics, they also have to pay taxes on their unemployment benefits. Of course, as long as health coverage is the responsibility of employers, the job situation is likely to get worse. National health care could do a lot to stimulate more jobs, but it isn't likely to happen anytime soon.

-Cutris