Bush keeps repeating that this bailout, oops, I mean (forced) investment, is such a good deal for all of us on Main Street. He keeps repeating that it’s a sure thing that the tax dollars “invested” (I love the use of that word by the politicians and media) will be paid back, because this bailout will be a success. But if it’s such a sure thing that all the tax dollars “invested” will be paid back (and then some), that means it’s a good investment. So why aren’t there some private investors who are willing to take on this great investment? Why aren’t they lined up for this great opportunity? Also, how do they figure who gets paid back what? What does it mean when the robbers in Washington say we’ll be “paid back?” Will my personal “investment” be quantified, and will I get a check in the mail? What’s going to be my ROE? If my investment fails, will the government bail me out by giving back my “contribution?” It could, but they’d have to print money, which would bring higher inflation, wiping out any benefit from a Main Street bailout. But if I listen to the press, read the papers, listen to politicians on NPR, and listen to Bush, all this is supposed to be for me, because I’m on Main Street.

Do people actually listen to spoken words anymore, define them, and challenge their use?