Tell Me Why

Please tell me why the Congress does this (from a NYTimes article):

"Despite intense lobbying by governors, the final deal slashed $35 billion from a proposed state fiscal stabilization fund, eliminated $16 billion in aid for school construction and sharply curtailed health care subsidies for the unemployed.

In driving down the total cost of the stimulus bill — from $838 billion approved by the Senate and $820 by the House — legislators also sharply reduced proposed tax incentives for buyers of homes and cars that held huge public appeal. Senator [Susan] Collins said getting the final number to under $800 billion was more than symbolic; it meant “a fiscally responsible number,” she said."

AND YET kept in $650 million (I believe it was all kept) so people can buy converter boxes to watch TV.

A brief soap box: I know, TV is considered a "right" and I love it as much as anyone -- I have to; -- I work for a television station. And yes, I know, people are having trouble making ends meet, much less buying a $60 box to watch something they could always see for free. But my compassion is wearing thin. This has been going on for more than a year. People had time to get the boxes or save their pennies.

I don't know the government should have subsidized this to begin with when you think about all the other things going on that really need attention. Withholding services to the poor and unemployed, including health care so people can watch television? I am embarrassed our elected officials would even think that.

Get over it, world. We have a national debt crisis going on.

And we wonder why we have national debt.

End of Rant.