Saturday, October 11, 2008

The Ant and the Grasshopper - 2008

See - in the original story the ant was thrifty and saved up for winter.  The grasshopper partied all ... summer ... long.  When winter came the grasshopper froze his ass off and died.

This is hard, but fair.[1]

If some Democrats in Congress would have their way they'd change the story and force the ant to give up half (or more) of his stuff with the Insect Government, who will share it all even-stevens (after taking their cut) with the grasshoppers.

“With respect to the 401(k), it appears to be a plan that is not really well-devised for the changes in the market,” Rep. George Miller, D-Calif., said.

“We’ve invested $80 billion into subsidizing this activity,” he said, referring to tax breaks allowed for 401(k) contributions and savings.

With savings rates going down, “what do we have to start to think about in Congress of whether or not we want to continue and invest that $80 billion for a policy that is not generating what we … say it should?” Mr. Miller said.

Because if the ant does not voluntarily abide by the insect tax code the Insect Police will come along and throw his ant-ass in insect jail for a really long time.

I like Aesop's version myself.

[1] I am not a completely heartless fiend.  If the grasshopper breaks his leg and can't gather food, then there oughta be a sort of insect safety net.  Likewise if he passes on in (say) July the insects should provide for his heirs until they are of age.

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