We are trying to create jobs in this tough time. Obama's stimulus plan, according to him, will create or save 3.5-4million jobs (one of which I would appreciate receiving).
The problem with talking about how to create jobs is, how do you create jobs? We can't even decide what "job" means. So when I read this story on the subject today, it roiled me for several reasons.
It is being said that Nancy Pelosi, admittedly no one's favorite politician, apparently wants some money to be spent on restoring wetlands in the San Francisco Bay Area, of which one goal would be to protect the Salt Marsh Harvest Mouse.
This plan is being ridiculed by the GOP as a waste of money that would not create jobs. Asked Michael Steele: "So can Speaker Pelosi explain exactly how we will improve the American economy by helping the adorable little fellow pictured below?"
"One simple answer: workers would be paid to restore wetlands, and the restored wetlands then have an economic benefit in terms of filtering water, slowing run-off and improving the health of fisheries."
That is a simple answer to a simple question. After all, wetlands don't restore themselves. That's one of the great problems of destroying wilderness, it can't ever be wilderness again. But put that aside for now.
The bigger problem here is that the stimulus and recovery package doesn't contain a 30million dollar wetland restoration for the Bay Area. Said Pelosi's office: "There are no federal wetland restoration projects in line to get funded in San Francisco... The idea that $30 million will be spent to save mice is a total fabrication."
So what the hell are we talking about?
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