Grist,

Don't fall for government / media doublespeak.  This consumer spending initiative is NOT a "tax rebate".  In fact, in the current version the less one paid in taxes the more money one gets.  Those who earned above a certain amount in 2007 get nothing.

This is an issuance of debt by the governmnet in order to give money to people so that they will spend more.  The tab for this additional debt will be paid by taxpayers.

It's a half baked version of "to each according to his need, from each according to his ability".

Hopefully many recipients who are really 'needy' will take this windfall and spend it on healthcare or paying down credit card debt from past overconsumption...

Probably the best thing you can do for both the environment and for yourself, is to take any money you may get from the government rebate checks, and stick it in an interesting bearing savings account.

Why? It's tempting to spend it on frivolous things, that we'll throw away in a couple of days. But besides that, your just wasting your money on something that gives you temporary euphoria.

Of course, that's not what the rich want us to do to stimulate their economy. Conspicuous consumption makes the rich richer, everyone else poorer.

When you have enough money to spend the money on something durable and an investment in your future, then spend it.

In my way of looking at things, I have identified the one only charity that gives the most benefit to cost.   That is a contribution to the only political party that is concerned generally with global warming and other humane causes and does get elected to office.  

Political parties are not without their troubles of one sort or another and we all have our complaints, but a government that will respond to problems like climate change needs leaders who have the money to pay for their message.

The reason that corporate money has such an affect in politics is because private money is so scarce in politics.   Politics needs money and good messages needs money.  That's where my check will go.

Since many of the products in our stores come from china, isn't the 'tax rebate' just going to increase our imbalance of trade and send money to china? This isn't a rhetorical question, I am actually curious about the answer, someone please bless me with their knowledge of international economics.

Focus the Nation on January 31st 2008

Yes, if you have debt the serious answer is to use your rebate to reduce it.  Don't think twice, don't think that you have a duty to shop.