You Can't Handle the Truth!

In the movie "A Few Good Men," JAG lawyer Kaffee (played by Tom Cruise) demands, "I want the truth."

In response, Col. Jessup (played by Jack Nicholson) shouts back, "You can't handle the truth!"

Little bits and pieces of the truth are floating around in a huge vat of speculation, innuendo and fiction with respect to;

• the initial bank bailouts
• the Freddie/Fanny bailouts
• the AIG bailout
• the GM/Chrysler bailouts, and
• the subsequent mainstream bailout (ie. Stimulus Plan)

The actions of our Federal Government redirected extraordinarily massive amounts of taxpayer dollars into the hands of a few "privileged" entities in all instances.

What was the tipping point that led our Government on the largest spending spree in our country's (in any country's) history?

By now we know that there are some dirty tracks leading directly to Paulson's doorstep, as this article clearly points out.

But that only excuses the first round of TARP... an explanation that "we can't handle the truth" ...quote:

Making his first appearance on Capitol Hill since leaving office, the former Treasury secretary Hank Paulson said it was important at the time not to reveal the extent of officials' concerns, for fear it would "terrify the American people and lead to an even bigger problem".

So, I'm guessing there is some truth to the rumors that Martial Law would have been declared if the first TARP had not been signed? And possibly there is a glimmer of truth to the idea that so-called leaders in Washington truly believe this nation is so weak, it can't handle the truth?

For some reason, I just can't shake that picture of Jack Nicholson as Col. Jessup out of my head.

In the many catastrophes that have hit this nation, from Pearl Harbor to 9/11 to Katrina and more, it would appear to me that this country draws more closely together to help its fellow citizens when facing great adversity. And, in most instances, they did not stand around waiting for their Government to act... many from all across the land came in droves to help out where ever they best could.

Can we, the American people, handle the truth?

You tell me...

The better question might be, what would the American people do if the truth revealed that they had been swindled... that some in high places had orchestrated the entire financial mess. Well, then, I'm guessing the Federal Government might have cause for concern.

I ask again, "Can we, the American people, handle the truth?"