Time for part 2 of my reading of the bailout bill!  I didn't get very far.  I skipped Title II and went right to Title III - Commerce, Justice, and Science.  I'll get back to Title II.  Title III just lasts a few pages, going from page 82 through page 89. Oh, before I get started - check out Part I to read my disclaimer and my thoughts on Title I.

Title III has 3 components.  I started with Commerce.  There is 1 billion for the 2010 census, which is good, because I’m looking for work and might be a Census taker.  This makes sense (no pun intended) in a bill trying to create jobs.

Then the bill goes on to want 3 billion (for those that are more visual $3,000,000,000) to get wireless and broadband access to all areas.  The media has toted this as being for wireless access in rural areas.  I'm a little biased against this.  I don't see how this will create jobs.  Sure, a few will be needed to set up the infrastructure... but then when it's there, there will not be such a need.  Granted, the same could be said about the Census Takers (or Enumerators, as they are called).  But then again, I want to be an enumerator and not a wireless broadband structure creator.

650 million for digital converter boxes.... wait... what?  Weren't we supposed to already be ready for the switch?  Apparently this is now getting pushed back until a future date.

            Provided, That these funds shall be available for coupons and related activities, including but
            not limited to education, consumer support and outreach, as deemed appropriate and
            necessary to ensure a timely conversion of analog to digital television. (pg 85)

I talked with a good friend in the TV biz.  She was furious (and rightly so in my mind).  Not switching will cost many companies millions of dollars... aren't we in a recession, and losing money in a company causes workers to be fired?  How can this help?

Onward to the NOAA (National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration). This is a hard one for me.  I’m a scientist by nature, so I want to fund more scientific research… and I understand that while I do not necessarily agree with some of the habitat restoration, 400 million seems fair to keep things like polar bears from dying away.  But lets not forget that another 600 million (aka, 1 billion total) must go to developing a climate model.  We HAVE a climate model.  We HAVE data stations.  What we NEED are data stations in places like third world countries, where the data is slim to none, and some of the oceans.. I’ll find a picture eventually.  I don’t really believe in the hype that is global warming, but being a geologist, I’ll let this stand for me.  I’m biased, what can I say? Maybe my former roommates (both IT specialists) want the money for the rural wireless access because they work with computers….. who knows?

On to the justice area.  I like justice.

4 Billion for police, eh?  I’m okay with that.  My dad was a police officer for a long time, and I know the benefit that having a place with good police can do for you.  I do not believe that the police are bad, and I believe that a community without police very often suffers some dire consequences.  Even if there is no “official” police, someone steps up and does the work.  So 4 billion for police… I’m in.  PLUS this will create jobs.

Just in case you’re keeping count – 8.65 billion at this point, just for Title III.

Yay, the science section!  For some reason, I think I should be hearing that woman that use to be in front of all the SimCity games… you know, the one who in that RIDICULOUSLY sultry voice said “reticulating splines…”  I still don’t know what that means, but the Science part makes me wonder... makes me yearn...

400 million for science in the beginning, but 250 million MUST be for climate research?  What the heck?  Didn’t we already give climate research money earlier?  Aeronautics gets a paltry 150 million.  ONLY 150 millions?  My brothers fly planes.  According to them, there have been no major advances in airplane technology in decades.  We need research to continue to advance.   Does this cover anything for NASA?  Or is this the part of the bailout bill intended for major airline companies?  They already gouge out your eyes and require your left kidney to fly in this country - why give them more money?

50 million goes to cross-agencies to help with natural disaster and emergency costs – Katrina, anyone?  I’m not saying this is a bad idea, in fact, I think it’s a good idea, but this is supposed to CREATE JOBS.  How does giving more money to this area in THIS BILL create jobs?

Now, the NSF.  I like them.  My married friends keep trying to apply to get money from them.  2.5 billion.  This is good… we need the NSF…. But, so little in such a big package?  Research grants DO provide jobs, just perhaps not as many as other items.  Still, at least this is better than nothing.

Title III wraps up with some basic comments about more money for education.  Science education, based on NSF documents, gets 100 million… I don’t LIKE saying this, but I don’t see how teaching children who are already in school science, without making more jobs available, helps stimulate the economy.  Maybe those research grants. 

That wraps up Title III of the HR 1.  Page 89!  I skipped rural construction, and Title IV is Defense – woo hoo!  But don't worry, I'll get back to Title III.