How Much is $887 Billion, Really?

Several blogs (Such as this one, this one, and this one) have attempted recently to put the orgy of pork-barrel spending known as the stimulus package into perspective by explaining just how much $887,000,000,000 is in practical terms. The consensus winner seems to be that it’s about $3000 per American. That’s not bad as illustrations go, and does have some practical merit, as each American will owe that much more as their personal share of the national debt, but I think that as bloggers we need to do better.

How much is $887 Billion? It’s $12,770 per Obama voter. It’s every American’s mobile phone bill for the next five years. It’s 4.2 million new houses at last month’s average selling price. (That’s enough to give one to every family in Arizona, which, come to think of it, is awfully similar to how we got into this mess to begin with.) It’s more than the total value of all US currency in circulation.

Those things are all true, but they lack a certain visual element. Try this one. If it were printed in one dollar bills, $887 Billion would be enough to cover the total land area of Rhode Island, Delaware, and New York City combined. Or, if you prefer, it could cover New York in tens. Or Manhattan in hundreds.

Unfortunately, dollar bills don’t make a very practical floor/land covering, and at $9.60 a square foot for the ones, it’s kinda steep. Lowe’s has some decent looking vinyl tile at $1.08 each. It’s much more durable, and at that price for $887 Billion we can cover South Carolina.

If covering up states doesn’t help you feel how much money we are talking about, let me try and put it in terms of something you might buy. 8GB iPod Nanos go for $134 at Amazon. So the stimulus package is equivalent to ordering 6,619,402,985 of them. (Don’t forget to click on free super-saver shipping.) At a shipping weight of 1 lb. each, and assuming an average weight of 177 lbs per person, that’s more than enough to give every resident of California their weight in iPods.

Of course, iPods are relatively durable items. What about in terms of something that gets consumed by you, the average American? My local on-line grocery delivery service will sell me a 24 oz. jar of Chi-Chi’s Fiesta Salsa Thick and Chunky Medium for $4.19. So the stimulus package is equivalent to 39.7 billion gallons of the stuff. And what could we do with it? Well, this is only a suggestion, but to stem the tide of illegal immigration from Mexico, we could dig a trench 4 meters deep and 10 meters wide along the entire 1,969 mile US-Mexico border and fill it with salsa. Because there is nothing that would repel an actual Mexican more than Chi-Chi’s Fiesta Thick and Chunky Medium salsa.

But maybe this is all too impractical for you. How about something useful? For example, a 2009 Mercedes SLK55 AMG convertible? It’s got a 355hp V-8 that will take it 0-60 in 4.9 seconds. We could buy one for every one of the 14.3 million college and grad students in the US. Or all the men divorced in the last ten years.

So now you know.

Economics | Frank Curmudgeon | January 29, 2009 12:00 pm

95 Comments

By Manshu, February 8, 2009 @ 3:19 pm

Hilarious Frank! Great post
By Ekuurz, May 11, 2023 @ 4:07 am

cialis for sales cost cialis 5mg buy ed medications online
By Pmmhgf, May 19, 2023 @ 11:45 pm

buy accutane 40mg for sale accutane pills buy zithromax for sale
By Rxxudr, May 23, 2023 @ 9:32 am

buy generic lasix 100mg buy vibra-tabs generic albuterol ca
By Txggwo, May 25, 2023 @ 3:32 am

order levitra 10mg generic order tizanidine pill hydroxychloroquine 200mg sale
By Kgjvlq, May 26, 2023 @ 1:06 am

altace 10mg canada ramipril 10mg over the counter etoricoxib usa
By Eddxnc, June 14, 2023 @ 10:49 pm

buy rosuvastatin tablets generic motilium order motilium 10mg without prescription
By Aoetyn, June 15, 2023 @ 2:06 am

buy ampicillin 250mg generic ampicillin 500mg for sale flagyl generic
By Rrawmp, June 16, 2023 @ 12:19 pm

brand tetracycline 500mg buy lioresal pill lioresal where to buy
By Ddcjbw, June 16, 2023 @ 9:48 pm

septra for sale order keflex generic order cleocin 150mg sale
By Ugufii, June 18, 2023 @ 2:19 am

toradol price buy toradol 10mg generic buy cheap propranolol
By Pvmgru, June 18, 2023 @ 5:54 pm

erythromycin drug order fildena cheap tamoxifen
By Odmovy, June 19, 2023 @ 4:49 pm

cost plavix 75mg order clopidogrel pill brand medex
By Yqtjkj, June 20, 2023 @ 3:21 pm

budesonide allergy spray bimatoprost sale buy bimatoprost
By Xepkkk, June 21, 2023 @ 9:05 am

generic reglan 10mg cozaar usa nexium 40mg over the counter
By Kzmlwn, June 22, 2023 @ 12:07 pm

methocarbamol us methocarbamol cheap order sildenafil generic
By Dczjst, June 23, 2023 @ 12:26 am

purchase topamax pills buy levofloxacin for sale levofloxacin for sale online
By Vtpdel, June 24, 2023 @ 8:36 am

buy sildenafil 50mg online brand estrace buy estrace without a prescription
By Axaxmq, June 24, 2023 @ 2:38 pm

avodart 0.5mg pills buy meloxicam 15mg sale mobic 7.5mg over the counter
By Bltlkh, June 26, 2023 @ 5:50 am

celecoxib 100mg ca ondansetron cost where can i buy ondansetron
By Tqfcvb, June 26, 2023 @ 7:24 am

order generic lamotrigine 200mg prazosin 1mg sale buy generic minipress 1mg
By spravki-kupit.ru, June 26, 2023 @ 4:11 pm

получение медицинской справки
By Professor Smith, June 27, 2023 @ 11:22 am

Hey just wanted to give you a quick heads up and let you know a few of the images aren’t loading correctly. I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue. I’ve tried it in two different browsers and both show the same results.
By купить диплом гознак, June 27, 2023 @ 12:25 pm

Do you mind if I quote a couple of your posts as long as I provide credit and sources back to your webpage? My blog site is in the very same area of interest as yours and my visitors would genuinely benefit from a lot of the information you present here. Please let me know if this alright with you. Cheers!
By Vzysex, June 27, 2023 @ 8:34 pm

aldactone 100mg usa simvastatin 20mg cheap generic valtrex 1000mg
By Otlgac, June 28, 2023 @ 8:24 am

buy retin buy generic avana for sale avanafil canada
By Lyogmq, June 29, 2023 @ 10:30 am

finasteride 5mg price sildenafil 100mg cost order sildenafil 50mg online
By накрутить просмотры яппи, July 30, 2023 @ 6:54 am

I’m now not sure where you are getting your info, however good topic. I needs to spend a while learning more or understanding more. Thank you for fantastic information I used to be on the lookout for this information for my mission.
By Pogxfx, July 30, 2023 @ 7:32 pm

order generic valsartan buy cheap valsartan cheap combivent
By smartremstroy.ru, July 31, 2023 @ 5:25 pm

This is very interesting, You are an excessively professional blogger. I have joined your feed and look forward to looking for more of your magnificent post. Also, I have shared your web site in my social networks
By Biyxih, July 31, 2023 @ 11:41 pm

buy generic oxcarbazepine urso online buy actigall 150mg brand
By daachnik.ru, August 2, 2023 @ 2:30 am

Great article! This is the type of information that are meant to be shared around the web. Disgrace on the seek engines for not positioning this publish upper! Come on over and visit my web site . Thank you =)
By Kbdnvx, August 2, 2023 @ 7:04 am

dexamethasone for sale starlix 120 mg generic buy starlix 120mg for sale
By daachnik.ru, August 2, 2023 @ 8:04 am

Hi there, I enjoy reading all of your post. I like to write a little comment to support you.
By delaremontnika.ru, August 2, 2023 @ 4:03 pm

Hi there, I enjoy reading all of your post. I like to write a little comment to support you.
By чистка подушек в борисове, September 2, 2023 @ 7:27 am

Nice blog here! Also your website loads up fast! What host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host? I wish my website loaded up as fast as yours lol
By чистка дивана на дому цена в борисове, September 2, 2023 @ 9:26 am

I was more than happy to find this site. I wanted to thank you for your time just for this wonderful read!! I definitely loved every little bit of it and I have you book-marked to check out new stuff on your website.
By химчистка мягкой мебели жодино, September 2, 2023 @ 10:11 am

I’m really enjoying the design and layout of your site. It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more enjoyable for me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a designer to create your theme? Fantastic work!
By Sfaewb, September 3, 2023 @ 2:01 am

buy cheap generic prasugrel buy thorazine detrol 2mg pill
By Vazpfw, September 6, 2023 @ 2:37 am

order ferrous 100mg online cheap order ascorbic acid 500mg pill order generic betapace 40 mg
By Eytece, September 6, 2023 @ 5:34 pm

order mestinon 60 mg without prescription buy pyridostigmine for sale order rizatriptan generic
By sadovoe-tut.ru, September 6, 2023 @ 5:54 pm

Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you writing this article and also the rest of the site is extremely good.
By sadovoe-tut.ru, September 6, 2023 @ 9:18 pm

of course like your website however you need to check the spelling on quite a few of your posts. Several of them are rife with spelling problems and I find it very bothersome to tell the truth on the other hand I will surely come back again.
By agrosadovnik.ru, September 6, 2023 @ 9:42 pm

Have you ever considered about including a little bit more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is valuable and all. Nevertheless think about if you added some great pictures or video clips to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with images and clips, this website could undeniably be one of the very best in its niche. Amazing blog!
By quick loans near me, October 7, 2023 @ 8:10 am

Hey there would you mind letting me know which webhost you’re working with? I’ve loaded your blog in 3 completely different internet browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot quicker then most. Can you suggest a good web hosting provider at a reasonable price? Cheers, I appreciate it!
By Jfstaw, October 7, 2023 @ 8:46 am

dilantin 100mg over the counter buy dilantin without a prescription oxybutynin 2.5mg pill
By cash advance near me, October 7, 2023 @ 4:20 pm

I am extremely inspired with your writing skills and alsowell as with the layout in your blog. Is this a paid subject matter or did you customize it yourself? Either way stay up the nice quality writing, it’s rare to peer a nice blog like this one these days..
By online television, October 9, 2023 @ 12:48 am

I couldn’t resist commenting. Perfectly written!
By online television, October 9, 2023 @ 5:15 am

Woah! I’m really loving the template/theme of this website. It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s difficult to get that “perfect balance” between user friendliness and visual appearance. I must say you have done a very good job with this. In addition, the blog loads extremely fast for me on Chrome. Exceptional Blog!
By Hvwgvc, October 9, 2023 @ 9:54 am

baclofen online order baclofen 25mg pill order toradol 10mg generic
By Bpwnix, October 9, 2023 @ 10:34 pm

brand claritin 10mg altace 5mg usa order dapoxetine 60mg online
By online television, October 10, 2023 @ 5:17 am

Hello there, You have done an excellent job. I will definitely digg it and personally recommend to my friends. I am sure they will be benefited from this site.
By online television, October 10, 2023 @ 6:35 pm

Thank you a bunch for sharing this with all folks you really recognize what you are talking approximately! Bookmarked. Please also discuss with my site =). We could have a link exchange agreement among us
By online television, October 10, 2023 @ 10:43 pm

What’s up, yup this piece of writing is in fact good and I have learned lot of things from it regarding blogging. thanks.
By Tencqz, October 11, 2023 @ 7:39 am

ozobax tablet ketorolac cheap buy toradol sale
By online television, October 11, 2023 @ 12:37 pm

This web site truly has all of the information I wanted about this subject and didn’t know who to ask.
By Uqroex, October 13, 2023 @ 9:20 am

generic glimepiride 4mg glimepiride cheap etoricoxib online buy
By Fqnlfm, October 13, 2023 @ 10:56 am

order fosamax 35mg without prescription buy furadantin 100mg generic buy nitrofurantoin without prescription
By гостиничные чеки с подтверждением москва, October 15, 2023 @ 1:18 pm

Hello there! I just want to give you a huge thumbs up for the great info you’ve got here on this post. I will be coming back to your blog for more soon.
By гостиничные чеки купить, October 15, 2023 @ 2:58 pm

Hi, I do believe this is an excellent web site. I stumbledupon it I am going to come back once again since I book marked it. Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich and continue to help other people.
By Yafdbr, October 15, 2023 @ 5:36 pm

propranolol over the counter inderal oral buy plavix 75mg sale
By гостиничный чек москва, October 16, 2023 @ 11:04 am

I visited several web pages but the audio quality for audio songs current at this web site is actually fabulous.
By сделать гостиничные чеки, October 16, 2023 @ 12:42 pm

I am extremely inspired together with your writing skills and alsosmartly as with the format on your blog. Is this a paid topic or did you customize it yourself? Either way stay up the nice quality writing, it’s rare to peer a nice blog like this one these days..
By online television, October 17, 2023 @ 7:31 pm

Hi there, I think your web site might be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your web site in Safari, it looks fine however when opening in IE, it has some overlapping issues. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other than that, wonderful website!
By Nhswrh, October 17, 2023 @ 10:44 pm

order nortriptyline 25 mg generic panadol online order anacin 500 mg generic
By online television, October 17, 2023 @ 11:43 pm

I like it when individuals come together and share thoughts. Great website, continue the good work!
By Uolqmf, October 20, 2023 @ 1:45 am

buy cheap generic medex reglan over the counter metoclopramide 10mg drug
By Amodee, October 20, 2023 @ 10:44 am

xenical pill where can i buy asacol where can i buy diltiazem
By Онлайн казино, October 20, 2023 @ 1:16 pm

It’s going to be finish of mine day, except before end I am reading this wonderful post to increase my knowledge.
By Онлайн казино, October 21, 2023 @ 1:31 am

I’m really enjoying the design and layout of your blog. It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more enjoyable for me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a designer to create your theme? Outstanding work!
By Онлайн казино, October 21, 2023 @ 8:16 am

Hello there, You have done a great job. I will definitely digg it and personally recommend to my friends. I am sure they will be benefited from this web site.
By стяжка пола стоимость, October 23, 2023 @ 2:02 pm

Хотите получить идеально ровный пол в своей квартире или офисе? Обратитесь к профессионалам на сайте styazhka-pola24.ru! Мы предоставляем услуги по устройству стяжки пола в Москве и области, а также гарантируем доступные цены и высокое качество работ.
By Jcrtnt, October 23, 2023 @ 6:15 pm

buy pepcid 20mg generic how to buy prograf tacrolimus drug
By стяжка пола под ключ, October 23, 2023 @ 6:28 pm

Ищете надежного подрядчика для устройства стяжки пола в Москве? Обратитесь к нам на сайт styazhka-pola24.ru! Мы предлагаем услуги по залитию стяжки пола любой сложности и площади, а также гарантируем высокое качество работ.
By залить стяжку пола, October 24, 2023 @ 5:54 am

Хотите получить идеально ровный пол в своей квартире или офисе? Обратитесь к профессионалам на сайте styazhka-pola24.ru! Мы предоставляем услуги по устройству стяжки пола в Москве и области, а также гарантируем качество работ и доступные цены.
By snabzhenie-obektov.ru, October 24, 2023 @ 10:16 am

строительное снабжение
By snabzhenie-obektov.ru, October 24, 2023 @ 2:01 pm

поставка строительных материалов москва
By Ozoufn, October 24, 2023 @ 7:10 pm

buy astelin without prescription order azelastine 10 ml online cheap buy avapro generic
By гостиничные чеки, October 25, 2023 @ 9:05 pm

Good day! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would be ok. I’m undoubtedly enjoying your blog and look forward to new updates.
By купить гостиничные чеки с подтверждением, October 25, 2023 @ 9:50 pm

I like the valuable information you provide in your articles. I will bookmark your weblog and check again here frequently. I am quite certain I will learn a lot of new stuff right here! Good luck for the next!
By механизированная штукатурка, October 26, 2023 @ 12:05 pm

Ищете решение для ремонта? Механизированная штукатурка с mehanizirovannaya-shtukaturka-moscow.ru – это быстро, качественно и без пыли.
By механизированная штукатурка стен, October 26, 2023 @ 5:34 pm

Современный рынок предлагает нам множество уникальных решений, включая штукатурку механизированную. Проверьте mehanizirovannaya-shtukaturka-moscow.ru для получения подробной информации.
By Zunpmc, October 26, 2023 @ 7:59 pm

cheap esomeprazole buy mirtazapine generic oral topiramate 200mg
By Pmhfpj, October 28, 2023 @ 10:29 pm

buy zyloprim cheap clobetasol price crestor 10mg tablet
By Uziiff, October 28, 2023 @ 11:25 pm

buy imitrex 50mg without prescription order imitrex 25mg generic dutasteride order online
By гостиничные чеки москва, October 29, 2023 @ 5:46 am

If you want to improve your experience simply keep visiting this site and be updated with the newest gossip posted here.
By чеки на гостиницу, October 29, 2023 @ 7:24 am

This text is priceless. Where can I find out more?
By Windshield Replacement Near 27560, April 29, 2024 @ 8:11 pm

The post was a beacon of knowledge, lighting up my day as if you knew just what I needed to hear.
By Locally Acclaimed Auto Glass 27610, April 30, 2024 @ 3:58 am

The writing has the warmth and familiarity of a favorite sweater, providing comfort and insight in equal measure.
By ppu-pro_Jart, May 7, 2024 @ 1:48 pm

Наша команда опытных мастеров проштудирована подать вам передовые приемы, которые не только гарантируют устойчивую защиту от прохлады, но и подарят вашему дому трендовый вид.
Мы занимаемся с современными материалами, сертифицируя долгий время работы и превосходные решения. Изоляция наружных поверхностей – это не только экономия энергии на отапливании, но и заботливость о экологической обстановке. Экономичные инновации, какие мы используем, способствуют не только жилищу, но и сохранению природной среды.
Самое главное: Стоимость утепления фасада дома у нас стартует всего от 1250 рублей за м2! Это бюджетное решение, которое превратит ваш домашний уголок в реальный комфортный район с скромными затратами.
Наши труды – это не просто изолирование, это формирование поля, в где любой деталь отражает ваш личный манеру. Мы возьмем во внимание все твои пожелания, чтобы переделать ваш дом еще еще больше комфортным и привлекательным.
Подробнее на http://www.ppu-prof.ru/
Не откладывайте занятия о своем квартире на потом! Обращайтесь к профессионалам, и мы сделаем ваш обиталище не только теплым, но и моднее. Заинтересовались? Подробнее о наших работах вы можете узнать на веб-ресурсе. Добро пожаловать в универсум благополучия и высоких стандартов.
By Rene Yorio, June 30, 2024 @ 6:01 pm

https://www.niagarachinese.ca/home.php?mod=space&uid=509261
By Jacalyn Narum, June 30, 2024 @ 9:39 pm

http://www.kiripo.com/forum/member.php?action=profile&uid=1108652
By Zachariah Kand, July 1, 2024 @ 7:02 pm

http://mariskamast.net:/smf/index.php?action=profile;area=forumprofile;u=2452690
By Normand Mastrocola, July 2, 2024 @ 10:50 am

Incredibly informative post! I learned a lot and look forward to more.
By Edwin Gaukroger, July 2, 2024 @ 9:55 pm

http://1688168.org/home.php?mod=space&uid=421298