The Democrats in Congress just don’t seem to get it. Or, maybe they do. House Speaker San Fran Nan Pelosi admits that further nationalization of our banks might be necessary. However, she’s shying away from using the N-word.

You see, there’s only one thing that scares Americans more than insolvency and that’s socialism. The Democrats run from the word “nationalization” because it can only serve to thwart their great race to socialism. ABC’s George Stephanopoulos asked Pelosi if nationalization of the banks might be necessary. “Well, not by the terminology that you use, but some increased investment.” Increased investment? That’s exactly what we’re talking about. Increased investment by the government is socialism. Not even FDR had the gall to call for that.

There’s so much to dislike in this so-called stimulus package being pushed by President Obama and his henchmen in Congress. There’s the part that creates “green” jobs by spending billions of our hard-earned tax dollars instead of letting the private sector create the jobs. There are the billions they want to spend renovating schools, which is solely the responsibility of the states.

Then there’s a push to install 40 million “smart” utility meters. What could be wrong with that? Well, they say it up front. The purpose is to control energy use in homes. In other words, what you have your thermostat set on will no longer be your choice. Some bureaucrat somewhere will control everything that’s powered in your home.

This new stimulus package is so pervasive and intrusive that it would be very difficult for America to ever be the same after its passage. It’s not just a nudge toward socialism, it’s a giant leap. Yet, Republicans seem content to simply stand by and allow it to happen. Oh, sure, many are against this plan, as they should be, but no one has come forward yet in the Senate with the threat of a filibuster. John McCain was asked that question directly and chose to dodge it, saying it was time to sit down and negotiate. That’s exactly how we find ourselves in this mess. Republicans’ idea of negotiating is registering indignant protestations for the consumption of the home crowd and then allowing Democrats to have their way. What we need are Republicans with some conviction that will stand up to the Democrats’ unbridled spending.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell says every American household already shares nearly a half-million dollars in debt. The General Accounting Office says the federal government now faces a $53 trillion shortfall to cover the projected costs of entitlement programs.

And when are we going to strike that word from government language? Entitlement: The only thing you’re entitled to is to live free. Other than that, you’re owed nothing from the government. You’re not entitled to free health care. You’re not entitled to free food nor are you entitled to a perfect economy. That’s our problem. This entitlement mentality has made it impossible for the American public to go through the natural ebbs and flows of the economy without feeling entitled to being bailed out when boom turns to bust. This whole idea is busting America.

So, what are states doing to shore up their finances? They’re turning to gambling. There are proposals in about 14 states to allow or expand casinos. The problem is these states and the federal government have been gambling on our future with our money. Guess what? We lost. Now they’re back and they want even more money.

I think our money would be much better spent if we invested to pay for a spine implant for the Republicans.

Phil Valentine is an author and nationally syndicated radio talk show host with Westwood One. For more of his commentary and articles, visit philvalentine.com.