This has been making the e-mail rounds, but it’s kind of fun to think about:

I’m against the $85 billion bailout of AIG. Instead, I’m in favor of giving $85 billion to America in a We Deserve It Dividend.

To make the math simple, let’s assume there are 200 million bona fide U.S. Citizens 18+. Our population is about 301 million +/- counting every man, woman and child. So 200 million might be a fair stab at adults 18 and up.

So, divide 200 million adults 18+ into $85 billion. That equals $425,000. My plan is to give $425,000 to every person 18+ as a We Deserve It Dividend.

Of course, it would NOT be tax free. So let’s assume a tax rate of 30 percent. Every individual 18+ has to pay $127,500.00 in taxes. That sends $25.5 billion right back to Uncle Sam. But it means that every adult 18+ has $297,500 in their pocket. A husband and wife would have $595,000.

What would you do with $297,500 or $595,000?

Pay off your mortgage — housing crisis solved.

Repay college loans — what a great boost to new grads.

Put away money for college — it’ll be there.

Save in a bank — create money to loan to entrepreneurs.

Buy a new car — create jobs.

Invest in the market — capital drives growth.

Pay for your parent’s medical insurance — health care improves.

Remember, this is for every adult U S Citizen 18+ including the folks who lost their jobs at Lehman Brothers and every other company that is cutting back. And of course, for those serving in our Armed Forces. If we’re going to redistribute wealth let’s really do it … instead of trickling out a puny $1,000 (”vote buy”) economic incentive that is being proposed by one of our candidates for President.

If we’re going to do an $85 billion bailout, let’s bail out every adult U.S. citizen over 18.

As for AIG — liquidate it. Sell off its parts. Let American General go back to being American General. Sell off the real estate. Let the private sector bargain hunters cut it up and clean it up.

Here’s my rationale: We deserve it and AIG doesn’t.

Sure it’s a crazy idea that can never work. But can you imagine the coast-to-coast block party!