When the first $350 billion of the Treasury's Troubled Asset Relief Program was released in October 2008, Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson said he would use the money to buy the troubled assets weighing down the balance sheets of financial firms. Instead of buying assets though, Paulson spent $192 billion to shore up 257 banks.

Congress and the taxpayers were told that this action was going to build up the financial sector, prevent a financial meltdown and stabilize the stock market.

Guess what? None of that happened.

Now even President-Elect Obama concedes, "There was too little transparency and accountability."

But that didn't stop the Senate from voting Thursday to release the next $350 billion in a 52 to 42 vote in favor of the measure.

Friday's newspapers were filled with photos of an allegorical image of this latest round of government incompetence … the downed US Airways plane floating in the Hudson River with the passengers and crew standing on the wings awaiting rescue.

Here's what that incredible aviation story looks like to me (Daria here). The people on the wings represent all the companies awaiting TARP money; the ferry boats standing by to aid in the rescue are the members of Congress who continue to vote for more money; and the sinking plane is the U.S. taxpayer and our economy.

Our way of life, folks, is sinking fast and throwing more money at the problem will NOT turn things around.

This latest allocation of money, considering the lack of positive return from the first takedown, fully exemplifies Albert Einstein's definition of insanity … doing the same thing over and over expecting a different outcome.

Now is the time to stay guaranteed and safe with your money. We'll show you how in these Dolans.com features:

• 7 Steps to Protect Your Money
• Your Guide to Surviving the Financial Crisis
• How to Keep the Financial Meltdown from Hurting Your Wallet