Government grants are storming the headlines once again

Free government grants have once again found their way into the news. American citizens have always wondered whether or not the government really has money stashed away for them, and perhaps all they have to do is ask for it. That is, ever since Matthew Lesko found his way into the mainstream media.

This time, however, people are talking about the rise and fall of a former congressman, J.D. Hayworth (pictured 2nd from left behind former President Bush), and his decision to promote a company in 2007 called the “National Grants Conference.”

An infomercial was recently dug up on the web that features Hayworth speaking quite favorably about the company. The company’s legitimacy isn’t the issue at hand, it’s the way Hayworth was representing the government as a whole.

Having shot such an infomercial went down as a very regrettable decision, especially for a career politician like Hayworth. The video that stirred the recent controversy is embedded below.

In the video, the “host” lists Hayworth’s credentials to open, and then the congressman shares a few nuggets.

“It’s real,” said Hayworth after being asked whether or not government grants exist.”It’s not free money. It’s your money. It’s money you’ve already surrendered to the government in terms of taxation.”

Hayworth’s monologue occuring roughly three and half minutes into the video is what has the media talking the most. During his speech, Hayworth urges people to attend one of these conferences (which will cost you a pretty penny at $1,000 just to get a foot in the door).