New Fox News Op-ed: On the "so-called" Stimulus Package
My new piece starts this way:
Barack Obama claims that the new stimulus plan that emerged from the House of Representatives this past week is needed to save the economy. Democrats promise to be “creating or saving of four million jobs.” News media report in all seriousness: “The democrats vow no earmarks or special projects will be attached to the bill. The focus is on jobs.” Also "more than 90 percent of the jobs created are likely to be in the private sector."
Unfortunately, though, the $825 billion “stimulus” package has nothing to do with creating or saving jobs – it has everything to do with moving jobs from industries that Democrats don’t like to industries that they do.
The “stimulus” package is just a wish list of every government program that liberal Democrats have long wanted. As Rahm Emanuel, Obama’s Chief of staff, announced after the election last fall: “Rule one: Never allow a crisis to go to waste. They are opportunities to do big things.” . . .
Labels: ObamaAdministration, op-ed, stimulus
posted by John Lott at 7:28 AM
15 Comments:
I agree the Democrats are salivating at this "opportunity". The question is, How do we stop it?????
I lived in California for ten years in the late 1970's - 80's - and considered it a "working vacation." I had no desire to stay there - and moved back to Texas in '89. I have NO interest in bailing out California - they created their own mess - let them solve it.
About 12 million Americans are without jobs right now. American consumer purchases drive two-thirds of the US economy. How you choose to spend your money really matters. Imported goods are flooding the shelves of even small retailers like gift shops and galleries. Why send more US dollars overseas? American artisans create beautiful jewelry, pottery and glass. You can grow our economy and support American artisans by seeking out local gift shops and online galleries selling the best in American arts. For Valentine's Day and birthdays in 2009, please make this the Year of the American Gift.
Just addressing the TV issue. Unless I get the converter box, my TV will be worthless, junk. So it's not about all things being equal by giving me $50 and letting me decide, it's also about taking away my TV sets and depriving me of ALL their cost. How far would that $50 go when comparable new TV sets cost over a thousand? "Go get a radio," indeed. Do you think the author will be trading in his TV sets for a radio?
I agree with you John ... like the old saying goes:
'IF YOU GIVE A MAN A FISH, YOU FEED HIM FOR A DAY
... IF YOU TEACH A MAN TO FISH, YOU FEED HIM FOR LIFE"
To make this country great again, we must make Americans self sufficient, not dependent on welfare!!!
My mother used to ask, "what? you think money grows on trees?"
Apparently so in D.C., who knew that the foliage was so plentiful there without consequence.
Since you lived in California, I would have thought you would have been fair. How much of the California's federal income tax is redistributed to other states? Is that fair? Other states would not be bailing out California. Instead we would be getting more of our money returned.
Matt, you are free to compete in the market just like everyone else. If your prices and quality are not competitive or lacking, then free human beings can make free choices in their own self-interest of survival; how best to allocate their dollars.
Overseas, domestic, it's all the same when it comes to competition.
Your implication that somehow overseas are making it more difficult for American business owners seeks to absolve you, your representatives and constituents who think like you, of your choice to impose tariffs or taxes which thwart free markets. Imposing tariffs, taxes, regulations and controls are all choices.
That's not an American's problem when seeking the best price for goods or services, that's your government's problem for regulations and controls.
Free markets create competition so that the best quality and/or best price rise to the top.
If you don't like controls and regulations, then talk to your President about eliminating it so you can compete both here and there.
It's all about ownership of choice and the ability to respond to the choice.
For Valentine's Day and Birthdays and any other occasion, make your purchases in your own self-interest where the price and quality, regardless of origination, are best suited for you, the individual.
when you stop giving people a choice you are inherently manipulating and controlling them.
"About 12 million Americans are without jobs right now. American consumer purchases drive two-thirds of the US economy"...
Hmmm, how many of those 12 million unemployed are driven by the Government Regulatory Compliance Costs?
Too many lobbyists have their hand in the cookie jar waiting for their agendas to be connected to our pockets.
Governor's think that our money should be used at their whim. Instead of spending, RECYCLE what we have instead of spending to comfort those who have the ear of those holding OUR money. Ger rid of overseas projects and have our own oil in our Country pumped into tanks built here.
BUY AMERICAN! Let's not allow outsiders to buy us!!!
I wonder what paltry amount each taxpayer will receive in this stimulus deal (I am assuming that legitimate taxpayers will be the recipients of this money)? Certainly not enough to equal what comes out of my paycheck each month times twelve! I'd like to see the government just keep what they've already taken and DRASTICALLY cut the amount of taxes taken each month. That will go a lot further in adding to the economy for a longer period that just a couple of months it will take for most people to spend their stimulus checks! I personally don't make a lot each month, and it fluctuates depending on my schedule, but I think the amount taken in taxes each month is downright piracy!
This disastrous 'stimulus' package is a done deal. I just hope Republicans finally grow a set and vote against it. O and the Dems want to make it 'bipartisan' meaning they know the people are going to get the shaft and want cover. DON'T GIVE IT TO THEM!
You better get some hard assets, like gold or silver, now because the dollar is going to go down the tube.
Civic Virtue: Leaders and citizens both living MODEST lives putting the common welfare above their own interest.
Framers of the constitution felt-- that in order for our nation to survive civic virtue would need to be at the core of EVERY citizen.
What a mockery we've made of our founding fathers. This nation should be ashamed!
Just two comments; one specific and the other more general.
As a job stimulus package the digital TV converter box initiative probably fails. I just checked mine and it was manufactured in China. I suspect most, if not all, the others were as well. Not bad for the Chinese workers!
As a general comment, Any government expenditure which creates or increases a budget deficit is inflationary. Regardless of your position, Keynesian or monetarist, inlation is not a good thing in the long term.
Just my 2¢.
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