Will Stimulus Package Help?

[Moby]

What are your thoughts?

[Bill]

This is an example of where democracy as a theory fails.

The temptation to push problems onto the next elected group is irresistable.

This will make things worse in the long run.

I can't see how this amount of money is going to fix the fundamental problem of increasing costs, combined with teh side effects of bubble economics.

[Independent Harry]

It's ridiculous, American monetary policy has been like the consumer monetary policy. For the last 7 years America has borrowed money and sunk it into nothing that would actually give a ROI. The same thing the vast majority of the consumers have been doing, refinanice, by a boat, a car, go to vegas. That's what the american government has been doign with its equity. It has been eating away at it and tossing the money overboard the ship. It's unreal.

So with this stiumulus package they are just flooding more money into the system, a system that ultimately just wastes that money. The cash doesn't flow back into society, it flows directly into large corporations pockets, who then pay huge bonuses to the CEO and majority shareholders. Basically stealing money from the rest of the shareholders in tthe company.

It's inane, and to continue down this path, well I would probably move out of the country...

My gut tells me they are doing it on purpose. They are trying to drive the dollar into the ground, to create a money crisis, so the can institute the Amero.

[Independent Harry]

This is an example of where democracy as a theory fails.

The temptation to push problems onto the next elected group is irresistable.

This will make things worse in the long run.

I can't see how this amount of money is going to fix the fundamental problem of increasing costs, combined with teh side effects of bubble economics.

Democracy doesn't work with bloated governments and the power situated in one area, far away from the majority of the country. We need lots of little governments, that people can see themselves as a part of. that is moderated by a Federal government. The federal government should not have th epower to overide state rule, but only the power to overide and settle disputes between states. This way, on a local scale, people can actually do things, and make the necessary changes, and regulate their government.

[Americanadian]

I feel people need to take action now and cease buying foreign consumable products that are cheaply made to begin with. Most of the time, they are poor quality anyhow.

I look for 'Made in America' products as much as possible. However, one also needs to be cognizant of their own financial situation. Sometimes, one isn't able to afford the American made product. IMO, a person can make changes so they can afford the American made product. Change isn't always desirable, but extreme circumstances calls for extreme measures. If we want to save the country from sliding into the abyss, some self sacrifice is required.

We can't expect to be paid high wages if we support the companies which pay fuck all for wages. If we desire higher wages, we need to support the companies who pay the higher wages, right in America. We can't continue to have it both ways. Ever wonder why bananas cost less than fruit grown in your own state? Well, Hosee is paid fifty cents per day in Brazil while Tom won't get off his ass for eight bucks per hour to bother picking fruit in Washington. Bananas: 40 cents per pound compared to Cherries: $5.00 per pound. Of course, prices vary depending on the region, but you get the picture.

Tax cuts combined with excessive spending by the government also needs to end. Accountability is required in all levels of government. If we are relinquishing our tax dollars, the least they can do is be responsible for those funds and we have every right to know where it is spent and how.

The first thing we need to change is ourselves; our spending habits, resisting the desire to attain more credit or use it needlessly, which ultimately means ending the impulsive expenditures (that would be me :hi: ) and changing some habits which may cost us the ability to support our American companies.

Which brings up an interesting question I pose to anyone who is interested: How should this "Patriotic spending" apply pertaining to car companies? Surely buying a Japanese car shouldn't hurt considering not everyone buys Honda or Mazda anyhow.

OR

Demand that the 'Big 3' quit manipulating the people and produce vehicles which retain better market value which also provide good fuel mileage?

How many vehicle parts come from foreign manufacturers? How many motors are manufactured in foreign assembly plants? Even the 'Big 3' have invested in foreign countries due to the labor costs. Yet, somehow, vehicle prices continue to increase. Interesting...

[UserName]

A cash infusion into any working economic market will show a short term benefit. That's a given. If this infusion instills a sense of confidence in the market, it's benefits increase exponentially with the amount of actual confidence instilled. The stock market demonstrated this confidence today. But if people all run to Walmart to purchase foreign goods the entire purpose of job creation and confidence building (in America) will be lost.

This whole exercise we saw today is only the confidence building part because there won't be any cash for a few more months. We won't see the benefits, if any, for quite a while yet.

Now, how many Americans are going to run out tomorrow and spend that money before it arrives? Well, that depends on how much confidence they have that everything will be ok.

That's the reason I like this poll, it just might demonstrate our confidence level.;)

[Moby]

I'm not going to spend the money at all. I'm saving it for my daughter's Chinese lessons.

[Independent Harry]

lol...that was funny moby, I plan to marry an Asian chick, that way I'll be spared. :)

[Little Red Dog]

Not going to make a diference in the long run.

Fact is, the money has to come from somewhere, either:

a) Raise taxes to get the extra cash, thereby making people poorer before making them "richer"

b) Cut personal income tax, hoping people will spend the extra money they take home. Of course, this would mean cutting stuff like the big lobby subsidies, to balance out the loss of Federal revenue. I wanna see Bush stand up to Big Oil, for examle. Like THAT'S going to happen.

c) Borrowing the money from the Saudis, the Chinese, whoever. And putting us deeper in debt to them, or

d) Printing crisp, new dead presidents in whopping numbers. Ultimately devaluing the dollar even lower than its curent just-above-the-gutter position.

As you can see, none of these is is a long term solution.

In truth, what the country should do is, suck it up. Tighten the belt, ride out the hard times, and find new ways to compete in the international markets. But that means a collaborative effort from ALL Americans - a pulling together for the common good - and a leader who will speak the blunt truth to the country.

Bets, anyone, on how likely that is to happen?

[Independent Harry]

Not going to make a diference in the long run.

Fact is, the money has to come from somewhere, either:

a) Raise taxes to get the extra cash, thereby making people poorer before making them "richer"

b) Cut personal income tax, hoping people will spend the extra money they take home. Of course, this would mean cutting stuff like the big lobby subsidies, to balance out the loss of Federal revenue. I wanna see Bush stand up to Big Oil, for examle. Like THAT'S going to happen.

c) Borrowing the money from the Saudis, the Chinese, whoever. And putting us deeper in debt to them, or

d) Printing crisp, new dead presidents in whopping numbers. Ultimately devaluing the dollar even lower than its curent just-above-the-gutter position.

As you can see, none of these is is a long term solution.

In truth, what the country should do is, suck it up. Tighten the belt, ride out the hard times, and find new ways to compete in the international markets. But that means a collaborative effort from ALL Americans - a pulling together for the common good - and a leader who will speak the blunt truth to the country.

Bets, anyone, on how likely that is to happen?

Gee Ron Paul is doing that...

[Little Red Dog]

Or, if we stopped the Iraq war for just one day...

[Cat slave]

Its an insult. They are using our money to bribe us into thinking "they" are
out in our best interest! Yeah, right, thats why our jobs are outsourced and
companies are rewarded for moving off shore all to make the elites richer.
Not that I have a problem with business, just business at the expense of
our own country and its citizens.

Id like to tell each one of them to shove it and help them do it!:p

[Smurf-Herder]

One short-term benefit of this would be people who only need to get a month ahead on their debt. And as a result, frees up other noney, for normal expenditures (also results in fewer late fees, over-limit charges, finance fees, fewer losses by lending institutions, etc.; across a broad spectrum of average America). It does nothing long-term, but is at least a bandaid. A virtual retroactive tax cut refund for the lower income level and small business class - to be used wisely.

[Cat slave]

Apparently the dems have managed to build in some more welfare. Tax rebates
will be given to those who pay no taxes. Thats welfare!

[Smurf-Herder]

Apparently the dems have managed to build in some more welfare. Tax rebates
will be given to those who pay no taxes. Thats welfare!

It is. But if they spend it somewhere that gets taxed, or plugs a person-sized hole in the credit crunch, it keeps the money in circulation and the wheels of the economy moving. Until they agree on long-term ideas.

[Moby]

Its an insult. They are using our money to bribe us into thinking "they" are out in our best interest!
That's a very concise and accurate statement

[Moby]

Apparently the dems have managed to build in some more welfare. Tax rebates
will be given to those who pay no taxes. Thats welfare!
Actually those people do pay pay roll taxes just not income taxes. Two very difference things but the neoconservative media either doesn't know that or they think that their viewers don't understand that basics.

[Cat slave]

It is. But if they spend it somewhere that gets taxed, or plugs a person-sized hole in the credit crunch, it keeps the money in circulation and the wheels of the economy moving. Until they agree on long-term ideas.


You have a point.

[Cat slave]

Actually those people do pay pay roll taxes just not income taxes. Two very difference things but the neoconservative media either doesn't know that or they think that their viewers don't understand that basics.


I thought we were talking about the "tax rebates" for tax payers proposed by the good ole
boys. How can you get back what you havent paid in? If they are not truly
tax rebates they should call it what it is. Bonus? Welfare?....Hey "investment"!
How can we get on that bandwagon? Just kidding.....I see the bigger picturre!

[Moby]

I thought we were talking about the "tax rebates" for tax payers proposed by the good ole
boys. How can you get back what you havent paid in? If they are not truly
tax rebates they should call it what it is. Bonus? Welfare?....Hey "investment"!
How can we get on that bandwagon? Just kidding.....I see the bigger picturre!
No one is getting back what they put in. The government is borrowing money from other countries and forcing Americans to take on that loan. We've borrowed over $3.5 Trillion more then we've put in. That's basically been the entire economic plan since Bush got in office. Borrow money and let someone else pay back the loan.

Any money that we've put in is long gone.

This is just more money that will be borrows from countries like China and Saudi Arabia. What's really concerning is that most of the money will be used to purchase Chinese goods and Saudi oil.

[Dale escondido]

Our economy only persists based on consumer confidence. A little nudge in that direction helps short term.
When the foundation of economics are not followed you create a very fragile entity. Putting In God we Truth on money was a good start.
We are starting to complain as a society about irresponsible leadership, maybe someday we will be motivated to take action?

[Cat slave]

No one is getting back what they put in. The government is borrowing money from other countries and forcing Americans to take on that loan. We've borrowed over $3.5 Trillion more then we've put in. That's basically been the entire economic plan since Bush got in office. Borrow money and let someone else pay back the loan.

Any money that we've put in is long gone.

This is just more money that will be borrows from countries like China and Saudi Arabia. What's really concerning is that most of the money will be used to purchase Chinese goods and Saudi oil.

Insult to injury!!

I would prefer a lower income tax rate for working people.

[Moby]

Insult to injury!!

I would prefer a lower income tax rate for working people.
That's exactly what we got when we elected Bush and that's what we'll get if another republican is elected. The problem is that republicans don't cut spending. They increase it more then dems.

The difference is where they spend the money.

We can give $30 Billion a year to Pakistan for not finding OBL and not promoting democracy.

If you want to give American children 1/4 of that for insurance so we have a healthier kids then republicans freak out.

Cutting taxes is great but sooner later we still have to pay our bills.

[Cat slave]

Spending definitely needs to be cut all over and I dont know what happend to
my old party these last several years. They are not what they used to be as
the dems are not what they used to be either.

Power corrupts and I think we see it in action.

We still should not be paying so much taxes. Income taxes, gas taxes, food
taxes, property taxes, capital gains taxes (which to many of us is our nest egg we have worked hard for and invested.)...not all capital gains benefit the greedy corporations.....we have to work half the year just pay taxes. This
is just wrong!

I dont think the solution is to put on our grey communal jackets and become
slaves of the state in order to have everyone exactly equal and get exactly
the same things. Or maybe some people think absolute income redistribution
is the only way to go....except for the ones at the top, theyre different.
It would only apply to us worker bees.