Comments on: President-Elect Obama Talks About Tax Cuts And Stimulus Package

By: Abigail

Abigail — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 19:51:25 +0000

I think people forget that even construction jobs for infrastructure do create other jobs. I’m not big on trickle down (I shudder at Reaganomics) but think of it this way: Construction requires coordination. Those doing the coordination will need administrative help. The hiring of people will require screeners or simply operators to answer questions about this process.

And for each job that is created, it’s one more person who (after getting back in front of finances) will begin to slowly put some non-essential money back in the economy.

It definitely won’t be an immediate fix. Just getting the plan implemented will be at least a year, obviously. Actually getting the large-scale hiring started and on track will take a few months. And then for people to stabilize their finances, that will take time.

But I think it will work. Maybe we won’t see three million. Maybe we will. But, frankly, our infrastructure is in dire need of work anyway, so it’s definitely better than digging/filling/re-digging ditches.

As far as tax cuts plus spending, well the tax cuts would be for middle class. Probably those in better financial situations will pay more (shocking idea there!). But yeah we will go deeper into debt in the short-term. I think if Obama hits a second term, we’ll see him start to raise taxes again.

Personally, I don’t mind taxes. It’s not pleasant. I like money. But I also like roads. And maybe one day even quality schools in EVERY state. So that requires taxes. So even if Obama didn’t cut taxes, I would be okay with his plan. But I do kind of get his point — for now, we need to give Americans as much spending power as possible, so they can get back to a stable base for debt repayment.

I only hope that Americans will actually use their money for good purposes, and maybe not forget these lessons right away, as soon as the economy rights itself again.

Abigails last blog post..Another sale of interest

By: Cathy Quik

Cathy Quik — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 18:38:13 +0000

I’m with you on the skepticism about 3 million jobs 80% in the private sector…it sounds awesome, but is it possible? Interesting times we are living in huh?

Also, I’m Cathy, new to the blog scene. Just thought I’d introduce myself & say hi

Cathy Quiks last blog post..$300B+ Tax Cuts – Impact on Small Business

By: liv

liv — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 16:23:37 +0000

I’d say that the last time a program like this was done was the WPA, CCC or the highway program under Eisenhower.
Here’s hoping the new administration doesn’t just have tech and construction jobs.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/09/opinion/09hirshman.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=jobs%20for%20women&st=cse

livs last blog post..hopefully final

By: Miranda

Miranda — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 12:54:40 +0000

I like the ideas of fixing up our infrastructure and investing in renewable energy. This is the stuff we should have been doing for years, rather than giving taxpayer money, in the form of subsidies, to large and profitable corporations. And I do agree that tax cuts are better than stimulus, but I don't know how practical tax cuts are when you are planning massive spending. Mirandas last blog post..What Do I Think About the Economic Stimulus Plan From Barack Obama?