Jan 28 2009
What Do You Think?
President Obama met with Republicans today to discuss the planned $825 billion economic stimulus package. The House votes on the bill today. Although they were urged to vote against the proposal by John Boehner, Republican Representative from Ohio, the majority of the GOP members left, if not convinced, at least with a lighter bounce in their step after talking with the new President, hailing him for his openness and honesty.
The bill has been widely criticized by Republicans as well as by some media for a specific $200 million that they are ideologically opposed to. The money is set for family planning for lower income families. In the whole scheme of $825 billion, this tiny sliver doesn’t really amount to much, and if that’s all they have to disagree with, why not just take it out?
Other than that, it is the socialist principal of pouring all of this money into the masses. A lot of the funding will help the lower and middle classes, and the $275 billion in tax cuts is directed towards those who could actually use the $500/person. Although Republicans complain that it is irresponsible to increase our huge deficit, pointing out that even the interest we will pay on the stimulus over the next decade will amount to another $300 billion, they are asking for making the Bush tax cuts permanent. Doesn’t 2-2=0? Or am I missing something here? If they want to be fiscally responsible, then the Bush tax cuts, which focused on keeping more money in the pockets of the upper classes, have to go. As they themselves point out - the top 5% contribute around 85% of the total tax revenue. Simple math will tell you that we can’t afford to lower taxes for the rich. And simple reality will tell you that some people are struggling to keep their homes and pay for health care for their children, with many unable to afford it for themselves. Many people are hungry. Many people can’t swing the increase in energy prices. But those who can more than afford it, they don’t have to be compassionate or concerned, but they don’t deserve more. The past eight years and additional $5 trillion dollars added to the deficit has taught us that.
Yes, people have already forgotten that is was the former President that managed a near equal stimulus package just a few weeks ago. Somehow that one was more acceptable to the politicians, although the public never saw where exactly the money went, until we hear the media reports of banks spending millions to redecorate or purchase company jets, while still laying off workers. This one however, is posted online. I would recommend READING IT YOURSELF. All the suggested expenses are broken down so we can all see where the money is going. And I for one want to know what people think about this huge decision, it’s certainly not an easy one to make.
