Stimulus Issues: What's The GOP's Answer?

[djm99]

Besides the infamous "Tax Cuts" - what are the Republicans offering to help in this stimulate package? Are the republicans so inept at coming up with original ideas that they are "sitting in the cut" just waiting to criticize anything the Dems offer. I'll admit it, I've read thru the list of "stimulus", it is filled with a bunch of bull - and pork (although I saw some good stuff in there too), but what are the republicans offering? Is this country no longer theirs too? Are they so disgruntle about loosing, that they are willing to allow the possible failure of this country just so they can say "I told you so?" I really hope the senate is willing to work to get this right, but I'm not too convinced the republicans have gotten over their drunken hang over.

 

[Charade]

Well, I'm not an art expert but I know bad art when I see it.

Please don't tell us that you're seriously OK with the bulk of the bill the Senate is currently (and may have already) considering?

 

[DawnCt1]

There are a lot of expansion of entitlements in the current bill that will not expire and will not stimulate growth. In fact, they will end up being a burden going forward. Government cannot create long term, permanent jobs. Many of the proposals in the bill seem very similar to FDR's "New Deal". Its been tried before and it failed. It did grow government however, and jobs created from public funds do little to add to the GDP. This is an interesting article in today's WSJhttp://online.wsj.com/article/SB123353276749137485.html
In addition, there are those that believe that flooding the country with all this cash now will result in inflation in a few years to come.
The government cannot create 'demand'. Only the consumer can create demand by purchasing with his own funds. Allowing consumers to keep more of their own money, save it and spend it as they see fit, will help to restore the economy. Creating another housing bubble by making sure everyone stays in homes that they can't afford, will lead us down this road again.

 

[djm99]

Well, I'm not an art expert but I know bad art when I see it.

Please don't tell us that you're seriously OK with the bulk of the bill the Senate is currently (and may have already) considering?

If you read my post I clearly stated that I think it’s full of bull and pork. Hands down! Although a few things in there I think is needed that wouldn't directly stimulate the economy. Things like food stamps. I don't mind my tax dollars going to those that need it. Some may abuse this system, but most do not. My concern was the GOP's lack of ideas - besides those tax cuts. I'll even admit that I think we tax too high in this country and I too think that businesses that keep their business in America should be rewarded with tax cuts, but come on. What else? All I've heard is complaints from the entire party. Anything other than whining is appreciated.

 

[djm99]

There are a lot of expansion of entitlements in the current bill that will not expire and will not stimulate growth. In fact, they will end up being a burden going forward. Government cannot create long term, permanent jobs. Many of the proposals in the bill seem very similar to FDR's "New Deal". Its been tried before and it failed. It did grow government however, and jobs created from public funds do little to add to the GDP. This is an interesting article in today's WSJhttp://online.wsj.com/article/SB123353276749137485.html
In addition, there are those that believe that flooding the country with all this cash now will result in inflation in a few years to come.
The government cannot create 'demand'. Only the consumer can create demand by purchasing with his own funds. Allowing consumers to keep more of their own money, save it and spend it as they see fit, will help to restore the economy. Creating another housing bubble by making sure everyone stays in homes that they can't afford, will lead us down this road again.

Your post is a PERFECT example of what I've been reading and watching on the news. Your talking points have been written and said a thousand times. Your only complaining about the current problems and plan. Your point taken. Offer a solution. Or just is your plan - just - wait and see.

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

Among other GOP initiatives, I am interested to learn more about the 4% mortgage guarantee.

 

[Mr Man]

1. Kill the Stimulus Bill (and let these pet programs be legislated/argued as part of the approved Federal Budget).
2. Cut the Social Security tax in half.
3. Lower capital gains tax rate.



......and then sit down with me and watch the money roll in.......just think of all the midnight basketball you will be able to fund from all that wealth moving through the system.......wealth that has been generated.....and not borrowed from our children and grandchildren at usurous rates.....

Pretty simple really.

 

[djm99]

Among other GOP initiatives, I am interested to learn more about the 4% mortgage guarantee.

I just googled that - what is it? Nothing came up!

 

[DawnCt1]

Your post is a PERFECT example of what I've been reading and watching on the news. Your talking points have been written and said a thousand times. Your only complaining about the current problems and plan. Your point taken. Offer a solution. Or just is your plan - just - wait and see.

The plan is to reduce taxes permanently. Sending someone a one time check for $500 ($10 per week) does nothing to stimulate the economy. The savings rate has gone up so people are hanging on to their money. That is what they will do when given a one time check. Lowering the capital gains tax will spur investment. Investors are more willing to take a risk if they can keep more of their reward. Investment dollars fuel industry. Lower the corporate tax. The US corporate tax is one of the highest in the world. A lower corporate tax would spur investment and make it more affordable to hire workers.

 

[djm99]

1. Kill the Stimulus Bill (and let these pet programs be legislated/argued as part of the approved Federal Budget).
2. Cut the Social Security tax in half.
3. Lower capital gains tax rate.



......and then sit down with me and watch the money roll in.......just think of all the midnight basketball you will be able to fund from all that wealth moving through the system.......wealth that has been generated.....and not borrowed from our children and grandchildren at usurous rates.....

Pretty simple really.

Be glad the mods are watching. This is completely uncalled for!

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

I just googled that - what is it? Nothing came up!

I don't have link at the moment, but saw a blurb on TV from McConnell mentioning it. In principle I don't like it, but it has possibility as being a lesser evil IMO. I think at this stage Obama has said he likes the idea, but sees it as something to do after he finishes spending the first trillion dollars. Let's you and I keep digging and maybe we can come up with a news link.

 

[Mr Man]

Be glad the mods are watching. This is completely uncalled for!

Huh?

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

Be glad the mods are watching. This is completely uncalled for!

I'm not Mr Man, but I've been known to chew the fat with him. May I humbly suggest that you may be reading something into his post that isn't there? I like your thread; let's stay on track.

 

[DawnCt1]

Among other GOP initiatives, I am interested to learn more about the 4% mortgage guarantee.

One thing that I have noticed over the years is that house prices are inversely proportional to mortgage rates. Low mortgage rates lead to inflated housing prices. While it would be good to stablize the housing market; at what price? The current prices? What they were in 2007? What is the ideal price? When do they become affordable or unaffordable? The bottom line is always what is available to the buyer at the end of the month to pay the mortgage, interest, tax and insurance. If they are going to offer a 4% mortgage guarantee, then how about going back to the old standard of 28/33% of gross income for mortgage/other debts?

 

[Mr Man]

Yeah, I had no intent of insult beyond offering an example of a Democrat sponsored program using taxpayer dollars on a pet project that does nothing to stimulate the economy.

Like so many portions of the current stimulus bill.

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

1. Kill the Stimulus Bill (and let these pet programs be legislated/argued as part of the approved Federal Budget).
2. Cut the Social Security tax in half.
3. Lower capital gains tax rate.



......and then sit down with me and watch the money roll in.......just think of all the midnight basketball you will be able to fund from all that wealth moving through the system.......wealth that has been generated.....and not borrowed from our children and grandchildren at usurous rates.....

Pretty simple really.

Amen!!! Of course, if we do this we also have to cut SS and Medicare benefits. It would work almost instantly, but it aint gonna happen...

 

[mkingdomlvr]

1. Kill the Stimulus Bill (and let these pet programs be legislated/argued as part of the approved Federal Budget).
2. Cut the Social Security tax in half.
3. Lower capital gains tax rate.



......and then sit down with me and watch the money roll in.......just think of all the midnight basketball you will be able to fund from all that wealth moving through the system.......wealth that has been generated.....and not borrowed from our children and grandchildren at usurous rates.....

Pretty simple really.

they could also try temporarily lowering the payroll tax-the only problem with that is once people get used to having more of their money, they're sure not going want to allow that tax to go back up.

 

[loco4dis]

Besides the infamous "Tax Cuts" - what are the Republicans offering to help in this stimulate package? Are the republicans so inept at coming up with original ideas that they are "sitting in the cut" just waiting to criticize anything the Dems offer. I'll admit it, I've read thru the list of "stimulus", it is filled with a bunch of bull - and pork (although I saw some good stuff in there too), but what are the republicans offering? Is this country no longer theirs too? Are they so disgruntle about loosing, that they are willing to allow the possible failure of this country just so they can say "I told you so?" I really hope the senate is willing to work to get this right, but I'm not too convinced the republicans have gotten over their drunken hang over.

The "infamous tax cuts," as you put it, are, have been, and will continue to be the cornerstone of any Republican stimulus plan if those Republicans ever expect to win another election through the efforts of Conservative voters. If you are genuinely interested in learning what the Republicans in Congress would like to see, here are a couple of links.

First, a description of the Republican Study Committee's stimulus plan, which includes:

--Across-the-board reduction in marginal tax rates
--Repeal of the Alternative Minimum Tax
--A reduction in the corporate tax rate
--Ending the capital gains tax on inflation
--Full and immediate expensing of business equipment
--A one percent reduction in government spending

http://www.clubforgrowth.org/2009/01/club_applauds_rscs_alternative.php

And second, an early description of a Senate GOP plan, more than half of which is "infamous tax cuts." This link also includes a link to the Senate GOP's 7-page working draft — AND the 736-page Obama/democrat stimulus bill.

http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/02/02/politics/politicalhotsheet/entry4769701.shtml

You may meet the idea of tax cuts with derisive contempt, but for many, many people, it is plain common sense. When times get tough, people cut costs. We have every right — heck, we have the duty — to ask our federal government to do the same. Who in the world approaches a financial crisis by going on a spending spree? Moreover, time and again in this country, it has been tax CUTS that increase payments to the federal treasury, and tax INCREASES that decrease payments to the federal treasury. If it is money for increased federal spending that you are interested in, then tax cuts are the way to get there, not tax increases.

 

[Free4Life11]

I'm not sure? Have the Republicans submitted the bill for their version of the stimulus bill yet?

 

[DawnCt1]

This stimulus bill makes it abundantly clear that the government is a wealth consumer. Working people are wealth producers. The more government consumes, the less is left to people who produce the wealth and goods, and decides what businesses will succeed or fail by their consumption choices. By government propping up failing businesses, (Amtrak), wealth continues to be consumed.