Important to move quickly on stimulus?
From CNN's Jack Cafferty:
The stimulus debate rages on, even though the Senate is expected to pass its $827 billion version tomorrow.
The president urged Congress to support the stimulus at a town hall meeting today.
President Obama hit the road today with town hall-style meetings to sell it. He will address the nation in a primetime press conference tonight. The President insists the stimulus package will help pull our economy out of its current tailspin.
But most Republicans continue to slam the plan for what they believe is excessive spending that won't fix our economic problems. Senator Richard Shelby of Albama says the package will put the U-S on "a road to financial disaster". The head of President Obama's National Economic Council - Lawrence Summers – says the Republicans have no credibility on this issue after the previous administration racked up trillions of dollars of debt over the past 8 years.
Bottom line is there's a real sense of urgency that this thing pass. The Senate is expected to vote tomorrow, but even now Congressional aides are at work reconciling the Senate version with the House's.
Meanwhile- the Republicans might want to tone down their whining. A new Gallup poll shows a majority of Americans– 58% - disapprove of the way the Republicans have handled themselves during the stimulus debate. That's compared to 42% who disapprove of Congressional Democrats and 25% who disapprove of President Obama.
Here’s my question to you: How important is it that Congress move quickly on the stimulus plan?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Joe writes:
How quickly? Ask any of the 20,000 Americans who lost their job today. And if not them, any of the 20,000 that will lose their job tomorrow. Or the 20,000 the day after that. And the day after.
Mari from Salt Lake City, Utah writes:
Where were Sen. Shelby and the rest of the so-called-fiscal-conservatives when Bush was spending our nation into… oblivion? If tax breaks for the powerful and wealthy worked, we wouldn't be in this MESS!
Kyle from Dupont, Washington writes:
It is important to act quickly on "a" stimulus package, but this one has so much pork in it my arteries are hardening. It's like patching the roof of a house when the foundation is crumbling. The real issue, declining real estate values, is still not addressed. For two-thirds of us, our largest single investment is our home and we all took a huge loss last year.
JD from New Hampshire writes:
It's vital to move quickly. Those eager to loll away the next few months debating and debating and debating are not the people whose jobs are being lost. They are not the people worrying about putting food on the table. They are not the people whose homes and savings are gone. Maybe they should be.
Karen from Florida writes:
Does it make a difference? What makes you think it will work any better than the last one?
Jack writes:
Throwing money we don't have at everything makes little sense. We should target where the money is applied and how before we spend again. A lesson to be learned is from the billions we threw at the banks recently. Eh?
Nancy writes:
I think they have to pass it fast enough for no one to catch onto what they are doing and where the money is really going!
John from Arizona writes:
Jack, Our economy desperately needs a massive dose of shock and awe, and it needs it yesterday!
@jackcafferty on Twitter
Jack,
To those of us who have either lost our jobs, know someone who has or have a real fear we could be next, yesterday was too late....
Mertis in Atlanta
With a big capital Q! We all need something done and done quickly. The capital D word Depresion is just waiting in the wings for it's curtain call.
It's very important, Jack, I can't book my flight to Vegas until I get my stimulus check.
They should drop it. Kill it. Destroy it. It won't help Americans one bit. It's all designed to enrich filthy rich people so they can buy gold. Once they've bought all the gold, they'll go their fortresses in the Caymans or South Pacific and watch the US implode. We're doomed no matter what's passed.
It is very important to move quickly on the stimulus. My only question is how much money can we throw, without accountability, at the economy before the greenback dollar has less value than the Confederate dollar? (No offense to the Confederate dollar.) How much more money do we have? How high will taxes go to pay for the bailout/stimulus, the money borrowed from Germany, Japan, China, et al, our national debt? Decades ago I was told to watch California. What happens there will spread throughout the country within five years. State bankruptcy? Looking bleak Jack.
I don't think speed is the important issue. I think accuracy is. Pouring billions of dollars into programs that do not employ enough people or get people to spend money will not stimulate the economy at all. Further more, employing people for a short period of time serves no purpose either. The jobs will have to be permanent and log term and there has to be millions created not just a few very rapidly. The congress is attempting a band aid approach to open heart surgery and the patient is failing fast. This needs to be a defibrillator package not just a stimulus package.
Is it important to do it quickly? Only if keeping the economy from bottoming out is important!
Is the "compromise" a good one? Only if that's the cost of getting it passed over Republican obstructionism.
Is it the right size? Only if we can't double it, and put back in the state aid and education funding, and still get it passed, then yes, it's the right size.
But pass it now, and hope it's not too little and already too late.
I am a college student set to graduate in May, and as a result I have been watching talks about the bailouts, the stimulus, and the job markets very carefully. The most pressing concern is that Americans are losing money due to fraud, higher costs for goods and services, and lost jobs. This current stimulus needs to guarantee job creation for millions of Americans and ensure job security for millions more. If waiting an extra six months means another six million Americans could have stable, lasting jobs it would be worth the wait. I think that President Obama and our elected leaders should follow that route to ensure the stability of the American people.
Not important at all to pass that pig of a stimulus package. Americans can take care of themselves. Get big government off our back. Let freedom ring - and banks fail - if that's what it takes to steer clear of European socialism.
It's important to all of the people who are hurting out here. We need the help not more debates.
Come on now Jack, when in the hell did you ever see Congress move quickly.
I think it's important to stop and think. It's a time to go slow. Politicians spending taxpayer money is like an alcoholic locked up in an empty liquor store. They just can't help themselves. Go slow and think. What's another thirty days reflection after eight long years of total foolishness?
As the TARP fiasco proved, it's better to get it right than to get it fast. If we just throw money at things and fail we're in much worse shape than if we do nothing at all. Think of this as 'Sully" moment. we only get one chance to land this plane, don't blow it.
Jack, incase you haven't noticed, Congress is moving at WARP or is that TARP speed already as goes the speed of Congress.
One of the drivers, Senator Shelby, must be driving blind. He said, this stimulus bill will put us on “a road to financial disaster”. He has to be blind because all the road signs say we are already on that road.
Extremely important. The Republicans have a lot to complain about, but they're just going to rattle off the exact same arguments for every single bill, so shoot a few and move on.
How are we going to pay for this stimuls package Jack since the country is broke? And who is going to loan us this money and on what terms?
Geri – Mead, OK
They should react quickly........they should feel like every person in their home state who has lost their job, home, or both are are going to move in with them if they do not act quickly.......They should take the politics out of the equation and do what is right for the people. If they do not, hopefully, the people will take the keep the politics in the equation and vote them out of office.....
Kentucky
It's very important! People are starving in some communities. Homes are being foreclosed by the thousands.Our infrastructure is going to pot.
Meanwhile members of the Grand Old Party with their millions and no concern for others obstruct President Obama and his efforts to aid those in need. Voters will remember this GOP arrogance in 2010.
How would I know when all the Wall Street gurus, high paid investment bankers, economist, etc. didn't know enough to keep us out of this mess. How can anyone trust anything that anyone says is going to help? I think the urgency of action in the prior rescue bill caused lots of mishandling. Let's not make that same mistake with the stimulus bill.
According to the economists, it's very important. I believe them more than the government.
It's very important that they move quickly. The unemployment rate is at a all time high and not getting any better. It is time that the opposition either come up with something better or just shut up and let this bill pass!
Haste makes waste, but this thing has to be done correctly with little time to spare. When even Montana is with Obama on this thing, you know it is now very serious. I still cannot believe that this was allowed to happen in the first place. I truly thought that we had learned the lesson's from the S&L heist, but NO! I have a new use for Gitmo, can you guess who should be placed there?
What I'm concerned about is that while we need a stimulus, how much of a stimulus can we afford? After all, it's NOT all of our money we're talking about spending. We are going to be relying on other countries to purchase our debt to fund our stimulus. And if they are struggling, how much of our debt will they be able to afford? I think Congress and the President can push for any amount, but in the end, it will be the Treasury that determines just how much money will be available.
It does not matter to me Jack, I gave up on my Government a long time ago, because they gave up on the American People.
Very. They are taking too long as it is because they're too busy bickering among themselves like whiny children that need a nap.
EMERGENCY that's what it is..I can't wait much longer or I will be homeless!
Shame on you Republicans playing "politics" as usual...that's why a Democrat won the election!
There have been enough screw ups in the past, time to step back and look at the whole package one more time. Better to get it right the first time then spending the next four years cleaning it up.
What's the hold up? Why can't the bipartisanship just work automatically than steadily? We Americans need to be out of debt, and businesses need to money to create new jobs.
Jack, for the last eight years we watched what doing nothing with our economy has resulted in. At this point wouldn't it be better to do something and at least slow down the bleeding. Enough debate it's time for action!
Kevin
Warren, MI
Does it make a difference? What makes you think it will work any better than the last one?
"Quickly" is not nearly as pressing as "Correctly"!
Jack,
It is real bad out here, it is crucial to pass the bill, but I think a few of them still don't get it. They go home to their fine homes and eat a hearty meal and they are out of touch. But elections will role around again and people won't forget this one.
Everyone can see that we should move as swiftly as possible on the stimulus plan.
The only way I know to answer this question is with a question.
"How important is it to act quickly if you see someone in cardiac arrest???".................
Jack,It is imperative that a package get passed ASAP.
Consumer spending is 70% of GDP. That means unless people get jobs and have money ion there pockets they will not spend and GDP will keep shrinking.
Can you believe that the republicans in the senate actuall put forth a purposal to stop all government spending. They don't understand even basic economics.
I'm part of the 13% who think the stimulus is too small. This bill needs to be passed to save the economy. Republicans want the bill, the economy and Obama to fail so that they can win the next election. Republicans don't care how many Americans get hurt by the Depression that they started... all they care about is the next election.
Are you joking? Every single day for the last three months I have gotten calls from friends and former employees who have been laid off and need help in looking for work. Only someone happy with the last eight years can possibly think we have any time to play politics. This plan is only the beginning. Put in controls and let's get on with it!!
There is a German proverb.."He who considers too much will perform little." Sounds like a spot on summation of the Congress to me!
Unemployment is 8 1/2% where I live. The roads are barely drivable and our bridges are very old. I can't even get high speed internet where I live. My sister is a teacher and received a lay-off notice. Four family members have already lost their jobs. Something has got to be done.
The TARP debacle has shown the danger of fear mongering and rash action. Lets not make the same mistake again. It is more important to get the stimulus right than to get it quick.
How quickly? Ask any of the 20,000 Americans who lost their job today. And if not them, any of the 20,000 that will lose their job tomorrow. Or the 20,000 the day after that. And the day after.
Urgency is not necessary, big things move slowly. It will be years before the full effect of any stimulus will be realized, and 10-15 years before the jump start of green energy can be appreciated. And 20+ years before any improvements to education can even have measurable effects. On the scale of years and decades, what are a few days....a drop in the bucket. Let them take their time to get it right.
I think they should take their time. Over spending on credit is what has got us into this mess. What will happen when the government needs to be bailed out because it has over extended it's self? I love red, white, and blue, not a large fan of red w/ yellow stars! - Pemberville, OH
Dear Jack,
I'm one of the millions that were laid off in 08. My commercial real estate job ended in December. I feel the desperate urgency of a fast solution. However, we've seen the brilliant results when that tactic was utilized. Get it done fast...yes, but just once...be more concerned about getting it done right.
Yesterday was too late. The Republicans are stalling and acting like children while America's economy is in the tank. If tax cuts and pork was the problem they had 8 years to fix it. Instead Bush took a surplus and sent US into a depression...not recession but depression.
Not near as important as getting it right.
Let's not make urgency the enemy of common sense....
It is far more important to get it right than to rush this through.
The bill is a joke....loaded with far too much liberal idealistic pork and not enough true stimulus.
No Mr. President....."stimulus" does NOT have to equal "spending"
Our government needs to do what they can to return our economy to a functional state as soon as possible. At this point, I don't believe eventual recovery is a given.
Quick action is of the utmost importance. Is it not easier to stop a rolling snowball at the top of the hill than at the bottom? Everyday we don't act, this snowball will only get bigger.
Although the stimulus plan may be less than perfect, now is not the time for analysis paralysis!
The theme was hope over fear, yet we see the tactic of using fear to push this bill through quickly. I'd rather they took a week or two to get it right and pull the garbage from the bill that will do nothing to stimulate the economy.
We heard the exact same sense of urgency and panic with the bailouts of the banks – and that money is still sitting at the banks.
Jack, Do you toss a sinking ship an anchor or a life preserver? This ship is sinking fast and the faster we get that anchor pulled up and that life preserver into the water, the better chance we have for survivors. Take a page from the US Air accident.....get the boats to the sinking plane fast and the people will be saved....don't think about it, just do it!
I am a very small business owner. I have clients literally waiting to see this thing passed before they move on new business. That means business for me. I may be out of business if this thing goes south. The Republican members of Congress are just sore losers and want to pretend to be responsible – where have they been for 8 years? I hear their phony political rhetoric on TV and I am furious. This is hitting home, and we're mad... oh... and I am a Republican – perhaps not for long!
The only thing that these politicians know how to do quickly is to scare the American people into buying whatever they are selling.
Hi Jack: I'm not nearly as concerned about quick passage as I am about who is in charge of impeccable follow-up so we know where all this money goes and exactly what it does. I'm still trying to figure out where the 350B George handed out went and what good it's doing and for who! I want to see lists of names and $$ amounts!!
The loss of American jobs and homes have accelerated and aren't waiting for Congress to take their sweet, out of touch time. What don't the republicans understand about the election results and the people's wishes to get this stimulus package passed now! The posturing is unforgiveable when people's lives are being destroyed, by the very people now obstructing it. The republican party has become the party of amnesia since they can't remember their speedy, previous actions that brought us this meltdown. Pass the stimulus package or your job in Congress may be gone too. There is more of us out here hurting then the dandys in Congress posturing while Rome burns.
Why the hurry to make "mistakes?" I heard soundbites from the President and lawmakers all weekend admitting there will be "mistakes" in the stimulus package, yet in the next breath they would state "we have to pass it now." Please, Mr. President and Congress, I beg of you, don't rush into another $800-billion "must have" measure only to figure out after the fact that there are "mistakes" that will cost us additional funds to fix – when we can little afford to correct them. Get it right the first time!
Jane
Virginia
Yes Jack, it needs to be passed ASAP. It does not, however, need to be passed this second. As much of a trainwreck as Congress often is, the worst thing they could do is pass such a large and vital bill prematurely
Fast? The bill that is filled with 75% pork has to be passed fast so the people don't know what they are getting themselves into.
Hey Jack, seems to me the President started a little late. The poison is already in the discourse. I wish there was a way to tie the pay of all the congressmen and women who think it time is not important. They shouldn't get paid as long as this crisis lasts or exists on unemployment benifits.
Yeap, let's just pass anything in the name of passing something. Brilliant strategy. Obama is handing out pork to pay off his campaign promises and using the current economic situation as a cover. I propose one thing, a millionaires tax to pay for all of this. Not now, but when the crisis is over. Let's say we jack up the tax on million dollar plus incomes to say, 75%.
The question is being distorted in my opinion. It's not "Should we do something about our financial mess quickly?" That's obvious, heck yes! But ask the Japanese how well dumping money into a failing financial system worked out for them in the early 90's, and how the decade following that move worked out. This "stimulus" plan is a mistake.
If it does not happen soon, those in the Congress will soon be equated with Nero fiddling while Rome burned
Doug:
"It’s important to all of the people who are hurting out here. We need the help not more debates."
This money won't be finding it's way into your pockets.
What happens when the 4 million jobs that will supposedly be created by this package are completed? 4 million people out of work again! Back to square one again!
Why does the Congress want to move this so quickly? So the American people don't get a chance to really examine how their money is being spent. Isn't this supposed to be a more transparent administration?
It's extremely important Jack....you see, last Friday I found out – just how important it is that this stimulus package is passed, as my job was impacted by the state of the economy. I was laid-off on my day off...it reminds me of the Southwest Airlines commercial, only I can even afford to but the ticket. Oh yeah, the company...it was one of the 3 you just mention that received $300 Million...imagine, real irony.
Different administration, but the fear-mongering technique is the same. The government can't spend its way out of this. Only fools would light money on fire to temporarily warm their hands.
People are losing jobs and homes at alarming and unprecented rate while the republicans are posturing and playing politics as usual. It's unforgiveable, they're playing games while the American people need help now! The republicans are dandys that do nothing but posture while Rome is burning. Shame on them. We need help now. Pass the stimulus now and don't waste anymore time or lives.
Most economists believe it is most important to pass it quickly to get the ball rolling.A passed stimulus will give banks,other financial institusions,markets and American people some hope and confidence.That's what we could use rite now. No stimulus plan is not an option!
Jack, YES, Speed is important. People are really suffering. I trust Obama to do the right thing. I do not trust the Republicans who's bankrupt ideology bankrupted this country. If Republicans won't support it without their flawed ideas weakening the bill, then let them vote against it and our nation. The majority of the nation is more than ready to move on without them.
Hi Jack,
This stimulus is important for the American economy; so say the American economist. Now this stimulus is 800 billion dollars for Americans and some people think this is a bad idea; but it is ok to spend trillion dollars for the Afghanistan/ Pakistan war. Am I missing some thing here?
MZ San Francisco
It's all smoke and mirrors anyway, and no one cares what I think!
It's much, much more important that they pass measures that will actually help than that they pass something quickly. I'd love to pretend they can achieve both simply at the President's beckoning, but let's err on the side of caution – a real change from the last eight years – and actually fix things.
Almost a Trillion and we do not take time to make sure it will work. How about doing it in installments? 300B at a time if it works send another 300B if it doesnt we're 300B in the hole and maybe some lessons learned.
USA economy is sound it will not go on a tailspin, I bet you a latte.
You're on!
This plan is the only plan that the government came up with. Even the whining Republicans were too busy getting dragged by their pride instead of finding an optional remedy for the the financial disaster. So yeah they need to approve this plan as quickly as possible as it is the only option we have.
They did everything fast on the last big spending spree, and we are worse off now. I think the first one payed off the Bush agenda, and this one is going to pay off the Obama, Peolsi agenda.
No they don't need to pass it quickly through congress. The economy will fix itself. The government needs to start paying some of their bills, and leave corporate America alone.
Figure out a way to lower prices, and pay fair wages, and the economy will fix itself. (What I mean by fair wages, is Union driven wages, is what is driving prices up, and jobs out of the country.)
My advice to people is to read what's in this new "stimulus". It's a laundry list full of useless projects that cannot stand the test of public scrutiny. The reason that they want to speed it through is that they know that if the general public actually finds out what's in the bill, it would never pass. This is the same technique that they tried to use with the amnest bill a couple of years ago – give it a pretty name and speed it through congress before the people know the facts.
Very important Jack; the sooner the better. That way they can get started on the next stimulus package.
If they don't move very quickly they will appear to be both ignorant and uncaring. So what's new?
Jack,
It is imperative...........more jobs are being lost daily. We are definitely in or on the brink of a depression. Don't think the voters won't remember the Republicans put us here & at this point are trying to keep us here or sink us even further!
Not fast. If over half of the 800 B won't see results for 2 years then how can it be call stimulus? Or provide and relief now. I do not understand why folks don't ask more questions? And by the way they still haven't even spent 350 B from the first package. Hello this smells rotten.
You think we would learn from the last package . Most of the programs will take years to get established . Why so much pork . The quick answer would be in cutting taxes and providing incentives for job creation . Anything the government directs ends up in waste and curruption.
Jack, what question is that? If you don't need to move quickly, then you don't need a "stimulus".
Jack, if you're a Democrat it's extremely urgent, but if you're Republican, not so much. If they would put their concern for their political careers on the back burner for a bit, maybe they could tell us the truth. These are supposed to be smart people. This thing is either good or bad, take the politics away and the answer should be obvious.
I'm sick of this same old partisan nonsense with so much at stake.
We need help...either pass it quick or sell Texas to Mexico.
Sharon
Atlanta
Most of the comments I've read show just how ignorant we have become. Put this in perspective folks and remember the failed policies of previous Presidents. Also look at what happened in Japan and other countries that have tried to buy their way out and what you must give up for this "stimulus'.....your children's and your freedom from socialism and debt! Could you and your family spend your way out of debt, with money you do not have? Think people!
Perhaps the only urgency, is to get the pork through, before it gets criticized anymore.
There aren't any decent jobs coming out of it, and without jobs you got waste.
This pork laiden Demo Spend package needs to be stopped dead in its tracks. The Hoover & Roosevelt spending deals did not turn the economy around, and neither will this pig package. We do not need more government involvement. Between the Media and Prez B O screaming "the sky is falling," fear is driving this hurry up fiasco. B O wants us to drink more of his Kool-Aide - Wake Up People!
I volunteer in a career center, helping people to find jobs. We had over 100 people show up last week for an introdution meeting! It is so so sad, I feel like I am in a crisis center. Hurry and pass this bill....people are really hurting here in Illinois.
The sooner it's passed, the sooner we can spend $7 for a gallon of gas to get to the grocery to pick up a $10 gallon of milk for our kids to grow up big and strong, only to have no college fund and no future.
Passing the stimulus package quickly is absolutely critical to our country. However, it is equally important that it contain the right provisions to actually work. The current plan is too rich in tax cuts which will do little to stimulate the economy. The plan needs to focus on immediate spending that will create jobs, build the infrastructure and begin restoring confidence. Without confidence in the economy, our govenment and our country's ability to pull out of this tail spin, the outlook is very dim, indeed.
Jack,
To state that Republicans have no credibility on this issue after the previous administration racked up trillions of dollars of debt over the past 8 years makes no sense. Republicans may be hypocrites, but that doesn't justify the Democrats imitating Republican mistakes. Summers accuses Republicans of poor policy choices to justify his use of the same poor policy. Am I missing something?
Can't both parties agree excessive spending is killing our economy? Which party will actually take actions to curb the spending?
It didn't work when the Japanese tried it in the 80's and its not going to work now. Get ready for double digit inflation and a worthless dollar if it passes.
I'm with Stephen Colbert. Let the members of Congress that vote against the stimulus package refuse any of its money for their district.
The Stimulus is a fraud, pure pork. It MUST be stopped before we saddle our children and grandchildren with crushing debt .
Whether it's now or later, we're all going to be NINJAs:
No Income No Jobs or Assets
Get it right. George Bush wasted our grand childrens money, let's spend our great grand childrens money wisely.
Real people are hurting and the timioing of this package is important. I think some in Congress need a reality check.
Congress should stop this Porkulus Marximus bill dead in its tracks. The best thing to be done is absolutely NOTHING! It's a shame that our country is on a speeding train to outright socialism under Obozo. I'm not one bit happy with what he's doing to our Republic.
The so called stimulus plan must be dumped. It is a pity to waste all that money!!!
We need to take our time and do the right thing. We are talking about spending way too much money that no one is sure will even work. The rebates last summer didn't work and TARP hasn't worked. What makes you think this will? And we will have to pay all of this back with future taxes and less services. So, no we are moving way too fast.
Jack,
We have all forgotten...the only jobs that Government can create or Government jobs (i.e. Post Office, etc). All other jobs are created by BUSINESS! They can go slow or go fast, but people need to forget about any real jobs being created.
NO. NO. NO!
For crying out loud. I remember being "sold" that the 700B would fix this, now they need MORE? They get fatter, while we pay... STOP IT!
Jack,
I can't support 300 – 600 million in new cars for Federal Employees when so many Americans don't have homes. Nor can I support making federal buildings "green" for the same reason. These are good projects and eventually we need to do these things. But in the words of Obama when it came to CEO bonuses, "now is not that time". This time, people need help first! And this package will not get it to the people quick enough.
I spent three weeks deciding to spend $20,000 on a car. This congress wants to spent just three weeks debating to spend $800 billion... of taxpayer money??? Take the time to do it right.
Romney is right ...Stimulate the economy not the government.
I voted for Obama based on, for one thing, a theme of working with the Republicans to craft bi-partisan solutions to our big problems.
President Obama said that the Republicans should stop coming to the table with “the same old tired strategies”. President Obama would be wise to understand that shoving important legislation down throats is exactly the same thing the Republicans did when they were in power, thus, another “tired old strategy”.
It is better to take the time to work towards the middle of a problem, even serious ones requiring immediate attention, than to rush to the finish line only to find yourself running over a cliff.
It is very important for the stimulus to be approved, ask the families who don't get to write themselves a $48.5 million bonus. I haven't met anyone worth more than a million dollars a year.
They should not pass this at all. I have good steady employment. I don't mind paying taxes but I'm not real crazy about bailing out everyone that has made a mess of their finances. I'm not rich, I'm a blue collar worker. I have a strict budget and live within my means.
No one can give a response to the question "Why should I pay for other peoples mistakes?"
The sooner the better. I haven't heard an economist yet who said, "Don't do this. It will fix itself." Tax cuts are a large part of the reason we are in this bind, so the Republican argument has no merit under the current circumstances.
The issue isn't how quickly it's passed, it's whether it's done properly. If they throw this thing together and it tanks, we could be in for much rougher times ahead. If it gets done tomorrow, perfect–as long as it's done right.
Will this" stimulus" work as well as the TARP "stimulus"?
It is extremely important to pass "a" stimulus plan immediately, but not the Senate version or the Congressional version as it is written. Most of what President Obama wants to do is not in the plan. He and his advisors should have written the plan first to make sure it had the right mix.
Hey Jack;
I think we have to do something about our fiscal problem too, but the Democrats chastising the Republicans for not acting in haste and acting just for the sake of acting is like having the Democrats urging the Republicans to rearrange the deck chairs on the Titanic just because something has to be done. Kudos to the Republicans who refused to cave in, just to placate the Dems in their act in haste repent at leisure mindset..
What do ya think?
Thanks Pete Mills Mt. Gilead, Ohio
Jack,
Give it a break. When has the government successfully "fixed" any problem. While I do not always agree with the Republicans in congress, they are right on this issue. We need to suffer a little bit. It is the only way we as a nation will learn that you can't spend what you do not have. We can not spend our way out of the problem. I think a better stimulus plan would be for the government to take less from the actual tax payers and let us stimulate the economy by spending our money on the things we want to. Handouts only promote a nation of people who are not willing to work for anything. We are a nation of whiners.
This is a toughie, Jack. Yes, it is important to move quickly, but is also important to move intelligently.
Cutting out the school nutrition for a drop in the bucket, while keeping in the fancy-schmancie new headquarters for Homeland Security and all new furniture is absolute insane. Cutting NASA’s budget, where some of our most gifted engineers, and technical professions work, is stupid. Giving another cent to banks without an iron-clad and carefully monitored agreement on what that money is spent for is beyond insane.
There is not enough Stimulation in this Stimulus! They need to go back to the drawing board and get it right. When the millions of infrastructure and construction projects are completed, there will be millions of people out of work again… This is a temporary fix at best! We need something with a lasting outcome!
Can people not read or do they not take the time to read the stimulus bill.This bill will not create a single job.And if you want to stimulate the economy than give me money to spend now ,not an extra 20 dollars savings in taxes on my check.Also since some people are so into Obama he also said that this may not fix the economy.
Is the package up to $800 billion yet? My property taxes are $4,000 a
year. If that is an average, why don't we relieve 200 million property taxpayers this year and put that money directly into local services that we will be paying for anyway. Let the bank and Wall Street chips fall where they may. (ps – I did my computations with a pencil.)
Jack, yes, it must be passed ASAP. The time for talking is over – now get on with it. The GOP have one desire and that's to see Obama fail. Nothing could make them any happier. It's almost like treason because if Obama fails, then the country fails too. The stimulus package needs to be put into action NOW!!!
Sinead, Los Angeles, Calif.