Thoughts About the Stimulus Package

8 Random Thoughts for 2/6/2009 #1

• Despite the protestations of Republicans in the Senate, and even a few conservative Democrats such as Sen. Ben Nelson, the fundamental problem with the stimulus package is not that it is too big, it is that it is not big enough. Sure, you could take the opinions of conservative ideologues as truth, or you could trust experts such as Dean Baker and Paul Krugman. We all have choices to make, and I choose to listen to those who have made it their life's work to study a subject, not to those who simply seek to advance a political agenda. (Remember, liberalism is about finding what works to improve the lives of many while conservatives believe government is bad, always.)


• Don't buy into the conservative arguments about the stimulus bill being loaded with pork. Combined, all of the programs to which they object, account for around 1% of the package. Yes, the Republicans will punish the American economy for 1% of the bill.


• The Obama administration must do a better job of selling the stimulus package to the country. With all of their technological capabilities, they can surely whip something up to make an impression on the American people. They just started making use of the campaign email list to rally support for the stimulus a few days ago. While this video and his Washington Post opinion piece are good, the administration is still playing catch up. Personally, I'd like to see a prime time speech on the subject. I have confidence that, when unfiltered by the conventional Washington wisdom as practiced by the majority of the traditional media, President Obama can sell his plan.