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wbmw

10/21/09 11:14 AM

#84476 RE: n4807g #84469

Thanks for the link. I see your point about budget shortfalls exceeding the funds provided by ARRA.

But now I'm curious why you have taken such a cynical tone in your earlier post, when the article you linked to was fairly balanced, and provided what is IMO a fair assessment of next steps. The inevitable consequences are:

A. Cut spending
B. Raise taxes
C. More federal stimulus

I agree with the argument the article made against cutting spending when it comes to critical component to people's livelihoods - i.e. unemployment, state services, medical care, etc.

I continue to believe that taxes for the wealthy, or on specific products can be used. The argument from the article suggested that taxes cause people to stop spending, but I think that's more of a middle class argument, where small decreases in take-home pay come directly from discretionary spending. But for the wealthy class, I think they can afford much higher taxes and still afford to spend money and live lavish lifestyles.

Other good tax proposals include a legalized marijuana tax, a soft drink or junk food tax, and additional luxury taxes. Obviously, the special interests fight hard against these, but I think when it comes down to cutting critical funds, or imposing more taxes, you'll see the tension becomes a good forcing function to higher taxes.

As a last resort, when tax proposals are defeated, and a state has to appeal for federal funding, then Congress can look at that, including the idea of giving out federal loans to states. I don't think any spending bills come easily, especially in this environment - and certainly not by rubber stamp, as you suggested in a previous post.

That, I think, is the difference of why I choose to vet out this discussion - not because we necessarily disagree on everything, but that I think the situation is unique and does not merit the cynical attitude I have noticed you taking in previous posts.
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F6

10/31/09 11:45 PM

#85564 RE: n4807g #84469

n4807g -- an earlier CBPP (btw now in my 'Source-Reference' Favorites, thx) piece that offers some additional perspective:

Recession Could Cause Large Increases in Poverty and Push Millions into Deep Poverty
Stimulus Package Should Include Policies to Ameliorate Harshest Effects of Downturn
November 24, 2008
http://www.cbpp.org/cms/index.cfm?fa=view&id=1290

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and to tie in to this string (e.g. http://investorshub.advfn.com/boards/read_msg.aspx?message_id=42743543 and following) -- (items linked in) http://investorshub.advfn.com/boards/read_msg.aspx?message_id=43110761 and preceding (and any future following) -- and for that matter e.g. (items linked in) http://investorshub.advfn.com/boards/read_msg.aspx?message_id=39727356 , (items linked in) http://investorshub.advfn.com/boards/read_msg.aspx?message_id=34330624 and preceding and following, and (items linked in) http://investorshub.advfn.com/boards/read_msg.aspx?message_id=42599905 and following