Yesterday the president proposed yet another stimulus — $50B in public works spending. Sound familiar? On one level, it seems simply absurd. Republicans lambasted the plan. Minority Whip Eric Cantor released a statement comparing this to “blindly throwing darts at the board.” But opposition may well be bipartisan: “Many congressional Democrats are also likely to be reluctant to boost expenditures and increase federal deficits just weeks before elections that will determine control of the Congress.” Not even the New York Times is impressed with Obama’s idea for an “infrastructure” bank:
But the notion of a government-run bank — indeed, a government-run anything — is bound to prove contentious during an election year in which voters are already furious over bank bailouts and over what many perceive as Mr. Obama pursuing a big government agenda. Even before the announcement Monday, some Republicans were expressing caution.
The assertion that a $50B program, after multiple stimulus plans, will improve our economic fortunes will strike some as nearly comic. As the Wall Street Journal editors observe, “never before has government spent so much and intervened so directly in credit allocation to spur growth, yet the results have been mediocre at best. In return for adding nearly $3 trillion in federal debt in two years, we still have 14.9 million unemployed.” The editors offer this explanation:
The Administration rejected marginal-rate tax cuts that worked in the 1960s and 1980s because they would have helped the rich, in favor of a Keynesian spending binge that has stimulated little except government. More broadly, Democrats purposely used the recession as a political opening to redistribute income, reverse the free-market reforms of the Reagan era, and put government at the commanding heights of economic decision-making.
Mr. Obama and the Democratic Congress have succeeded in doing all of this despite the growing opposition of the American people, who are now enduring the results. The only path back to robust growth and prosperity is to stop this agenda dead in its tracks, and then by stages to reverse it.
Or more succinctly: Refudiate Obamanomics!
And to top it off, Obama showed his peevish side one more time, claiming that his critics “talk about me like a dog.” No, they talk about him like he is an increasingly desperate and out of touch liberal pol whose main obsession remains his own image.
JPod, thank you. The medieval rabbis told the story that during this day God is judging us as He sits upon His throne with the books of all of humanity’s deeds opened before Him. An awe-inspiring imagery that so humbles us as we debate McCain/Obama, bailouts and political debates. In this spirit, I wish all–liberal, conservatives, Jews and non Jews, believers and non believers–a healthy, productive and peaceful year.
You also, sir. May your apples be tart and your honey sweet.
Mr. Podhoretz:
I’d like to wish the same to you and your family, as well as to all commentators. In fact, let’s get the USA in there, too. All Americans could use some sweetness and light right about now.
Howard
Shanah Tova. Health & happiness, sweetness & light to all in the year to come.
To Commentary and Contentions, Shanah Tova! As a Christian proudly and defiantly aligned with the Jews and Israel in the struggle for Western Civilization (i.e., not just for Biblical reasons), I salute you. Happy 5769!
Thank you, JPod. The fear of God comes none too soon this season.
L’Shana Tova to you and to your families, all.
Ah! The childhood memories of sleeping on my father’s arm during the 20 hours of services. We kids (including Pollard the spy) would sneak out and go to the Dairy Queen down the block, in between endless prayers. Even the Polish kids, who’s father’s worked at the Studebaker factory, would wish us Happy New Year. Life was good for Jews in the midwest during the 50′s. South Bend had 4 shuls. Two Orthodox, our conservative, and the bigger reformed. Grandpa Lasky even had his small temple in Marion, Indiana.
Steven from Indiana
Happy New Year. May it end better than it started.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZLq_JB8H44
A Happy and a Healthy to all!
Sweetness and light. Usually this would sound cloying, but who among us would not pray for some sweetness and light in the current foul mess. I am thankful that we are still able to enjoy the riches and peace of this wonderful country and I pray that all of our children will still be enjoying them as long as they live.
It is with a lump in my throat that I thank you for providing a forum for sanity in this increasingly dark world. Happy New Year to all.
I join my Christian confreres (and soeurs) here in wishing Shanah Tova to all our Jewish brothers and sisters. May there be many, many more, for you and for us all.
Perhaps the future’s brighter than you think. Perhaps you’ll learn not to worry so much. God Bless.
Yes, Happy New Year! Paul Z is certainly right that this is the time to put political debating aside. Although I have to admit, it is hard when your Rabbi makes such a liberal sermon! Ah, to be a Republican Jew on Rosh Hashana…
Steven,
I grew up in a small town next to Marion and went to your grandfather’s temple for a cross-cultural experience (being small town Christian). It was a wonderful time and place indeed. Still is.
Happy New Year.
L’shana tovah to Commentary and to everyone here. As CFB says, a forum of sanity. Let’s keep that spirit through the election and beyond.
(EAsy for me to talk; I have a Republican rabbi–at least I think that’s what he is.)
L’shana tova to everyone here. Let this year be a sweet one.
L’shana Tova! Wishing you all the best!
Thank you, John. And for paul zisserson, thank you. May we live up to those fine thoughts and be found worthy in God’s eyes.
#20 That really pleases me. Thanks.
Steven from Indiana
B”H Chag Sameach
I meant #16.
Steven from Indiana