Contrary to what certain quarters are blathering, FDR prolonged the Great Depression with policies which increased wages and prices far above what they were worth.
Of course, liberals often argue that wages are too low in this country, which is why people struggle. The truth is that when people are either unskilled or get training that doesn't comport with higher paying jobs, then they won't make higher wages. I've pointed out recently that there are a number of recession-proof industries that pay well, but there are still far too many French majors complaining because their degree only qualifies them to work retail.
Unfortunately for us, Democrats seem hellbent on following the same path of recovery-supressing government meddling that they did during the 1930s, spending your money for the NEA or to change lightbulbs in schools. Maybe a little for some pork project that's been on hold for the last 20 years. After all, that money doesn't really belong to the people who earned it. It's the government's to pass out to Democrat constituencies.
Elections have consequences. That's what we keep hearing, and, indeed, this one will, as well. But the consequences will be more tyranny by a government that demands more money from the productive to pay for programs for the nonproductive. It's not fair, you see, that those people who went into good fields should have so much. We must provide for the French majors, as well. And let's throw in some contraceptives and "family planning services" (read: abortion) to make sure that the unproductive aren't, er, producing anything.
Now, I'm not against contraception. I think if you don't want kids, then don't have them. But I am puzzled by the fact that I am not only expected to pay for my own contraception but yours as well. Where's the "choice" in that?
President Barack Obama and Congress have a great opportunity to produce reforms that do return Americans to work, and that provide a foundation for sustained long-run economic growth and the opportunity for all Americans to succeed. These reforms should include very specific plans that update banking regulations and address a manufacturing sector in which several large industries -- including autos and steel -- are no longer internationally competitive. Tax reform that broadens rather than narrows the tax base and that increases incentives to work, save and invest is also needed. We must also confront an educational system that fails many of its constituents. A large fiscal stimulus plan that doesn't directly address the specific impediments that our economy faces is unlikely to achieve either the country's short-term or long-term goals.
Ah, but an economic crisis not exploited is an economic crisis wasted, I hear. So, let's use this one to start nationalizing healthcare, not by order but by simply expanding government programs until every person in the U.S. is covered by some government health plan. Then, as in Hawaii, people will drop their private insurance for the free lunch. Of course, once everyone is in the free lunch, it will not be free any longer, taxes will jump dramatically for everyone (not just those evil rich guys), and care will suffer. But, hey, as long as everyone is suffering, it's still fair.
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