Stimulus ‘cure’ is far worse than economy’s ills
We all have something in common. We’ve all had a cold. Some get two or three of them a year, and most of us have another thing in common. When we get a cold, we take some cold medicine, a few cough drops and let it run its course.
Occasionally, a cold is severe enough that you go to the doctor for some prescription medicine. The funny thing is that, despite our best efforts, colds must and will run their course, normally a couple of weeks before we feel better and things get back to normal. Our economy is much the same as the common cold. Throughout history, our economy has gotten “colds.” These colds have ranged from the Great Depression to many short-lived recessions, downturns and stagnant conditions. Much like the common cold, outside influence is usually ineffective and can even make things worse before they get better.
The recovery from the Great Depression took 17 years and was actually hampered by the Roosevelt Administration, despite what many people have been taught. Japan’s “Lost Decade” of the ’90s was highlighted by the passage of eight different “stimulus” bills. Their markets never completely recovered.
My point is, that despite the recent intervention by our elected “leaders,” the current economic downturn should have been allowed to run its course rather that throwing a trillion “transparent” dollars at it. Let’s just hope this “stimulus” doesn’t make a cold turn into pneumonia.
Why haven’t we ever tried spending less? One more thought: If you give tax credits to people who don’t pay taxes in the first place and then send them the money, that’s the definition of welfare in my opinion. If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck …
ó Jeff Chapman
Salisbury
Constructive criticism
A Salisbury gentleman has indicated I am protesting because Democrats hold power in Washington. I regret my written word, graciously published by the Salisbury Post (Jan. 19 letter), was seen as protesting.
I retired to North Carolina to be near my two grandsons about four years ago. As my retirement permitted closer scrutiny of Washington politics, I watched actions or lack of actions coming from our nation’s capital. I quickly concluded that Congress was not acting in the best interest of our country nor how citizens desired. My conclusion was validated by national polls which awarded Congress a lowly 19 percent approval rating (Gallup poll). And, yes, some Republicans were part of the problem.
I will not apologize for being a Republican, but I must declare above all I am an American concerned about our country’s future.
The gentleman stated he may have missed my writings and speeches. I deem that so, as I have had postings in the Post for at least three years; during the campaign I participated in numerous political forums (three held in Salisbury), had three TV appearances, ran more than 150 radio ads and established a Web site revealing everything about me. There, one would find that while I am a Republican, I am a moderate, even liberal on some issues. Perhaps a maverick.
I ran in an attempt to incite Congress to really work. My prayer (and hope is not a method) is that the new Congress will work, which means … solve both the long and short of problems; specifically, infuse the economy but provide a plan to pay for it sooner, not later.
And I will continue to speak out as part of the “loyal opposition,” as the 85,000 people who voted for me also deserve a voice.
ó Ty Cobb Jr.
Rockwell