Western Standard

The Shotgun Blog

« Say it ain't so Stephen | Main | A voluntary, contractual approach to psychotherapy »

Tuesday, February 03, 2009

John McCain on the 'Stimulus Package'

I'm still getting the occasional John McCain 'supporter' blast e-mail, and a few minutes ago I received one about his position on the 'Stimulus Package. (note that I am using capitals as if it was a proper noun. I figure that it was only appropriate since it is larger than the GDP of more than a few countries)

Yesterday, the Senate began debate on an economic stimulus package that is intended to get our economy back on track and help Americans who are suffering through these difficult times. Unfortunately, the proposal on the table is big on the giveaways for the special interests and corporate high rollers, yet short on help for ordinary working Americans.

This is true. Anytime that there is a lot of money being spent by government, those with connections are the ones that get first dibs on the cash flow. This is one of the key faults with Keynesian theory. Governments, of any form, simply cannot be trusted to spend money without political considerations.

Our country does not need just another spending bill, particularly not one that will load future generations with the burden of massive debt.

If I would change one phrase in that sentence I would change 'does not need' to 'can not afford.' That load is already a heavy burden for the future generations to bear. I am glad that Senator McCain recognizes the problem of debt in the United States.

We need a short term stimulus bill that will directly help people, create jobs, and provide a jolt to our economy.

Oh, never mind. It's not that spending is bad it is just the way that Obama is spending that is bad. It is not that leaving a burden for the future generations is a bad thing; it is that Obama is leaving that burden in the incorrect manner.

Suddenly I feel like that whole election thing was an exercise in futility. McCain would be using the exact same failed strategy, with a slightly different tactic.

My head hurts.

Posted by Hugh MacIntyre on February 3, 2009 in U.S. politics | Permalink

Comments


The comments to this entry are closed.