02.02
Look at that socialism dripping out the side of that mouth.
First of all, I wanted to apologize to Shane for the last post on the Taliban (he understands why ;-P). Of course the Taliban didn’t attack us on 9/11. Also wanted to apologize to Matt who used to work for the International Peace Institute- saying they don’t know war is like saying the CIA doesn’t know economics. It just doesn’t make practical sense.
Alas, I wish I could claim I was just trying to impersonate Sarah Palin’s stupidity, but I won’t let myself sink that low.
Onto the post!
Yesterday the Associated Press reported on Henry Paulson- our good ‘ole neoliberal friend and former Treasury Secretary under George W. Bush. He defended the bailouts during his tenure saying that the US could have experienced unemployment up to 25% if the government didn’t intervene. Now, Paulson is a Republicans Republican- if you don’t believe me than you should watch the Frontline Special on the financial collapse (I can’t remember the titles, but I remember two of them). The interesting thing is that our Republican friend Paulson orchestrated one of the biggest socialist moves in American history- bailing out our largest banks, AIG, and you know the rest of the story. If that isn’t the government stepping on the private sector’s hands- please tell me what is…
I throw Reagan into the mix because he oversaw the one of the biggest expansions of what President Eisenhower would refer to as the “military industrial complex.” Lowering taxes- yes you are a capitalist, increasing government spending- yes you are a socialist.
I throw Obama into the mix because a new Daily Kos/Research 2000 poll came out today indicating that 63% of Republicans think Obama is a socialist. Yes, if you consider any increase in government spending socialist than you are correct- but who the hell cares about what Republicans think?
Before you criticize my “socialist” rants let me remind you (or educate for those who aren’t) you of ECON 101 (macroeconomics at my undergraduate institution). What are the two most effective ways to stimulate an economy?
1. Lower taxes and increase government spending.
2. Lower taxes + Government spending = Budget Deficit (not to be confused with trade deficits).
3. Get over yourself- if you read this blog you are already more economically in tune than a good chunk of your elected representatives in Congress.