eConomy, the non-politician side of the debate
Because of the economy, unemployment is pretty high. Because unemployment is pretty high, there are a lot of people scrambling for jobs. Because there are a lot of people scrambling for jobs, employers can hire people at significantly lower rates of pay than before. Because employers can hire people at significantly lower rates of pay, their "bottom line" is reduced and allows for the higher-ups to get bigger bonuses. Snake eating its own tail. That's our society.
Everyone is worried about being out of work and because of this fear, they'll work longer hours, in reduced conditions and for far less pay. And the employers know this. If someone gets out of line or doesn't like not getting a pay raise, lay them off and higher someone else who will do the job cheaper. And as a reward, the company can do more with less - which in turns reduces the bottom line while increasing the profit margin. And if all else fails, companies can outsource to third-world countries and get even a bigger profit.
To me, cutting taxes to businesses, as a general rule won't create more jobs - it'll just increase profit for the muckity-mucks. And because the economy is still badly in need of a defibrillator, people can't afford to spend money - which in turn causes sales to decrease and companies to find ways to make up those "lost dollars" through pay-cuts, outsourcing, and layoffs. I've yet to see any proof that "trickle down" will work. If you want to increase sustainable profits, you need to get money to the ones who are likely to spend more.
Back in the 80's, there was that big "Made in the USA" campaign. But with the disposable society that we live in now, people want something cheap. Something they can just throw away when it breaks or the next big thing comes out. And it's self-defeating because most of that comes from sweatshops in China or Malaysia.
If you want my opinion (which apparently you do since you've read this far), I would like to see businesses getting tax reductions... in exchange for hiring more U.S. employees. Most larger companies deflate their tax burden with loopholes, off-shore accounts and a team of lawyers. Giving them a break on taxes isn't solving anything or causing the economy as a whole to grow. Giving them a break for adding someone onto their payroll might.
So my ideas for improving the economy? Recycle the slogan from two decades ago. Make American products more reliable, of better quality, less flimsy and more durable. Make "buying local" and "buying American" the best possible (and affordable) option. Increase import tariffs to discourage outsourcing and decrease the tax burden for companies who hire citizens. Yeah, sure, that cheap MP3 player that was manufactured in China is going to cost a little more but when you buy something made in this country instead, you'll be helping to pay an American's paycheck.
So there you have it. My personal opinion. My "plan to put the economy back on course". Your mileage may vary.
Standard disclaimer: the views expressed here and elsewhere within this journal, including, but not limited to "rants", "opinions", "entries", etc. are mine. My opinion. Not the gospel. Not to be taken with alcohol. Not to be followed blindly. Not based on any particular fact and should be considered gossip or hearsay. Feel free to read, respond, debate or acknowledge said opinion. If you don't like my opinion, great -- stop reading this journal or state your own opinion disputing it. If you want to post a response telling me that I have no right to express said opinion and/or tell me how wrong said opinion is without providing proof, you can just fuck right off. I think that about covers it. Enjoy!
Everyone is worried about being out of work and because of this fear, they'll work longer hours, in reduced conditions and for far less pay. And the employers know this. If someone gets out of line or doesn't like not getting a pay raise, lay them off and higher someone else who will do the job cheaper. And as a reward, the company can do more with less - which in turns reduces the bottom line while increasing the profit margin. And if all else fails, companies can outsource to third-world countries and get even a bigger profit.
To me, cutting taxes to businesses, as a general rule won't create more jobs - it'll just increase profit for the muckity-mucks. And because the economy is still badly in need of a defibrillator, people can't afford to spend money - which in turn causes sales to decrease and companies to find ways to make up those "lost dollars" through pay-cuts, outsourcing, and layoffs. I've yet to see any proof that "trickle down" will work. If you want to increase sustainable profits, you need to get money to the ones who are likely to spend more.
Back in the 80's, there was that big "Made in the USA" campaign. But with the disposable society that we live in now, people want something cheap. Something they can just throw away when it breaks or the next big thing comes out. And it's self-defeating because most of that comes from sweatshops in China or Malaysia.
If you want my opinion (which apparently you do since you've read this far), I would like to see businesses getting tax reductions... in exchange for hiring more U.S. employees. Most larger companies deflate their tax burden with loopholes, off-shore accounts and a team of lawyers. Giving them a break on taxes isn't solving anything or causing the economy as a whole to grow. Giving them a break for adding someone onto their payroll might.
So my ideas for improving the economy? Recycle the slogan from two decades ago. Make American products more reliable, of better quality, less flimsy and more durable. Make "buying local" and "buying American" the best possible (and affordable) option. Increase import tariffs to discourage outsourcing and decrease the tax burden for companies who hire citizens. Yeah, sure, that cheap MP3 player that was manufactured in China is going to cost a little more but when you buy something made in this country instead, you'll be helping to pay an American's paycheck.
So there you have it. My personal opinion. My "plan to put the economy back on course". Your mileage may vary.
Standard disclaimer: the views expressed here and elsewhere within this journal, including, but not limited to "rants", "opinions", "entries", etc. are mine. My opinion. Not the gospel. Not to be taken with alcohol. Not to be followed blindly. Not based on any particular fact and should be considered gossip or hearsay. Feel free to read, respond, debate or acknowledge said opinion. If you don't like my opinion, great -- stop reading this journal or state your own opinion disputing it. If you want to post a response telling me that I have no right to express said opinion and/or tell me how wrong said opinion is without providing proof, you can just fuck right off. I think that about covers it. Enjoy!