Open Thread: How About a Real Jobs Plan?
Last Thursday, President Obama unveiled his "American Jobs Act" to a joint session of Congress with a new plan for job creation. The plan takes a Keynesian approach, much like his previous stimulus bills, but with little success from them, it seems that Obama's American Jobs Act is not so much an economic plan as a political plan for his reelection. Obama and his advisors recognize that they can trap Republicans as a do-nothing Congress if they don't pass any job plan, but know the Republicans will lose their public support if they do vote for Obama's plan, which includes another $500 billion in increased spending and temporary handouts financed by an additional $500 billion in permanent tax increases. As explained by Peter Ferrara at Forbes:
...Obama and the left wing cabal that now runs the Democrat Party put the entire nation through what seems more and more like an historical reenactment of the 1930s. Obama apparently thinks it is a brilliant political insight to pattern his Presidency after Franklin Roosevelt’s, as if the America of today is not fundamentally different or any more sophisticated than the America of the 1930s. As a result, the experience of the Obama presidency has been to prove one more time what should have been realized by 1940, but what thinking people all knew by 1980: Keynesian economics doesn’t work. That is because what drives economic recovery, growth and prosperity is not government spending and deficits, but incentives to produce. Borrowing one trillion dollars out of the economy for the government to spend back into the economy, as in the first Obama stimulus, does nothing to improve or increase those incentives, or expand the economy on net.
How do you think Republicans should negotiate a jobs deal in Congress that will actually work? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Ferrara also points out some striking statistics that have resulted from the lagging economy:
Unemployment for African-Americans in August was 16.7%, stuck at depression levels for over 2 years. Hispanic unemployment at 11.3% has been in double digits for over 2 years as well. Teenage unemployment was a depression level 25.4%. Black teenage unemployment was at a Jim Crow level 46.5%. [...]
Then on Tuesday came the Census Bureau report fleshing out the full meaning of no economic recovery. Median family income has fallen all the way back to 1996 levels. The Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday, “Earnings of the typical man who works full time year round fell, and are lower—adjusted for inflation—than in 1978.”
The poverty rate climbed to 15.1%, higher than in the late 1960s when the War on Poverty was getting underway, $16 trillion ago. The child poverty rate climbed to 22%, nearly a quarter of all American children. The total number of Americans in poverty is higher than at any time in the over 50 years that the Census Bureau has been tallying poverty. Moreover, the number of Americans ages 25-34 living with their parents has soared by 25% since the recession began.
Obama supporters can no longer blame former President Bush, either. Historically, the worse the recession, the stronger the recovery, and America should be in the second year of a booming recovery by now. In fact, since the Great Depression, recessions in America have lasted ten months on average, with the longest lasting 16 months. The recession America is currently in has stretched over 45 months, with unemployment stuck at 9.1%. As Ferrara points out, "this is the longest period of unemployment that high since the Great Depression, when Keynesian economics first reigned supreme."
As a solution, Ferrara believes Republicans should scrap Obama's jobs plan and work through the Republican-controlled House to pass a plan that will actually work.
...They should not get trapped in “negotiations” with Obama, who has demonstrated he has no meaningful understanding of how the economy works, or how to promote economic growth. They should negotiate instead with Congressional Democrats, who will be far more receptive to compromising with Republicans, and far less likely to stick with Obama, after Tuesday’s special election Republican victory in a district that hasn’t been represented by Republicans since before the New Deal.
Congressional Republicans can hammer out a deal with Congressional Democrats for tax reform somewhere between what House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan proposed in the budget passed by the House, and what the Simpson-Bowles Commission appointed by President Obama proposed. There are enough Senate Democrats who support the Simpson Bowles proposals to pass such a bill through the Democrat controlled Senate.
What are your thoughts?
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Comments
"Do The Same Thing"
Submitted by mad53PA on Fri, 09/16/2011 - 11:27am.
Team Obama's strategy is obvious, be cynical, put a bill up that can't possibly pass, and run in 2012 on a "If Only" message (i.e. the Republicans would not let me succeed.)
I say, fight fire with fire.
The Congress (Boehner) should put a very specific plan on the table and introduce it by saying that this plan has x number of votes and can pass tomorrow.
It should include tax reform (lower rates, elimination of loop holes) repatriation of overseas corporate funds (0% tax rate in return for 20-25% commitment for job creation and or capital equipment purchases) waiver for companies over 50 employees for Obamacare, regulation waivers etc.
I say put them in a bill, pass it and make Obama and Senate democrats say no.
Give them the same ammo.
Just a thought.
You and I both know he is
Submitted by ricklail on Fri, 09/16/2011 - 11:31am.
You and I both know he is just wanting the issue. He is running around still yelling pass it now. He doesn't give a tinker's damn about this country. It is all about him.
The Save Obama's Job Act of 2011.
Do The Same Thing, but Better
Submitted by rwnewsnut on Fri, 09/16/2011 - 11:49am.
This is an excellent idea. The Republicans bill needs to be very specific and simple.
Two questions:
1) Is there a 'Bill' to be passed? Did the White House send something that can be voted on?
2) I sometimes hear that all the Stimulus money has not be spent from Stimulus One. Is that true? If there is still money in Stimulus One, why do we need more money for a Stimulus Two?
I think there is a bill. He
Submitted by ricklail on Fri, 09/16/2011 - 12:15pm.
I think there is a bill. He keeps flashing something around. We don't hear about any specifics from the MSM. Have fun reading it
http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/omb/legislative/reports/am...
What he's "flashing" around
Submitted by Blonde on Fri, 09/16/2011 - 12:35pm.
Is an Obama Campaign folder that is titled "American Job Act". The link is to a press release, which has the same pretty cover he's been using as a prop.
Just like Obama, a suit with nothing in it....his job act is an empty folder. There is no legislation that he's had introduced which includes all of his "plan". A Republican (forget his name) has filed a bill, with the same name, that is 2 pages long, basically calls for a huge roll back of the corporate income tax rate.
Obama's "bill" is smokin' mirrors, as we say on the Gator boards.
Handy Reference Guide to Obama's Gaffes and Goofs ~ Currently Numbering 200 (and Counting)
i thought
Submitted by hbnolikeee on Fri, 09/16/2011 - 12:23pm.
they couldn't find a dem to submit it.
That's going to be difficult,
Submitted by jessieH on Fri, 09/16/2011 - 11:27am.
That's going to be difficult, what with the treasonous media throwing out lie after lie about the GOP. I think today's cartoon says it all.
Ferrara is right.
Submitted by SouthernRoots on Fri, 09/16/2011 - 11:28am.
The House Republicans should pass a bill that addresses a jobs solution that they believe will work. Then they should pass it along to the "do nothing" Senate.
Once that is done, they should be in the media everywhere educating the public about their bill and demanding that the Senate and President "Pass this Bill".
I won't be wronged. I won't be insulted. I won't be laid a-hand on. I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them. - J.B. Books (John Wayne)
Most missed what Boehner did
Submitted by Fredy on Fri, 09/16/2011 - 11:30am.
Yesterday, the media pointed out how Boehner said he was going to work with the Presidents plan to come to some agreements.
No one mentioned that Boehners way of doing this was to break Obama's plan into pieces and send it to various house commitees. I am still trying to remember any bill that managed to RETURN from a congressional commitee.
As for that absurd simpson/bowles bill. It calls for an annual 22.5% of GDP spending. We have NEVER COLLECTED taxes at that level in the history of this country to support such spending. The simpson/bowles plan is ECONOMICALLY UNSUSTAINABLE!
Great points, Fredy.
Submitted by Blonde on Fri, 09/16/2011 - 12:41pm.
And your second one, about Boehner breaking the bill into pieces and sending them on to committee, deflects all of Obama's *ahem* fast and furious calls to "pass this bill". Even the liberals are sick of the warp-speed sausage making of late, so a deliberative, process driven legislative death is exactly the treatment Obama's "bill" deserves.
Oh yes, Mr. President, we are working in a bi-partisan fashion on your bill. (Whilst the clock goes tick tock.)
I am getting the impression that John Boehner is a much better (and sneakier) chess player than we ever thought he was. He's out-foxed the democrats while looking like the grown up in the room since he assumed the Speaker's gavel.
Handy Reference Guide to Obama's Gaffes and Goofs ~ Currently Numbering 200 (and Counting)
The Boeing plant will create
Submitted by Dan The Man 2 on Fri, 09/16/2011 - 11:38am.
The Boeing plant will create 4000 jobs if it ever opens. The House should pass a law that ensures the Boeing plant has no more interference from the union thugs. This is a start. It takes no money and provides real jobs, not saved ones. Above all any jobs bill could be accomplished w/o spending.
Actually, they did.
Submitted by dscott on Fri, 09/16/2011 - 6:17pm.
Actually, they did. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/15/house-nlrb-boeing-case_n_963802...
The Democrat controlled Senate is the issue with so many other things.
In fact, related to the job creation, the House has passed bills like curbing the EPA's power over CO2. Harry Reid refuses to hold any votes on things Obama's doesn't like. btw- Obama is now quietly telling the EPA to cool it for a while: http://wattsupwiththat.com/2011/09/16/newsbytes-obamaepa-put-co2-regulat...
The real issue here if we wanted to see the economy turn around on a dime is to repeal every piece of legislation (Ledbetter Act, Dodd-Frank, etc.) they passed since taking office in 2009, for starters.
Self Sufficiency is the Key.
Submitted by Grumpy in Arizona on Fri, 09/16/2011 - 11:39am.
When Our Nation does not have to rely on the productiveness of other nations we win and jobs become plentiful.
I would suggest that a reasonable system of Tariffs on foreign goods might be in order.
Just a thought.
- Grump :o)
Boner should get off his ass and pass his own damned bill.
Submitted by Newsbubba on Fri, 09/16/2011 - 12:09pm.
I have had it with this, "We are trying to find common ground with the Democrats and the President" crap.
Come up with your own bill, and keep it simple, stupid. Quit crying. You fools keep appearing on TV and when asked, "where is your plan," you've got no good answer. GET ONE!
An aside. I watched an American Marine get presented the Medal of Honor yesterday. Today as I read the paper, I got the rest of the story.
This Marine had to do what he did because Rules of Engagement kept the Marines from giving the ambushed men artillery cover or close air support because, as the article said, "Civilians might be injured." I slammed down my fist so hard on the paper that I cracked the leaf of the table.
When our guys go into a village to meet with the elders to talk about helping those assholes build a mosque, and they are setup for an ambush in that village, there are NO INNOCENT CIVILIANS. Bring the God damned mountains down on them and bury their asses forever.
This Shiite is really beginning to piss me off.
Nb, Given my observations since January, I'm not sure Bone-
Submitted by Dave. on Fri, 09/16/2011 - 12:59pm.
head could get off his ass to break wind.
He needs to be busying himself by throwing big, hairy monkey wrenches into Obamunism, not playing nice with these people.
And that RoE story makes my blood boil.
Instead of burying them, they should walk off and leave them.
-Dave
Vote for the American in November
Ask Sarah Palin for her
Submitted by moonjohn on Fri, 09/16/2011 - 12:34pm.
Ask Sarah Palin for her advice on what is needed to restore the economy.
Then pass it in the House.
Call it the: Sarah Palin Jobs Bill.
Have you seen the stuff about
Submitted by ricklail on Fri, 09/16/2011 - 1:21pm.
Have you seen the stuff about Palin from the new book? Affairs, doing cocaine, shopping, not working but a few hours a day, using kids as props. I could go on on with it. My gosh, she would make a good Democrat canidate if all that was true.
Even the NYT thinks the book is BS.
no jobs bill - period
Submitted by Agnostic on Fri, 09/16/2011 - 12:55pm.
This is the problem with politics and politicians: by not doing their job they create a situation where they are repeated called upon to fix the mess by continuing to not do their job correctly.
The answer to these problems and the responsibility of the Congress is in creating and maintaining a proper budget. If the current budget is not getting the results from the public and private sectors that the government expects then the budget needs to be pulled and reworked along with the tax code. Creating another ‘compromise’ bill or another series of hoops for business and the government bureaucrats to jump through only amplifies the lack of confidence in the private sector while allowing additional opportunity to expand the power of the federal government. Bills don’t inspire confidence in the private sector – a properly functioning and limited government inspires confidence.
I am constantly surprised to see so many posts on this of all sites saying how the Republicans should make their case in the media. This site shows on a consistent basis how the media will only interview those with whom they agree, those that are willing to stick to certain subjects as controlled by the interviewer and those that they can pass off as being extremist. True there are exceptions but not so much that you get any true idea of what is going on in DC. The house has passed bills to see them rot in the Senate without debate. Bills that would help the job situation by rolling back regulations and provide incentives for investment but they have gotten no air time in the MSM and very little mention from conservative media because the Senate is a dead end and there is no reason to speak of bills that will never be passed, IMHO.
Ridiculous costs
Submitted by jon_torlin on Fri, 09/16/2011 - 5:36pm.
You know, it NEVER ceases to amaze me how they try to make all these supposed jobs with our money and then when you figure out the costs of each "job," the costs are in the hundreds of thousands or even millions, and yet you hire only a few people for it?
It's absolutely absurd to even do these follies! For example I saw something that Obamao said a job would cost in the 6 figure range and my thought is this: Instead of making it a job, they could have just given someone that money, then give THEM the means to try to find a job while they live off that money which is nothing more than an allowance, but then I remembered, isn't that what welfare is?
If Soetoro REALLY wanted to help people that didn't have jobs, rather than wasting all this money on green boondoggles like Solyndra, the amount given to people should have been increased. I'd rather someone get more money that way than not at all which is the way it's been done the whole time. At least SOME people might have a good chance of deciding how THEY can spend it(if it were me, I'd be saving it, investing it carefully, being frugal).
Now before some of you get into a sh!tstorm with me about this and claim I'm no conservative, hear me out. Would you rather throw money at a project that's doomed from the start like any green project or would you rather let people decide what to do with that money with certain restrictions behind it? It's a no brainer that most government run projects are dead in the water especially where liberals and enviro-wackos are concerned. At least in the case of people, it wouldn't cost so damn much. You have better chances of people making better choices if left to their own devices, so to speak.
But it goes to show, the federal government is trying to destroy this country economically.
-Jon
"Shovel Ready"? Only For Shovelling Sh#@%?t!!!
Submitted by Motormouth KOS on Fri, 09/16/2011 - 12:51pm.
Look, pretending to want to work with Comrade Zero is the perfect play. But it is comical that we are we even using the term "Jobs Plan" WRT Comrade Downgrade's imbecilic request for STIMULS 2, The Redux?
This lying Welfare Pimp sat at the table with his number 1 "Jobs" Czar, Jeffrey Immelt-down, and openly laughed about the joke that was "Stimulus" #1. Every Republican running for office in 2012 ought to have a campaign commercial that plays this clip and shows what a jackass and a charlatan the Comrade really is.
The Shovel Ready Comedy Show
If you are a sitting Republican politician, please take the following pledge:
The Obamination... A crisis leading to a catastrophe..(please donate to MRC)
The Greatest Shovel Ready Hits
Submitted by SickofLibs on Fri, 09/16/2011 - 12:55pm.
Right here.
Paging Bob Keyser
Submitted by Blonde on Fri, 09/16/2011 - 1:42pm.
Job Opportunity, BK.
Handy Reference Guide to Obama's Gaffes and Goofs ~ Currently Numbering 200 (and Counting)
yea, Put her on a surf board riding this.
Submitted by upcountrywater on Fri, 09/16/2011 - 2:19pm.
Banzai Pipeline
BK will think of something better....lol
You Didn't Build That.
Sorry J
Submitted by bkeyser on Fri, 09/16/2011 - 6:10pm.
Working in DC this week and didn't get home until a little bit ago.
How's this?
Doing the same thing over and
Submitted by Beukeboom on Fri, 09/16/2011 - 1:10pm.
Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results is the accepted anecdotal definition of insanity.
Obama presents the same Keynesian plans over and over all of which fail so he presents another Keynesian plan.
Therefore...
More "Shovel-Ready" Sh#@$%t For The Hypnotized Masses
Submitted by Motormouth KOS on Fri, 09/16/2011 - 1:12pm.
"If you love me, believe my lies"
The Obamination... A crisis leading to a catastrophe..(please donate to MRC)
Congress just created about
Submitted by ricklail on Fri, 09/16/2011 - 1:31pm.
Congress just created about 2,200 jobs with the passage of the Patent Reform Bill. 2,200 more patent reviewers Lord help us. That dumbass Congresscriter Mel Watt helped draft it. You know it ain't good
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0911/63697.html
Why can't I post the link like always?
Rick that will be new lawyer jobs.
Submitted by upcountrywater on Fri, 09/16/2011 - 2:22pm.
from your link:
Web entrepreneurs had complained the bill gives high-tech corporations an advantage in securing patents because they can afford to hire teams of patent lawyers.
You Didn't Build That.
I'm just amazed that so many Americans still believe Dear Ruler
Submitted by Dave. on Fri, 09/16/2011 - 1:16pm.
...who, after 30 months of carrying out his obvious charade, is actually trying to spur job creation.
-Dave
Vote for the American in November
more liberal violence in Wisconsin
Submitted by Agnostic on Fri, 09/16/2011 - 1:24pm.
"Professors' and students act like poorly behaved children and throw a temper tantrum because someone else is allowed to speak their opinion.
biased source but verifiable enough
http://townhall.com/columnists/lindachavez/2011/09/16/racial_preferences...
Tunisia wants to cash in on Star Wars
Submitted by jon_torlin on Fri, 09/16/2011 - 1:58pm.
With the release of Star Wars in blu ray, Tunisia is hoping that it will spur tourism in their country.
I'd have to tell the people, just keep right on hoping because if people are smart, they won't be coming to your besotted country after the Muslim Bro'Hood took it over.
Star Wars in Tunisia
Yeah, there was a time that Tunisia was the place to fill Star Wars A New Hope and later Star Wars The Phantom Menace, but now that you have the Bro'Hood running the place, no one in their right mind would set foot there just like Egypt.
-Jon
Come on, Jon. I can see the title for the next episode.
Submitted by UpNorth on Fri, 09/16/2011 - 5:08pm.
Star Wars--The Caliphate. Wherein the female lead would wear the burka, and the men would wear the hijab, all the while armed with the latest in beheading knives.
Technically, the recession is over
Submitted by ckc1227 on Fri, 09/16/2011 - 2:54pm.
In fact, since the Great Depression, recessions in America have lasted ten months on average, with the longest lasting 16 months. The recession America is currently in has stretched over 45 months, with unemployment stuck at 9.1%.
It officially ended in June 2009. Unfortunately, Obama and company have been trying to "fix" it ever since, and well, here we are.
Jimma Kotter endorses Romney
Submitted by ricklail on Fri, 09/16/2011 - 3:18pm.
Looks like Romney's campaign is over
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0911/63644.html
O'batears is poorly attempting the Harry Truman gambit...
Submitted by drsamherman on Fri, 09/16/2011 - 3:20pm.
...of blaming his inaction, ineptitude and incompetence on a "do-nothing" congress. He will have a rather difficult time, given he had both houses of congress for two years and they still rejected key parts of what he is proposing now. The first stimulus may have saved some state and municipal jobs, but a substantial portion of them are now gone because they were unsustainable in light of shrinking revenue from low economic growth.
We know the orgasmic green jobs fantasies of liberals are panning out for the most part. Businesses are not hiring due to the uncertainty of tax policy and health care costs, and it will be years before the housing market even shows anything close to recovery.
Even Truman could not blame congress for all of this.
I reiterate what a number of us have been saying all along: the liberal attacks of racism, class warfare, envy and victimization are going to sink to new lows in this 2012 presidential election. I suggest stocking up on bleach and rubbing alcohol to sanitize yourself when you turn on the TV news.
Mann Fighting Release of UVA emails on Hockey stick
Submitted by upcountrywater on Fri, 09/16/2011 - 3:33pm.
After 24 hours of algoaring... there's this:
ATI Statement on Results from Today’s Hearing in Freedom of Information Act Case Against U. of Virginia
Judge Finch granted ATI a sur reply in the case, which allows ATI Environmental Law Center director David Schnare to place additional materials before the court as Judge Finch considers whether to allow Dr. Mann to intervene. The two-hour hearing is scheduled for Nov. 1.
“If it wasn’t clear before, it should now be clear to everybody. This is an extremely important case, and we appreciate Judge Finch’s careful attention to detail as we proceed.”
You Didn't Build That.
Hey Blonde
Submitted by ricklail on Fri, 09/16/2011 - 4:52pm.
What is this that Moochele is wearing?
omgoodness
Submitted by kata on Fri, 09/16/2011 - 4:55pm.
ok I'm speechless.
I'm not.
Submitted by jon_torlin on Fri, 09/16/2011 - 5:27pm.
I saw that and I said in a loud voice.... "HOLY CRAP!"
-Jon
NASA Admits Solar Activity Warms Earth's Atmosphere
Submitted by Dave. on Fri, 09/16/2011 - 5:31pm.
Says that is what caused the extra drag that has degraded tho orbit of the the satellite UARS, which is pegged to fall back to Earth on or about the 23rd of this month.
This from the article linked above:
NASA spokeswoman Beth Dickey confirmed with SPACE.com earlier today that the reason UARS is expected to fall early in its re-entry window is because of the sharp uptick in solar activity. Solar effects from the sun can create an extra drag on satellites in space because they can heat the Earth's atmosphere, causing it to expand, agency officials have said.
LOL - But I thought it was our SUVs that were bringing down satellites?
BTW: The UARS is a climate probe satellite that was launched in 1991 during the ozone scare.
Ain't irony ironic?
-Dave
Vote for the American in November
no
Submitted by kata on Fri, 09/16/2011 - 5:42pm.
irony would be if it landed in Al Gore's yard. ;)
kk,
Submitted by Dave. on Fri, 09/16/2011 - 5:46pm.
LOL - Actually, I would define that as justice, which I define as when people get what they deserve.
-Dave
Vote for the American in November
Channeling Chris Farley
Submitted by Rukus on Fri, 09/16/2011 - 6:10pm.
This guy is a hoot! (Video down the page)
Being zapped by powerlines, well heck lol
Submitted by upcountrywater on Fri, 09/16/2011 - 7:40pm.
That was like a near miss Darwin awards kinda guy.
You Didn't Build That.
Mike Tyson is one sick bastard
Submitted by ricklail on Fri, 09/16/2011 - 6:33pm.
http://dailycaller.com/2011/09/16/mike-tyson-sarah-palin-met-the-wombshi...
Jobs bill...
Submitted by retrocon on Fri, 09/16/2011 - 7:46pm.
Impeach Obama and Biden.
Seriously, folks, the nanosecond after a conservative (conservative) is elected or becomes POTUS, companies will start hiring again.
It's really that simple. Really.
Businesses will know that regulation and taxation are stable for 4 years. Period.
Perzactly!
Submitted by Rukus on Fri, 09/16/2011 - 11:13pm.
Just like oil prices when GWB just threatened to drill more.
If Comrade Obama really wants
Submitted by MikeB on Sat, 09/17/2011 - 1:37pm.
If Comrade Obama really wants to stimulate the economy and job creation, he would include the following in federal policy:
1) establish a flat-rate income tax that all pay
2) disestablish the National Labor Relations Board. The board long ago quit being a referee between labor and management, and has become an advocate for Unions.
3) advocate a national Right-to-work Act
4) outlaw Union and Closed shops.
5) disestablish the EPA. When the EPA starts issuing regulations based on faulty science and political expediency instead of verifiable, repeatable science, it has outlived its usefulness.
6) REPEAL Obamacare
7) disestablish the Department of Energy, then drill, drill, drill
The above suggestions are part of what I wrote to another blog. I also included the suggestions in an e-mail to my (Republican) congressman (who voted for TARP), but I have yet to hear back from him. I have concluded that neither dEar Leader, nor the RINOs have any intention of stimulating job growth.
What suggestions can you fine people add to the above so that we can have real growth in the economy and in the job market?