OT .... Thoughts on ..

"Larry L" wrote in message
...

very well thought out piece, snipped

In a way, Larry, you get to part of what I was trying to get at.....a lot of
the business of job creation depends on the outlook of the potential
customers that are going to drive your(or any) business. Much of what the
current proposals aim at, are a dire attempt to at least stabilize an ever
more pessimistic public mindset, which is driving a downward spiral.
Tom

On Feb 9, 5:07*pm, "Tom Littleton" wrote:
"Larry L" wrote in message

...

very well thought out piece, snipped

In a way, Larry, you get to part of what I was trying to get at.....a lot of
the business of job creation depends on the outlook of the potential
customers that are going to drive your(or any) business. Much of what the
current proposals aim at, are a dire attempt to at least stabilize an ever
more pessimistic public mindset, which is driving a downward spiral.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Tom

As usual, the media is leading the way toward doom and gloom. They
can't wait to report the latest failed company or the newest round of
layoffs. Sure, that's all news, and it must somehow be reported, but
do they have to continually hammer home the idea that our economy is
doomed? There must be some positive news somewhere that they could do
2 minutes on at 6:30.

I agree that the "American Dream" must become more realistic, as must
our expectations of a complete recovery. Like Larry, as I approached
retirement, I paid down debt, so now, my mortgage is paid, I have
income from SS, my wife has SS plus a small pension, and I have a
little other income, independent of the stock market. I have a year
left to pay on my car, which should last me until I can no longer
drive, so I am basically a spectator rather than a participant in the
recession.

As far as the stimulus package is concerned, I think that the initial
investments should be in 'shovel ready" infrastructure repair, and
education. Get as many people back to work in worthwhile occupations
as quickly as possible. As the economy improves, low/no interest loans
to small businesses that have realistic business plans would be in
order. Tax cuts take too long to have an effect, haven't proved
effective over the past 8 years, and would be counterproductive, as
the revenue stream will be needed to fund the stimulus. There will be
plenty of time for tax cuts when businesses become profitable.

"george9219" wrote in message
...
As usual, the media is leading the way toward doom and gloom. They
can't wait to report the latest failed company or the newest round of
layoffs. Sure, that's all news, and it must somehow be reported, but
do they have to continually hammer home the idea that our economy is
doomed?

actually, I think the media has been restrained, to some extent, from
presenting some of the more dire scenarios which I have read from
professional economists. I sort of think folks are running scared in large
part not from the press, but opening those envelopes from the Financial
Managers and Retirement/401 statements.
As far as the stimulus package is concerned, I think that the initial
investments should be in 'shovel ready" infrastructure repair, and
education. Get as many people back to work in worthwhile occupations
as quickly as possible. As the economy improves, low/no interest loans
to small businesses that have realistic business plans would be in
order. Tax cuts take too long to have an effect, haven't proved
effective over the past 8 years, and would be counterproductive, as
the revenue stream will be needed to fund the stimulus. There will be
plenty of time for tax cuts when businesses become profitable.

I tend to agree. I just hope it works.......

Tom