A Quick One Before Work
July 21st, 2009
Deficit Cartoon From The Heritage's Foundry Site. Click on the image and check out the article!
It’s a really short little post… come on, follow the image link and read the post 😉
Categories: Culture, Government, Politics, Tidbits
I’m not an economist, or claim to have any answers, but I don’t think we’ll ever know for sure if the stimulus worked or was needed. Eventually the economy will improve, Democrats can use that as proof that the stimulus was needed and worked, while Republicans can say that it proves that it was unnecessary because the economy would have recovered on it’s own anyway.
@John
You’re such a cynic! Of course, you’re also probably right 😉 It would be easy to see both parties claiming just those things. Thing is, if the economy does recover in 18-24 months, it’ll match what the economy has normally done without government “stimulus” infusions. So if the dems want some credit, I hope this current “stimulus” manages to take affect before that time period elapses.
Democrat? Nope
Republican? Nope
Independent? Since I was 21 🙂
I have been independent for most of my voting years too, but registered as a democrat this last election so I could vote in the primary.
I think it is difficult to compare one recession to another. This one in particular is a bad one because it affected me 🙂 All kidding aside, I have worked steady for 30 years without being significantly affected by a recession until this one, and I’m sure I’m not the only one who has been rudely awakened.
I believe that many companies nationwide began layoffs before they needed to, in anticipation of weakened activity, which led to an even more weakened economy. Also, cynic that I am, I’m sure many companies used this as an excuse to cut their payroll through layoffs, requiring those who were left to do more for the same pay since there were few, if any, employment options elsewhere.
@John
I agree, it’s extraordinarily difficult to compare recessions. About the only thing one can legitimately compare are the technical aspects, i.e., market start and stop levels, the amount of time it takes turn around – that sort of thing. As for the reasons, whose fault, etc., don’t think that’s an easy sell. Historically, except for the “Great Depression” (now there’s an oxymoron), most US recessions turn around within 18 mos. Why? Don’t have a clue – other than “that’s just market forces at work.” Hmmm, right…
Unfortunately, I’ve been affected by a few “recessions.” As a consequence, I’ve come to believe the old saw “It’s a recession when it affects your neighbor, it’s depression when it affects you.”
I hope your fortunes turn around soon John, and we’ll keep you in our thoughts and prayers. And by the by, I believe you’re also right about companies using this as an excuse to trim the payroll. That’s definitely business I guess – and why I got laid off… saves them some cash to stay afloat.