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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsKrugman: Obstruct and Exploit
Obstruct and Exploit
By PAUL KRUGMAN
Does anyone remember the American Jobs Act? A year ago President Obama proposed boosting the economy with a combination of tax cuts and spending increases, aimed in particular at sustaining state and local government employment. Independent analysts reacted favorably. For example, the consulting firm Macroeconomic Advisers estimated that the act would add 1.3 million jobs by the end of 2012.
There were good reasons for these positive assessments. Although youd never know it from political debate, worldwide experience since the financial crisis struck in 2008 has overwhelmingly confirmed the proposition that fiscal policy works, that temporary increases in spending boost employment in a depressed economy (and that spending cuts increase unemployment). The Jobs Act would have been just what the doctor ordered.
But the bill went nowhere, of course, blocked by Republicans in Congress. And now, having prevented Mr. Obama from implementing any of his policies, those same Republicans are pointing to disappointing job numbers and declaring that the presidents policies have failed.
Think of it as a two-part strategy. First, obstruct any and all efforts to strengthen the economy, then exploit the economys weakness for political gain. If this strategy sounds cynical, thats because it is. Yet its the G.O.P.s best chance for victory in November.
- more -
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/10/opinion/krugman-obstruct-and-exploit.html
By PAUL KRUGMAN
Does anyone remember the American Jobs Act? A year ago President Obama proposed boosting the economy with a combination of tax cuts and spending increases, aimed in particular at sustaining state and local government employment. Independent analysts reacted favorably. For example, the consulting firm Macroeconomic Advisers estimated that the act would add 1.3 million jobs by the end of 2012.
There were good reasons for these positive assessments. Although youd never know it from political debate, worldwide experience since the financial crisis struck in 2008 has overwhelmingly confirmed the proposition that fiscal policy works, that temporary increases in spending boost employment in a depressed economy (and that spending cuts increase unemployment). The Jobs Act would have been just what the doctor ordered.
But the bill went nowhere, of course, blocked by Republicans in Congress. And now, having prevented Mr. Obama from implementing any of his policies, those same Republicans are pointing to disappointing job numbers and declaring that the presidents policies have failed.
Think of it as a two-part strategy. First, obstruct any and all efforts to strengthen the economy, then exploit the economys weakness for political gain. If this strategy sounds cynical, thats because it is. Yet its the G.O.P.s best chance for victory in November.
- more -
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/10/opinion/krugman-obstruct-and-exploit.html
In September 2011, Republicans blocked the American Jobs Act and up to 2 million jobs
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10021294027
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Krugman: Obstruct and Exploit (Original Post)
ProSense
Sep 2012
OP
Dalai_1
(1,301 posts)1. K&R n/t
lunatica
(53,410 posts)2. And it's not like if they win they'll save the economy by implementing another Jobs Act
No. Their cynicism is so complete that they'll never do anything to actually help the economy or the people of the US.
Their agenda is to finish what Bush started. Which is to enable corporations to run the country through massive privatization and control of everything.
HereSince1628
(36,063 posts)3. Basically Mitch McConnel's plan as professed in post-election 2008
It's Machiavellian Politics 101, every American is aware of it, dislike it, but accept it as 'politics as usual'.
Until trusted media figures (is there such a thing any more?) comes out and condemns it as bad, the sheeple won't know they should be disgusted with it.
porphyrian
(18,530 posts)4. Yep. n/t